Thread by @zone5aviation

“Strategic autonomy” finds explicit mention in the official @IAF_MCC video for Air Force day. A few seconds later, international exercises and cooperation.

“Innovate, integrate and intimidate” are the closing words of this years IAF presentation.

IAF Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria notes the Air Force will be key to victory in conflict.

“Low cost options like drones” making threat scenario more complex, particularly in the sub-conventional domain.

IAF exercises with AFs around the world, says ACM Bhadauria, and we are “among the best”.

“We have the largest strategic airlift in our region”

Directly addresses LAC standoff with a mention of deployment in the north. “Our capability and intent will deter.”

Rafale and upgraded legacy jets have the ability to shoot first and strike deep even in contested air space.

CDS, DMA and joint was — “need to maximize resources”. Contours of joint structures will come up in the near future.

AD Command “is at an advanced stage”.

Mixed feelings on this...

Rafale and LCA Mk1 sqns to come up to full strength and additional MiG-29 and Su-30MKI also coming.

Mi-17V-5 getting ISR and modern EW capability. An-32 and Il-76 upgrades planned.

83 LCA Mk.1 over the next five years. HTT-40 and LCH contracts in the next year.

Future LCA versions, AMCA and unmanned aircraft find mention among inductions planned in the late 2020s, as does MRFA.

“Major opportunity for the private sector.” All IAF flying platforms are on an electronic maintenance management system developed by an Indian private sector IT Firm.

Processes for sixth gen tech, optionally manned, unmanned wingmen, swarms, DEWs and hypersonics have been initiated.

COVID relief efforts find mention. Not just domestic and repatriation ops, but also aid to foreign countries.

Efforts in bilateral exercises will continue. Opportunity to demonstrate op prowess in addition to training with other air forces.

“IAF has always recognized merit over gender” says IAF Chief, and lists the various roles that have benefited from women officers serving.

Five Rafales in country, five more in France. Late Oct/early Nov is next ferry. More ferries every 2-3 months, first squadron to be at full strength next year.

“We are firmly in place to handle any contingency” regarding the China standoff in the north. There is no scenario in any conflict situation there that China can get the better of us.

“We realized what the PLA was doing in May” says air chief. Not surprised per se, due chinese exercises around this time. The moment it was realised army and IAF responded very quickly.

Whatever was the requirement of the army in terms of equipment and troops was met, IAF Chief stresses. “I think that is a big change from earlier times.”

“The ability of air power to dictate what will happen” in terms of any action in the north East is strong. Flexibility of air power allows assets to move into theater as needed, but Air Chief acknowledges East has fewer assets permanently stationed.

On two more Rafale sqns — “this is a complex subject, at the moment focus is on 83 LCA Mk.1A”. Budget constraints, MRFA, AMCA are long term unknowns. Interestingly the Air Chief seemed to indicate that additional Rafale might be at the cost of MRFA?

Chinese long range strike flagged as an “area of strength” by the Indian air chief. Preempts inevitable J-20 question — weapons and sensors are advanced, but engines still work in progress. A combination of systems, integration, training to counter.

“We see increase in efforts to dig in for the winter” on the Chinese side. Focus is currently on the talks. We hope they will progress in the right direction. Any further action will depend on ground realities.

No significant increase/change in Chinese air deployments since the last round of military talks with China.

Armenia-Azerbaijan, drones vs tanks come into the discussion. “Drones are important for ISR” says IAF Chief. “Their role in the build up to a conflict is very important” he says, but once it kicks off, then are vulnerable. “We are aware of what kind of mix we need to have”

Our fifth generation should include some sixth gen tech, DEW is about 15 years away.

Imports will not allow short development-to-fielding cycles, stresses ACM Bhadauria. Gives example of Astra BVRAAM that went from last trial to in service almost immediately. Not possible with foreign platforms, says the air chief.

450 new aircraft needed over next 15-20 years:
- 83 LCA Mk1A - contract this FY, rollout 2024, completion 3 years after that
- 106 HTT-40
- 114 MRFA, to be made in india
- 100+ LCA mk2
- 56 C285
- 2 Sqn AMCA Mk1 and 5 Sqn AMCA Mk2. Induction by late 2020s/early 2030s
- LCH

Can’t touch 40 sqns by the end of the decade, even if we move at the fastest possible pace. Rare candour on this subject! Air Chief says 36-38 squadrons would be an achievement.

Rafale offset details not final, Kaveri ToT a complex issue. Plan is a JV for aero engine, may or may not be a Kaveri successor per se, but will leverage work done on Kaveri and gas turbines in general. This is all for DRDO to finalize.

“Sooner rather than later I hope” says ACM RKS Bhadauria, but then adds ruefully “but I’ve been waiting for a long time.”

Truer words, etc 😂

DBO is “a big threat” to the Chinese — that capability close to the LAC is important.

More Rafale direct buy vs MRFA is still under deliberation. Too early to say, various issues to be considered, says IAF Chief.

This is the last big fighter import, hard to see the IAF being anything but cautious on this.

Air Chief says if Skardu is used by China and we are in a conflict with China, it is a collusive threat and will be dealt with.

On weapon commonality — Rafale weapons not planned to go on Su-30MKI. But in general IAF always plans to cross-integrate, and there are some Rafale weapons that can go on other IAF aircraft. Presumably means Mirage 2000.

On serviceability “we are in reasonable shape” says air chiefs but declines to offer a figure or percentage.

On the budget crunch — today’s capability is not affected by today’s budgetary issues, but it will have an effect down the line. There will be a re-prioritization to account for this.

On emergency procurement and leasing options — declines to detail nature of emergency procurement but says leasing is good, offers flexibility. Looking at tankers to start with.

IAF air strikes against Chinese forces in Ladakh were not imminent at any time. But IAF is certainly prepared for it. Aware that China and Pakistan are cooperating closely but no evidence of collusive threat in theater.

Meteor BVRAAM integration across platforms was explored a while ago. Did not go anywhere. For widespread integration across IAF platforms, indigenous weapons will be pursued going forward.