New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) may have to look at other fighter platforms if there are delays in the development of the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on the eve of Air Force Day.
“We may have to look at other fighter platforms in case of delays in AMCA fifth-gen, other programmes,” the Indian air chief said, according to PTI.
The IAF suffers from a shortage of fighter aircraft required to handle defences along two fronts. It currently has 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42. The force needs to induct 36 to 40 fighter aircraft every year to address the shortfall, ACM Singh said.
Even as various options are being explored to develop the indigenous AMCA, the IAF is pursuing multiple programmes to strengthen its fighter fleet.
The air chief said that Russia has offered its Su-57 Fifth generation jets to India, but no decision has been taken on the proposal, on the possibility of an alternative fifth-generation fighter.
Russia has publicly pitched the Su-57 to India, with the country’s president Vladimir Putin also offering joint production of the aircraft in India during his recent visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. The IAF has not taken a decision on the Russian offer as yet, ACM Singh’s remarks indicated.
The IAF chief also said that the deal for additional multirole fighters may be finalised in the current financial year, but it would depend on several other factors.
The programme involves the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighters. The Defence Acquisition Council has already granted Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement, with the government saying the majority of the aircraft would be manufactured in India.
The Rafale procurement process has since progressed, with India finalising its request for 114 aircraft. The proposed acquisition envisages around 90 aircraft being manufactured in India, while the remaining jets would be supplied in fly-away condition. The government is looking to conclude the contract by the end of the current financial year, as reported by The Times of India.
ACM Singh also highlighted the need to transform the IAF through emerging technologies.
“We have to have an AI-augmented force,” Singh said, underlining the growing role of artificial intelligence in future military operations, as reported by PTI.
He said the IAF is increasing the number of drones and loitering munitions but does not see a requirement for a separate drone force.
“Drones are not revolutionary to the Indian Air Force, but evolutionary,” he said.
The air force chief said drones and loitering munitions should remain part of the existing force structure and operate alongside other weapons rather than being employed independently.
ACM Singh also stressed the importance of self-reliance for the IAF’s combat capability.
“Self-reliance is crucial for overall combat readiness,” he said,
He also stressed the need for an indigenous fighter jet engine, saying India needs to take a decision on at least one such programme.
On flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, ACM Singh IAF said the his actions were exceptionally brave and demonstrated strong resolve.
“What he has done is exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us,” he said.