3 hrs ago
IAF May Seek Foreign Fifth-Generation Jets If AMCA Delays
India’s Air Force needs more fighter planes because it has fewer than its target number of squadrons.
Some Tejas planes have arrived later than expected.
The Air Force hopes to receive more Tejas planes and is discussing buying Rafale planes from France.
Its chief said India should move the home-built AMCA fighter programme forward.
If AMCA is delayed further, India may look at other fifth-generation planes.
Russia has offered a plane called the Su-57, but India has not decided whether to buy it.
The Air Force chief said reports that Pakistan might get advanced planes from China are worrying.
He also said how aircraft work together with other systems matters, not just the planes themselves.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said the IAF may consider foreign fifth-generation aircraft if the indigenous AMCA programme faces further delays.
The IAF has around 30 fighter squadrons, below its authorised strength of 42, and Singh said it needs 36 to 40 new fighters annually.
Delays in Tejas Mk-1A deliveries are worsening the shortfall; Singh hopes HAL will eventually deliver 24 aircraft a year.
Negotiations are under way for 114 Rafale fighters from France, with a deal possible this financial year if plans proceed.
Singh said Russia had offered the Su-57, but no decision had been made; reports of Pakistan potentially acquiring Chinese fifth-generation jets were a concern.
- Who
- Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and the Indian Air Force.
- What
- Singh said the IAF may consider alternative fifth-generation aircraft if the AMCA programme faces further delays, amid fighter shortages and delayed Tejas Mk-1A deliveries.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- When
- Saturday, at the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8; no year is specified.
- Why
- The IAF is below its authorised fighter-squadron strength, while delayed aircraft deliveries and reports of Pakistan potentially acquiring fifth-generation jets have raised concerns.
Key facts
- Current IAF fighter squadrons
- Around 30, compared with an authorised strength of 42.
- Annual fighter requirement
- Singh said the IAF needs to induct 36 to 40 fighter aircraft each year.
- Tejas Mk-1A contract
- The defence ministry signed a contract with HAL in February 2021 for 83 aircraft worth close to ₹48,000 crore.
- Tejas delivery schedule
- Deliveries were originally scheduled to begin in 2024; Singh said the delay had been significant.
- Proposed Rafale purchase
- The proposal is for 114 aircraft from France; negotiations are under way and a deal could be concluded during the current financial year if plans proceed.
- Possible alternative
- Russia has offered the Su-57; Singh said no decision had been taken.
Quotes
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
Chief of the Indian Air Force
“We possess the necessary capabilities. After all, it is not just about a single platform, but how that platform is integrated into the entire system.”
deccanchronicle.com
“There are even reports that their pilots are already undergoing training in China. Undoubtedly, this is a cause for concern.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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