SPECIAL REPORT
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Fighting Fit
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IAF modernisation needs to be sustained across the 12th and 13th plan periods
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C130J
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By Atul Chandra
Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will by 2012, have completed the first phase of its fifteen year modernisation plan that began in the year 2006 and was divided into three, five year plans namely the 11th, 12th and 13th plans, to be completed by the year 2022.
Air Chief Marshal (ACM) FH Major (retd) told FORCE that “the 11th plan period saw the IAF increase its capability tremendously with the finalisation of a number of acquisitions and has been a great plan period for the IAF.” He added that the biggest shift in IAF doctrine and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) also began in the 11th plan. This has seen the IAF move away from a threat or adversary based approach to a more realistic and flexible capability based approach.
Capability enhancement in all spectrums of warfare has been incorporated in the doctrine and while
part
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of this has been completed, more needs to be done.The modernisation process of the armed forces in
general and as ACM Major notes with satisfaction,
the “IAF in particular, has gained momentum in the last 4 to 5 years with adequate funding and governmental support. This initiative and momentum needs to be maintained.”
The highlight for the IAF in the 11th plan was the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) acquisition where the Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued; trials completed with the Dassault Rafale being selected and is now in the last stages of finalisation within the plan period itself. With its combat force level down to 34 squadrons, the IAF intends to maintain it at this level for the 12th plan. The first two upgraded MiG-29 air superiority fighters will also join the IAF in June this year. The finalisation of a Basic Trainer took place on fast track basis during this plan, with an order for the Pilatus PC-7 Mk-2 placed in the 11th plan itself. |
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