The outgoing Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal N.V. Tyagi speaks about the status of MMRCA deal and various other key programmes to Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia of SP’s Aviation

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): What are the various steps being undertaken towards modernising the IAF for it to become a well-balanced, strategic and a continental air force in the true sense in terms of combat power, support systems and infrastructure?

Air Marshal N.V. Tyagi (DCAS): The IAF currently has embarked on a modernisation programme and is transforming itself into a potent strategic force. The IAF envisions itself to be a modern force capable of taking on multi-front and multi-dimensional threats in the future. With the changing global environment, the IAF will continue to evolve, keeping pace with advancement in technology and perceived challenges to our national security. Rapid pace in technological advances will continue to change the concept of employment of aerospace power. Hence, the IAF doctrine will also continue to evolve so as to derive maximum advantage offered by new technologies.

The focus is on the modernisation plan to enhance our potential across the entire spectrum of operations. Towards this, we are in the process of transforming ourselves from a tactical air force to an aerospace force with strategic capability to meet any challenge to our national security. The induction of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and air-to-air refuellers has increased the range and reach of the IAF. We are in the process of inducting very heavy lift transport aircraft which would provide us adequate strategic reach to address our future security concerns.

The modernisation programme of IAF is well on its way and we are progressing procurement of medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), C-17, additional C-130-J, heavy lift helicopter (HLH), medium light helicopter (MLH), attack helicopters, radars including low level light weight radars (LLLWR), mountain radars and air defence (AD) weapon systems. In addition, midlife upgrades of Jaguar, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 will ensure combat relevance of these weapon platforms. The upgradation of Su-30 and integration of BrahMos avionics software support cost model (ASSCM) will further enhance the potential and lethality of our Su-30 fleet. Modernisation of air field infrastructure (MAFI) is also being undertaken in a phased manner to support operations. The modernisation of IAF is progressing well with adequate budgetary support from the government.

SP’s: The IAF has suffered a sizeable downslide in the numerical strength of its combat squadrons. How has it affected the IAF’s combat power and what is being done to not only arrest any further decline but rebuild the force?

DCAS: The present strength of combat squadrons stands at 35. With progressive induction of Su-30MKIs, MMRCAs, light combat aircraft (LCA) and the FGFA, we plan to have 42 operational fighter squadrons by the end of the Thirteenth Five Year Plan, up from the existing 35.

SP’s: How is the IAF dealing with the requirement of midlife upgrade programmes of its existing fleet/systems?

DCAS: The mid-life upgrade programmes for Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft are under way as per plan. Major systems being upgraded are mission computers, weapon control systems, cockpit layout, instrumentation, display systems, incorporation of new weapon systems, navigation and flight data recording systems and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

SP’s: How is the MMRCA project progressing and when can the IAF expect the first induction into squadron service? What is likely to be the final size of the MMRCA fleet?

DCAS: The MMRCA staff evaluation report is under the process of acceptance by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The technical offset evaluation is concurrently under progress. On completion, the case will be progressed to TOC and CNC. Induction into service is planned during the Twelfth Five Year Plan. The present plan is to induct 126 aircraft only.

SP’s: Could you give details of the Indo-Russian joint FGFA programme? What would be DRDO’s participation in the development programme and how would the Indian variant be different from its Russian counterpart?

DCAS: FGFA is being jointly developed by India and Russia to meet the operational requirements of both the countries in future. We envisage induction of a total of 250-300 of these aircraft. It would be able to super-cruise and have longrange capability. The Indian version of FGFA will be able to carry more weapons than the Russian version due to our specific requirements. We also plan to induct some twin-seat versions.

SP’s: India has entered into collaboration with Russia to jointly develop and produce the multi-role transport aircraft (MTA). Could you give details of the programme? How many aircraft are likely to be inducted into IAF and do you foresee any export possibilities of the end product?

DCAS: The contract to jointly develop MTA was signed between the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia UAC of Rosoboronexport, Russia in September 2010. Thereafter, a joint venture (JV) company has been formed in December 2010. IAF has initially planned to procure 45 aircraft. These will be available for joint export subsequently.

SP’s: When is the third of the IL-76 based AWACS likely to be inducted into the IAF? In what timeframe (if at all), the IAF is likely to exercise its option to acquire more of these systems and what would be final size of the fleet?

DCAS: The third IL-76 based AWACS will be inducted in IAF by mid-February this year. IAF is processing a case for procurement of additional IL-76 based AWACS. IAF has plans to increase the fleet size in stages so as to meet our national AD requirements.

SP’s: Could you give details of the indigenous airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system under development by the DRDO? What kind of capability accretion is the IAF hoping for, if and when the system gets inducted for operational service and how would these complement the AWACS Phalcon systems?

DCAS: India’s indigenous AEW&C programme is being progressed through Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The platform for the AEW&C is Embraer 145 aircraft. The aircraft is being structurally modified at OEM premises to the AEW&C configuration. The first and second aircraft are expected to be delivered by Embraer to DRDO during the current year. Though the aircraft are yet to arrive, the testing and evaluation of various systems along with the field trials are already under way. The induction would greatly enhance the ability for early detection and contribute as a force-multiplier towards ensuring air dominance in our areas of interest.

SP’s: Is the IAF happy with the impending LCA induction in its present IOC configuration? Would the proposed Mk II version be able to meet the operational requirements as spelt out by the IAF? What is likely to be the final size of the LCA programme?

DCAS: Induction of LCA in IOC configuration is a positive step forward to enhance the operational capability of IAF. The LCA Mk-II aircraft fitted with an alternate engine of higher thrust would enable the LCA to meet the IAF requirements. The LCA is expected to replace the MiG-21 fighter aircraft. A total of 40 aircraft of Mk-I version have been contracted for initial procurement with HAL. The final strength would be considered at a later stage, based on progress of Mk-II version.

SP’s: The IAF is reportedly transforming itself into a highly networked modern fighting force. Could you give the roadmap of this transformation including details of the proposed integrated air command and control system (IACCS)? When is this feat likely to be achieved? Also, is the IAF working towards acquiring anti-ballistic missile (ABM) capability?

DCAS: IAF is transforming itself into a force capable of undertaking fully network-centric air operations. The IACCS is being operationalised in a phased manner and the first phase would be completely operational by the year end. ABM capability is being developed for the nation by DRDO.