The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 81st birthday on October 8. Ahead of the anniversary, SP’s Aviation had an exclusive interview with the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne on the IAF’s sincere efforts at transforming into a modern and well-equipped frontline air force.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Now that you have been at the helm of affairs for over two years, how far in your view has the Indian Air Force (IAF) progressed in its endeavour at transformation?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): IAF’s transformation plan is progressing on track as envisaged in the long-term integrated perspective plan (LTIPP). Over the last two years, projects like the induction of new Su-30MKIs and the upgradation projects for the existing fleet of Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 have progressed to ensure that our future combat potential does not get degraded. Our strategic airlift capability has also been bolstered by the induction of the C-17 Globemaster III which along with C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as well as the upgraded An-32 fleet will significantly enhance our strategic airlift capability. Similarly, on the rotary-wing side, we have inducted the Mi-17 V5 helicopters, which as you know performed admirably during ‘Operation Rahat’, the rescue operations during Uttarakhand floods. The induction of Pilatus PC-7 MK-II basic trainer aircraft (BTA) and a host of simulators for our training as well as combat platforms have provided the necessary impetus and added tremendous value to our flying training process. As far as the progress of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMCRA), light combat aircraft (LCA) and fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) design and development (D&D) programmes are concerned, we are quite satisfied at the way things are moving now and are looking forward to their future inductions.

In order to absorb these new capabilities more efficiently, we have concurrently instituted a time-bound and comprehensive infrastructure upgradation plan which primarily focuses on creating contemporary operational and technical facilities. At the same time, we remain extremely focused on the growth and development of our biggest asset—our air warriors. The outstanding performance of these fine men and women during various exercises and particularly during ‘Ex Live Wire 13’ and ‘Operation Rahat’ reinforces my faith in our inherent capability to continue scaling greater heights in the future. Personally speaking, I feel extremely honoured to be leading the IAF during this historic transformation phase and the privilege to command such a fine group of men and women.

SP’s: Can you please elaborate on the concept behind the philosophy of “People First Mission Always” that you have personally inspired in the IAF?

CAS: I am of the firm belief that organisational growth and success in the true sense can only be achieved if we truly empower our air warriors. IAF’s vision “People First Mission Always” therefore, rightly focuses on the pre-eminence of our air warriors in both our thoughts and actions even as we go about executing our daily mission. Towards this, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach to comprehensively address the needs of our air warriors, their families and create a stress-free working environment in the IAF. At this point, I would like to clarify that this ‘people approach’ is not purely welfare-centric, but it comprehensively addresses their training needs, personal needs, mentoring needs and also aims at equipping them with the best possible assets and right skills to execute their mission. On the infrastructure side, we are undertaking construction of dwelling units under Phase II of the MAP; modernising our existing messes and sports infrastructure; and modernising the existing as well as establishing new medical facilities for our air warriors. We have also initiated many special welfare loan schemes aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our personnel and their families.In fact we have not limited these welfare measures to the serving air warriors alone but have also extended them further to our veterans. This has amply been exemplified by our setting up of a Directorate of Air Veterans last year which would specifically address all issues pertaining to the veterans.

SP’s: Infrastructure development has been one of your major thrust areas. Can you please elaborate on the specific improvements in this area?

CAS: Yes, we are extremely conscious of the fact that infrastructure upgradation forms an important component of our capability enhancement plan and therefore, we are addressing these issues in a big way. On the operational front, a slew of infrastructural projects are under way at various locations pan IAF. These include the new proposed airbases at Kargil, Nyoma, Raipur and Ojhar; operational infrastructure at Hindon and Panagarh for operation of C-17 and C-130J aircraft; infrastructure for induction of Su-30 squadrons at Halwara, Sirsa, Chabua and Thanjavur; enhancement of operational and technical infrastructure at the advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh and existing airbases in the east. Additionally, we are also taking adequate measures as far as infrastructure development for the welfare of our air warriors is concerned, so that we can provide them with contemporary working and living conditions.

SP’s: What in your perception are the major security challenges emerging before the nation, and to what extent is the IAF prepared to play its role in confronting these?

CAS: While it may be too early to write an obituary for conventional conflicts between nations, the major security challenges to our nation will continue to stem from the ever changing nature of war and the fast emerging geopolitical uncertainties in our neighbourhood. In an increasingly globalised world, these would encompass the war on radical groups, control of resources and religious extremism borne out of economic, demographic and societal tensions that are transnational in nature. The increasing use of space and cyberspace has added a new dimension to the spectrum of conflict. Specifically for us, the vacuum emerging post-US withdrawal from Afghanistan as well as the increasing forays in the contested areas along the line of actual control (LAC) constitute real and live concerns. Events like the 26/11 have highlighted the spectre of terrorism attacks in our urban areas, where restrained application of air power to minimise collateral damage needs to be factored in. Similarly, in other hostage/hijack scenarios, our resources may need to be deployed at short notice. Therefore, on our part, we are training and equipping ourselves to tackle the myriad situations across the spectrum of conflict. More importantly, we would need to maintain an agile and adaptive mindset in handling such contingencies.

SP’s: What are the issues that continue to delay the finalisation of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) contract? In what time frame can we expect the IAF to receive this urgently needed shot in the arm?

CAS: The MMRCA is a large and a comprehensive project especially if we look at the importance of this programme for the IAF. The Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) is currently examining various aspects of this project and trying to close all the issues related to licence production of the Rafale aircraft in India. Concurrently, a joint contract is in the process of being finalised between the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Dassault Aviation. I am confident that with all the efforts being made by the CNC, we will be able to conclude the contract negotiations at the earliest. We are hopeful that we will be able to process the case for soliciting the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval within this current financial year itself.

SP’s: What is the status of the FGFA being developed in collaboration with Russia? What are the numbers that the IAF to receive in what time frame?

CAS: The FGFA programme is at the contract negotiation stage for the research and development (R&D) contract. The timelines for various stages of design and development would be formalised only after this contract is signed. Our plan is to induct six squadrons of the FGFA. Being a D&D project, you must understand that it would take us some time before we reach the induction stage.

SP’s: What is the status of the intermediate jet trainer (IJT) project that is meant to replace the fleet of HJT-16 Kiran aircraft currently in service?

CAS: The IAF expects the initial operational clearance of the IJT to be cleared by December 2015 and deliveries to commence by 2017. While the Kiran fleet would be utilised till 2017, the number of Kiran Mk-I/IA aircraft would reduce substantially by 2016. Hence, any further delay in IJT induction beyond 2017 would certainly have an adverse effect on our Stage II (F) training. This constraint may eventually force us to look at other options.

SP’s: What are the plans for induction of the Tejas LCA as an operational platform?

CAS: At present, the LCA is undergoing flight trials towards certification to initial operational capability (IOC) standards and this process is likely to be completed by November 2013. The first LCA, in IOC configuration, is planned to be inducted in 2014. Thereafter, the full operational capability (FOC) certification is expected to be complete by December 2014. IAF plans to induct a total of six squadrons of LCA, out of which four will be equipped with LCA Mk-II. While we are all aware of the long history of delays up to this point, we want to make sure that the aircraft meets IAF’s full requirement.

SP’s: Plans to replace the fleet of Cheetah helicopters appear to have run into difficulty once again. What is the status of this project as also plans of HAL to manufacture an equivalent platform?

CAS: As you know, the CBI is investigating certain allegations of wrongdoing regarding the procurement of 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) as a replacement for Cheetah helicopters. While the Indian Army is the lead service for processing the case, IAF is planned to get 64 helicopters out of this lot. On the indigenous front, HAL’s plans to manufacture 187 (61 for IAF) light utility helicopters (LUH), under the ‘Make’ category and this project is already running over 30 months behind schedule. In fact, the ground test vehicle run for this project is now planned to commence from September 2014 onwards.

SP’s: Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are set to play a greater role in the conduct of warfare in the future. Does the IAF plan to foray into the domain of UAS in a big way and in what time frame?

CAS: The UAS or the remotely piloted vehicles (RPAs) as we call them have certainly proven themselves in the various asymmetrical conflicts over the last four decades. Recently, we have also seen them operate extensively in the Afghanistan-Pakistan theatre where they have been able to address many high value targets successfully. However, we are yet to witness their full potential and survivability in a highly contested environment and this would be possible only after examining their efficacy in conflicts with comparable adversaries. The IAF also envisages a larger role for the UAS in the future and accordingly we have factored this in our modernisation plans. The employment of RPA’s in combat role however would depend on the future operational requirements of the IAF and hence, the issue needs to be examined accordingly.

SP’s: What steps is the IAF taking to exploit space-based capabilities for the conduct of operations in the future? What is the status of the proposal to establish a tri-service Aerospace Command?

CAS: Exploitation of space-based capabilities has become an important operational imperative in the present-day battlefield scenario. The armed forces in general and the IAF in particular have institutionalised requisite mechanisms for seamless exploitation of capabilities afforded by our space assets. IAF is also promoting awareness on exploitation of space assets through a three-tier structured training programme at select training institutes, aimed at enhancing the understanding of this important domain by future aerospace leaders. A study team with IAF as the lead service has been formed along with members from other services, to assess the requirements of the proposed Space Command and suggest a suitable model for implementation. The initial proposal put forth by the study team has been discussed in detail during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meetings and this is currently being finalised and processed for the Government of India (GoI) approval. Once we have the ‘inprinciple’ approval of the GoI, we would start the implementation process in a phased manner.

SP’s: Development of the armed forces in India has generally been somewhat Pakistan-centric. How do you see the air power equation with China in the event of a full-scale military confrontation in the future?

CAS: Let me first correct the general perception in this regard. As far as IAF’s transformation plan is concerned, it is certainly not adversary-specific but is rather based on an analysis of our overall capability requirements to tackle future challenges to our national security. IAF conducts regular threat perception analyses and correspondingly updates its plans which factor in all the envisaged threats and contingencies. While we may be currently having 34 combat squadrons due to phasing out of certain legacy platforms like the MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-25 aircraft, even with the existing strength, IAF has maintained adequate operational potential in terms of offensive capabilities to tackle any emergent situations impinging on India’s national security.

SP’s: A 45-squadron Air Force was conceived in the context of India’s status in the geopolitical and geostrategic environment prevailing in the 1960s. Today, the strength of combat squadrons has declined to 34 and with the retirement of obsolete aircraft and delayed induction of MMRCA, strength of the combat fleet could decrease further. What is your vision of the shape and size of the IAF after a decade from now?

CAS: I agree with you that today IAF’s squadron strength is 34 as against the sanctioned strength of 42 and this number is likely to remain so during the current plan period. However, despite this, our overall combat potential would not get affected mainly because of implementing a three-pronged modernisation strategy to acquire, upgrade and maintain our fleets of all airborne platforms. Accordingly, the phasing out of certain legacy aircraft in beginning of the Thirteenth Five Year Plan period would be offset by raising of new Su-30 squadrons. Also, the drawdown in the total number of combat squadrons is being addressed through upgradation of some of the existing combat-worthy platforms like the Mirage 2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 as well as the planned new acquisitions like additional Su-30MKI, MMRCA, LCA and FGFA in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Five Year Plan periods. I am therefore quite confident that post the implementation of our transformation plan, IAF will be a force to reckon with.

SP’s: The IAF has been conducting exercises jointly with the air forces of friendly foreign countries. Have these exercises in any way impacted the operational philosophy of the IAF?

CAS: We believe that learning is a continuous process and take pride in the fact that we have always encouraged our air warriors to learn and imbibe the best practices of other advanced air forces. The application of air power may differ per se on case to case basis due to geographical peculiarities and threat matrix of any country. However, the doctrinal precepts and the employment philosophy would by and large remain the same. Regular participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises has benefited the IAF in terms of exposure to the latest developments taking place in the field of military aviation and weapon systems. Our air warriors have also been exposed to a wealth of doctrinal and operational knowledge which I am sure will ultimately add to our capabilities and enable us to fine-tune our operational philosophy.

SP’s: HAL has elaborate infrastructure and has licence produced even fourth-generation aircraft. In view of the renewed thrust at indigenisation, what must the Indian aerospace industry achieve high degree of self-reliance in consonance with the imperatives of national security?

CAS: You see, the private industry had largely remained a marginal player in India’s effort to reduce its import dependency in the aviation sector. The new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2013 has provided a fresh impetus to the growth of Indian defence industry by mandating a higher preference to the ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ and ‘Make’ categorisation in capital procurement. I do hope that the Indian aerospace industry seizes this opportunity and contributes towards achieving strategic autonomy in the aviation sector. This approach would stimulate greater indigenisation and as far as we are concerned, we will continue to support the private industry in this endeavour. One of the first steps taken in that direction is the scheme for replacement of the Avro aircraft where the RFP mandates that the Indian production agency is to be picked out by the OEM, and has to be from the private sector. Another procurement that is being undertaken on a ‘Buy (Indian)’ basis is that of micro UAVs and this too has generated considerable interest among the private players. Although progress in this sphere has been slow, but we do hope that with the efforts being put in, it gains momentum soon.

SP’s: India is now recognised as a nuclear power in the region. It is also a fact that delivery of nuclear weapons is a tri-services responsibility in which the IAF will have major role. Could you enlighten us on the status of the IAF in this regard?

CAS: The attributes of reach, responsiveness and mobility of air power gives IAF the unique capability to quickly respond to emerging threats. And these attributes also afford the IAF a prime role in addressing our security challenges—across the entire spectrum of conflict, nuclear included. All I can say is that the IAF is fully prepared to deal with any such contingency, if and when it may arise in the future.