SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How does the CAS perceive the significance of Aero India, primarily a platform catering to the IAF, in showcasing the role of IAF as a global air power to the international air force community?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): I see Aero India 2025, as the embodiment of the whole of nation mission required to develop sustainable war-waging capability and operational stamina in aerospace domain. The mega-event is a global showcase of our preparedness to meet geo-strategic challenges.

The event provides an ideal platform for the IAF to engage with international counterparts, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships that contribute to regional and global stability. Various meets and conclaves held on the sidelines of Aero India, like the Defence Ministers’ conclave and the Air Chiefs’ Roundtable, provide an opportunity for forging new partnerships and discovering fresh avenues of collaboration.

“I see Aero India 2025, as the embodiment of the whole of nation mission required to develop sustainable war-waging capability and operational stamina in aerospace domain”

IAF has been consistently showcasing its prowess and capabilities on global scale. Flawless execution of missions like Op Kaveri, Op Dost etc have proven the capability of IAF to undertake diplomacy through the medium of Air. Last year, IAF conducted the landmark mega-multilateral exercise Tarang-Shakti. The unparalleled participation of 35 nations in this exercise, is a testimony to IAF’s professional reputation. Endeavours like these, of which Aero India 2025 is very big part, play a pivotal role in showcasing the might of IAF on the global platform.

Aero India also exemplifies IAF’s underlying theme of ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena-Saksham, Sashakt Ewam Atmanirbhar’. As a stakeholder, IAF’s involvement in testing, trials and evaluation processes, amply demonstrated in the show, boosts the research and development sector. I am confident that given India’s robust economic growth and its zeal for indigenisation and innovation, this event would galvanise the defence aerospace ecosystem.

SP’s: What kind of coordination should be established between IAF and industry to ensure the successful implementation of key programmes while keeping the primary objectives of IAF paramount and uncompromised?

CAS: The Indian Air Force is committed towards the vision of ‘VIKSIT BHARAT – 2047’ by supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. At present, 48 cases under Make and 75 under iDEX category are already underway. Concurrently, IAF is processing 37 cases as part of the TDF scheme.

To ensure success, it is imperative to establish a framework of close coordination and collaboration between the Indian Air Force, DPSUs and the Indian Private Industry. This entails fostering robust communication channels for seamless information exchange, aligning industry capabilities with IAF’s operational requirements and having a common vision for development and absorption of emerging technological advancements. Great feats have been achieved in this sector in recent years. Success stories of various projects like IACCS, LCA, Su-30 aeroengines, LCH, development of sensors like Ashwini, Ashlesha and Arudhra etc are worth emulating. On our cross-hair are upcoming projects such as Astra, Kusha, Akash-NG etc.

“It is imperative to establish a framework of close coordination and collaboration between the Indian Air Force, DPSUs and the Indian Private Industry”

IAF is actively engaging with Indian private industries for procurement of HPR, CIWS, Counter Drone Systems and other defence equipment. Production of 40 x C295 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, is a watershed event in the history of Indian defence aerospace industry.

IAF has been supporting and ‘hand holding’ the private industries, startups and MSMEs by providing access to various airbases during exclusive industry outreach programmes. IAF participated in Defence Expo-24 ‘MSMEs in Defence’ held at Pune, Maharashtra in February 24. Additionally, on the sidelines of Ex Tarang Shakti-24, IDAX-24 was conducted and was attended by dignitaries from friendly foreign countries.

However, to develop defence manufacturing industry at the desired pace, enhanced focus on R&D must become a priority. Our current R&D budget is woefully short. While concentrated efforts to increase the same are on-going, the private industry would also need to actively invest in this sector. Additionally, there is a need to share the ecosystem of testing, evaluation, and certification with Indian private players. This step will go a long way in fostering a culture of R&D and defence manufacturing in India.

The Government has done its part effectively by laying out provisions in DAP 2020 and DPM 09 and following it with schemes like IDEX, ADITI, SRIJAN, positive indigenisation list and many other such policies. This, coupled with IAF’s transformation drive for adopting indigenous disruptive technologies creates a favourable atmosphere of development for DPSUs and private players.