What has changed before/after Balakot:
1. Astra, Brahmos-A clear trials
2. 470 odd SDRs ordered
3. Rafale induction process started
4. HAS project cleared
5. AAMs, Spice, KAB-1500LGBs ordered
6. 7x Akash sq, 9x MRSAM underway
7. Apaches inducted
8. 2nd sq LCA Mk1s to commence
1. Astra, Brahmos-A clear trials
2. 470 odd SDRs ordered
3. Rafale induction process started
4. HAS project cleared
5. AAMs, Spice, KAB-1500LGBs ordered
6. 7x Akash sq, 9x MRSAM underway
7. Apaches inducted
8. 2nd sq LCA Mk1s to commence
What is underway per IAF:
1.Focus on more Su30s, MiG29s, LCA Mk1A order. Su30 upgrade w/new weapons
2. SAAW, Helina, DRDO GB user, NGARM developmental trials
4. Pechora digitization program
5. Induction of 26 new DRDO radars ( Arudhra, Ashwini)
6. CIWS project
7. Phase 2 SDR
1.Focus on more Su30s, MiG29s, LCA Mk1A order. Su30 upgrade w/new weapons
2. SAAW, Helina, DRDO GB user, NGARM developmental trials
4. Pechora digitization program
5. Induction of 26 new DRDO radars ( Arudhra, Ashwini)
6. CIWS project
7. Phase 2 SDR
Astra orders plus enhanced stocks of existing Russian AAMs will obviate any perceived gap in AMRAAM vs RVV-AE performance. The SAAW, DRDO GB orders post user trials will give the IAF all weather strike capability beyond Spice stocks.
Finally, the DRDO is engaged in an indigenous EW system for the MiG29. Arguably one of it's most critical programs. Trials vs targets were successful. Platform compatibility checks were underway in early 2019. A variant can enhance the Su30 fleet as well.
What are DRDOs other big ticket programs for the IAF? First, its developing two new radars, the HPR AESA to replace the IAFs massive THD-1955 radars. Then, Mountain radars which will be specifically deployed in high alt. Apart from this, IAF has also acquired mobile ESM systems.
And also deployed an ELINT sat specifically for radar signatures, plus a SAR satellite.
Then there is of course the S-400, five regimental sets, each with 2 battalions which correspond to 5x IAF squadrons, with 2 batteries each.
The S400, Rafale, LCA Mk1A, Su30 w/Astra and ODL deployment. And all the other acquisitions mentioned. The IAF is moving ahead. A LCA Mk1A with a small signature, AESA radar, Astra and ASRAAM, IFR, and a self protection jammer will be a handful. And four squadrons of the type.
What is interesting to note is the current LCA Mk1 radar plus signature (even without a jammer) is proving to be a handful for many IAF aircraft. The Mk1A will be a further step ahead. A six squadron LCA fleet will neatly take over the erstwhile MiG21 Bisons role.
The DARIN3 Jaguars also passed their FOC recently. Equipped with new avionics, these aircraft will remain useful strike assets. The IAF is steadily making use of its capital allocation, and local industry is getting a fair share.
