The ever-growing military nexus between China and Pakistan has become a great concern for India. In the second instalment of the interview with Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik throws light on the steps taken by the IAF to neutralise any challenge.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Is the IAF encountering any roadblocks in its quest to achieve a ‘transformed avatar’ through a detailed and sustained modernisation programme and by adopting dynamic and proactive doctrines and operational concepts? If yes, could you explain as to what are the likely impediments and how is the IAF planning to deal with them?

Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik (CAS): Modernisation of the armed forces is an inescapable necessity, if we need to achieve our national security objectives and counter any threats. Though there are concerted efforts, defence procurement takes a long time to fructify owing to various reasons. After all, we need to get the best deal. It has impacted our preparedness in the past. However, measures have been instituted and the new procurement procedures have removed many bottlenecks in the erstwhile system. Our modernisation plans are fructifying at a faster pace now. All capital procurements are being done as per the procedure laid down in DPP, which is a comprehensive and transparent document.

SP’s: What has been the IAF’s progress chart in terms of acquiring the desired core competencies pertaining to strategic reach, precision attack and all-weather strike capabilities? What more needs to be done?

CAS: As I just mentioned, the IAF is following a comprehensive programme for achieving core competencies, especially strategic reach, precision attack and all-weather capabilities. Plans are in the pipeline to acquire more airborne warning and control system (AWACS), air-to-air refuelling (AAR) aircraft, heavy airlifters, advanced combat aircraft, modern helicopters, precision guided munitions (PGMs) as well as space and net-centric capabilities. These assets when employed in fusion will enhance our strategic reach and enable air dominance. Similarly, the upgrades in various fleets are also aimed at improving the targeting and all-weather capabilities. Sustained efforts are being made to train our personnel to achieve the laid down conceptual and functional objectives.

SP’s: There is apprehension in some quarters that the ‘offset’ obligations for the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal is so large (close to Rs. 22,500 crore) that the Indian defence industry would not be able to absorb. Is it true? Would it affect the opening of the commercial bids and in taking the programme forward to its logical conclusion? Please comment.

CAS: The offset obligation in the MMRCA deal is 50 per cent of the foreign exchange component. As the acceptance of necessity (AON) is for Rs. 42,000 crore, the total value of offsets obligation is expected to be in the range of Rs. 15,000-18,000 crore ($3.5-4 billion approx.). The Indian industry would be able to absorb these offsets as a large percentage of the offset projects would be in the direct purchase (DP) category, wherein, the foreign vendor would directly buy defence products or services from the Indian offset partners (lOPs). The evaluation of technical offset proposals would not affect the opening of commercial bids as the Technical Offset Evaluation Committee (TOEC) report would be completed before the opening of commercial proposals.

SP’s: While there is a general awareness that the aerospace industry in India needs to have meaningful participation by the private sector for the country to achieve its goal of self-reliance, the actual progress on the ground is still far from satisfactory. What in your opinion needs to be done to accelerate the process and how can the IAF assist in this regard?

CAS: Successive technology denial regimes and our inability to absorb high levels of technology are the main challenges. Our private sector needs to be ready to absorb high level of technology and adhere to stringent quality and airworthiness requirements as aerospace technology is an everevolving field and the emergence of cutting-edge technology is very rapid. While some IAF procurement is from indigenous sources, a large part of the indigenous production is still heavily dependent on imports of components from foreign sources. The government is also further simplifying the already existing ‘Make’ category. The Defence Production Procedure (DPP) issued this year is aimed at achieving self-reliance in defence production and to create conditions conducive for the private industry to take active role in indigenisation of defence industry and enhance the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in indigenisation, so as to broaden the defence reaserch and development (R&D) base in our country. The government has been encouraging participation by Indian industry in defence production. The 30 per cent offset clause in all capital procurements above Rs. 300 crore is sure to boost the Indian industry. Government is also in the process of formulating a Defence Production Policy that would address all the issues pertaining to indigenous production. The government proposes to strengthen the defence R&D base of private sector by setting up separate funds for the same. A public version of the IAF’s longterm vision is being made available to enable the industry to enhance their technology base.

SP’s: There are recent reports in the media on the evergrowing military nexus between China and Pakistan including the presence of Chinese military formations in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). How serious is the security threat to India and what specific steps are being taken by the IAF to prepare itself for a two-front challenge?

CAS: Chinese interest in terms of infrastructure development in Pakistan is obviously a concern. We are aware of the security implications. I believe that it is no longer a question of one-front or a two-front scenario. We should be able to neutralise any challenge. That is why I mentioned earlier that our present thought process is based upon consolidating our capabilities rather than being adversary-centric. The infrastructural development of airbases in the Northeast is in full swing including activation and operationalisation of other airfields and equipping them suitably. Some of our abandoned airfields in Jammu & Kashmir area have been activated and steps are under way to upgrade the infrastructure. Regular operational exercises are conducted to ensure IAF’s preparedness at all times.

SP’s: There are contradictory views on the CDS issue. One stating that in the absence of an actual CDS, HQ IDS is nothing but an enlarged Defence Planning Staff, which was its forerunner; the other stating that even with the post of CDS lying vacant, the IDS is providing the necessary synergy for which it was formed. As Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) with the CISC working under you, how do you look at the whole issue? Can the present ‘status-quo’ carry on serving the purpose indefinitely? Please comment.

CAS: Jointness is the way of the future. Future scenarios would necessitate armed forces to operate jointly and in close coordination to achieve national goals. This is only possible if all actions, from planning to execution, are done in a joint environment. For the armed forces to accept and absorb the CDS concept, HQ IDS has a major role to play. Service HQs and HQ IDS have to create an environment which would help in accepting change willingly and with minimum turmoil. In my opinion, HQ IDS is doing a fair job in enhancing jointmanship.

SP’s: Has there been any progress in the creation of the much awaited Space Command? What would be the likely shape and size of Space Command? Being the biggest user of space-based assets, what role do you envisage for the IAF in setting up the said organisation including ‘command and control’ issues?

CAS: Till very recently, exploitation of space by the Indian armed forces had a very limited objective. Our foray into space is a nascent venture and as of now we are consolidating our requirements. It would take a highly focused approach before we attain full-fledged space capabilities. At present, the Integrated Space Cell at the IDS is coordinating the requirements of the armed forces with ISRO. Organisational issues, infrastructure, etc are secondary and the primary issue is integration and operationalisation of space capabilities for overall force enhancement. Once the operational capabilities are in place, the organisational issues would automatically fall into place. IAF would definitely have a major role in our national military space doctrine as and when it is formalised.

SP’s: You would agree that having had to ground the trouble-prone and highly unreliable HPT-32, the IAF is in dire need to acquire a new basic trainer to streamline flying training. The IAF indeed went on a fast track to initiate the acquisition process. With all the competing vendors’ products having been flight-evaluated sometime ago, what is being done to accelerate the process for signing the contract to ensure in-service induction of the selected aircraft in the shortest possible time?

CAS: The procurement case is being expeditiously processed and has now reached the contract negotiation stage.

SP’s: The latest reports regarding issuance of global RFIs to procure spare parts for weapon systems of Russian origin clearly exposed Russia’s scant interest in living up to their commitments for the ‘after-sale’ product support. The problem is so acute that leave alone older equipment, even the still in-production Su-30 MKIs are not spared, resulting in unacceptable low serviceability of this frontline aircraft, which the IAF can ill-afford. On the other hand, India continues to place great trust on Russia by going ahead with major joint ventures such as the PAK-FA fifth generation fighter and MTA, et al. Could you throw some light as to how this dichotomy is being addressed by the IAF?

CAS: The issuance of global request for intent (RFI) to procure spares and weapon system of Russian origin is a step towards greater transparency and competition in global defence procurement. Defence procurement publication like DPM-09 and DPP-09 and their availability in open domain is a step in this direction. As far as the after sales product support for Russian origin weapon system is concerned, we have faced some problems earlier and Russian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are honouring the product support commitment entered into between the Government of India and the Russian Federation. Su-30 MKI aircraft are now being produced in India by HAL under transfer of technology (ToT) agreement. More than 100 aircraft have been produced by active participation and support of Russian OEMs.

SP’s: Have all the anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission been resolved to the satisfaction of the Services? Also, what impact has it had on the manpower intake? Is the IAF envisaging a greater role and bigger participation by women to augment its human resources? Please explain.

CAS: The Pay Commission has been quite reasonable and has definitely improved the quality of life of our personnel. However, there are certain issues that are yet to be resolved. The Service HQ is actively pursuing these issues with the government. The government on its part is sensitive and open to the concerns of the armed forces and all these issues are likely to be resolved satisfactorily in the near future. Implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) has had a positive impact on the manpower intake of the IAF too. Insofar as women are concerned, the IAF has been proactive in granting commission to women in all branches of the IAF except the fighter stream. An inter-services study is now in progress to help formulate a long-term policy for future employment of women in the armed forces.

SP’s: It is indeed laudable that in their drive to modernise, the IAF is spearheading the other two services, but it is also true that a lot more has to be done to achieve the desired multifaceted capabilities to meet the emerging challenges. Time availability being a crucial factor, do you feel that there is a requirement for the IAF to accelerate the pace of modernisation/force build up? If yes, do you think that there is a case for the IAF to get greater budgetary support for capital acquisitions? But more than that, would the IAF be in a position to absorb the governmental largesse in a timely manner?

CAS: The capability building process of IAF is progressing at a rapid pace with procurements being processed as per our time lines. Adequate funds are made available by the government that has ensured timely fructification of our projects. The DPP-11 is quite comprehensive and has brought in more clarity in the procurement procedures. Overall, the modernisation programme of the IAF is progressing well.

SP’s: Lastly, having spent more than two years in the exalted office, what in your opinion has been the major milestones achieved by the IAF under your stewardship? Which way is the IAF heading and how do you see this glorious service in a decade from now?

CAS: IAF is alive to the changing global and regional strategic environment. We continue to acquire modern combat elements and upgrade our existing inventory to remain prepared and well-equipped for meeting the security requirements of our country. We have adequate combat experience and our human resource pool is highly professional and well trained with enormous exposure. Today, IAF is a reckonable aerospace force, capable of facing any challenge. The long-term plans of IAF are driven by the imperatives of focusing on the modernisation to enhance its potential across the entire spectrum of operations, with due regard to the perceived security concerns. Combat support elements and infrastructure would have to cater to the requirements of a larger geographical area and increased responsibilities. Procurement of modern combat aircraft, force multipliers and guided weapons is planned to enhance the reach and precision during operations. In future, the IAF will have adequate strategic reach to address security threats/opportunities within our areas of interest and to meet out of area contingencies (OOACs), peacetime military tasks, counterinsurgencies, anti-terrorist actions and international obligations as a major power.