Thread by @hukum2082

The @IAF_MCC needs to gear up for Large Force Engagements (LFE) in intense EW environments.This might entail jammed comms, data-links, sat-nav and FCRs (no firing solution)

All of this amidst a series of RWR warnings as Enemy SAMs paint you red over hostile airspace.

IAF will need to quickly bridge the tech gap between the plethora of aircraft in its inventory so that any LFE mission has measurable success against enemy targets despite attrition.A downed Rafale should not result in a scrubbed mission.

LFEs rely heavily on support elements (AWACS/AEW and Refuellers).Taking into account war time attrition and high down times of the IL-78 Midas , atleast half a dozen A330 MRTTs are the need of the hour. So are more Netra/Phalcons.

To effectively defend an airspace as vast as ours and close gaps , we need multiple AWACS/Refulellers airborne 24x7 during conflict. You simply cannot utilize your fleet in a swing role across fronts unless you have clear situational awareness.

Sniffers or ELINT Aircraft which are currently held by the NTRO are laughably low in number.There is a strong case for a dedicated ELINT Sqn which can detect coverage gaps in the enemy's AD network.

While EW is usually visualized against fighters, it can play havoc with Para-Drops and SHBO behind enemy lines.The @IAF_MCC needs to ensure that we have jam resistant comms even in vintage Mi-17 1Vs (SDRs).Otherwise last mile connectivity may prove to be our achilles heel.

With the RISAT , we need to build accurate terrain contour libraries of the sub-continent, TAR , central asia and indo-china.This should eventually result in our own TERCOM which allows our fighters and missiles to navigate lo-lo profiles in complete radio silence.

In the aerospace domain , we need to enough groud stations supporting GAGAN.A dual use navigation system which rivals the BEIDOU in terms of accuracy and coverage. It is only then that our CM/BM inventory and aircraft can switch to GAGAN from GPS/GLOSNASS.

Any war with China in this decade will be fought on the back of 4th and 4.5th Gen aircraft.Even the PLAAF will not be able to field J-20 , FC-31s in adequate numbers. So the primary adversary for the IAF shall be the J-10 , J-11 and J-16

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