In a decade, the IAF would undergo rapid changes and would be totally different from what it is today. Previously, upgrades were generally associated with aircraft in their mid-life or later. Now we have aircraft being upgraded even as they are inducted.

The Sto ckholm Internationa l Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in a recent report has stated that India is currently the largest arms importer in the world. India has overtaken China in arms import during 2006-10. During this period, India had accounted for nine per cent of all international arms imports to China’s six per cent.

India is expected to spend $80 billion ( Rs. 3,60,000 crore) over the next decade to upgrade its military. Of course, all of this would not be spent on the Air Force alone. Air Force, however, would get a sizeable portion of this pie. After the implosion of the USSR, the IAF was badly hit with low serviceability due to non-availability of spares. Though things have certainly improved, replacements and upgradations that should have taken place in a phased manner, did not take place. The gap between what we should have had to what we actually have, has widened. When India was finally ready to spend on defence, the gap had become enormous and now all the procurements and upgradations are taking place in a rush. There are a large number of procurements of new aircraft and equipment; heavy rush for infrastructure upgrades on the ground and in space; and upgradation of equipment already in our possession, to extend their capability and life. In a decade, the IAF would undergo rapid changes and would be totally different from what it is today. Unfortunately, going by reports, so would the air forces of our adversaries.

A great deal of media attention is being given to big ticket purchases like the $11 billion ( Rs. 49,500 crore) deal for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) or the $4.1 billion ( Rs. 18,450 crore) deal for 10 C-17 transport aircraft. Even though large sums are being spent on upgrades, somehow they have not been hitting the headlines. There is a long list of equipment undergoing upgrades. Upgrades provide a cheaper option to obtain a stated capability. It also extends the life of the equipment by about 15 to 20 years. Of course, this may not be always the case. For example, HPT-32s are slated for phasing out in the near future. Yet they are undergoing an upgrade just to keep them in service for another couple of years. A new basic trainer aircraft, probably the Swiss Pilatus PC-7, is slated to be inducted in the near future. Yet vendors are being finalised for a parachute recovery system (PRS) for the HPT-32. This aircraft had been grounded since July 2009, following a fatal accident. This had placed an enormous strain on the pilot training programme of the Air Force. The PRS would enable the aircraft to be brought down safely in the event of an engine failure in flight. If the weight of the PRS and other structural issues are resolved soon, this upgrade could see the HPT-32 being used for training for just a couple of years more.

Previously, upgrades were generally associated with aircraft in their midlife or later. Now we have aircraft being upgraded even as they are inducted. A contract has been concluded to upgrade the last 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare (EW) systems and modifications to carry BrahMos cruise missiles, etc. The radars to be fitted are Phazotron Zhuk AE, an active electronically scanned array (AESA). This radar can track 30 aerial targets in the ‘track while scan’ mode and engage six targets simultaneously in attack mode. Another addition is a special launcher, measuring six metres, that has been developed by India to carry the BrahMos missile. This is supposed to be the longest airborne launcher in the world. The weight of the launcher is 350 kg and that of the missile is about 2,500 kg. The total weight of the system therefore, is around 3,000 kg. This has necessitated modifications to the airframe and the under carriages. These modifications would hold good for carriage of the Indian subsonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’, which is expected to test fly in 2012. To be nuclear capable, this missile will have a range of 1,000 km. The first two prototypes of the upgraded Su-30MKI, dubbed the Super 30, are expected to be delivered in 2012. Subsequently, the last 40 aircraft to be delivered to India would be these ‘Super 30s’.

A deal was finalised with Russia in 2008, to upgrade MiG-29s to MiG-29SMT standards. This upgrade would include latest avionics, Zhuk ME radars, new weapon control systems, engines etc, enhancing its multi-role capabilities manyfold. The life would also be increased by another 15 years. The upgradation of Su-30 and MiG-29 would transform the capabilities of the IAF.