Status of fighter aircraft in India- Building the fighter fleet

Source: The post status of fighter aircraft in India has been created on the article “Building the fighter fleet” published in “Business standard” on 1st December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Science and technology- indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

News: The article talks about the Indian Air Force’s need for more fighter jets. Prime Minister Modi flew in a Tejas Mark 1 aircraft, showing support for Indian-made planes. The air force is upgrading with new technologies like AI and buying more aircraft, including advanced Tejas fighters. The navy also needs more jets for its aircraft carriers and chose French Rafale jets, aiming to use fewer types of aircraft.

What challenges do Indian Airforce face?

Shortage of Fighter Aircraft: The Indian Air Force is short of over 250 fighter jets, needing 42 squadrons but only having 30. The Navy also needs more than 50 fighter jets for its aircraft carriers.

Delays in Indigenous Aircraft Development: The indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft program has experienced delays, impacting the modernization and expansion of the fleet.

Challenges in Acquiring New Aircraft: Efforts like the 2007 tender for 126 multi-role combat aircraft did not fully materialize. The subsequent 2019 tender for 110 jets also did not fully materialize, highlighting the ongoing struggle to address the shortfall.

Operational Challenges Due to Diverse Fleet: The Air Force’s fleet comprises various aircraft types from different countries, complicating logistics and maintenance.

High Costs and Budget Constraints: The purchase process for new fighter jets, like the 2019 tender for 110 planes, could amount to an expense between $15 and $20 billion.

What are the implications of a shortfall in fighter aircraft for India?

Decreased Air Defense: With over 250 fighter jets short, the Indian Air Force can’t fully protect the airspace or attack enemy bases, without risking national security.

Impaired Offensive Capabilities: The shortfall limits the ability to damage enemy infrastructure, reducing strategic attack options.

Weakened Ground Support: Fewer jets mean less support for ground troops during conflicts.

Ineffectiveness at sea: A shortage of over 50 jets for aircraft carriers restricts the Navy’s operational effectiveness at sea.

Overall Military Readiness Impact: The combined shortfall in the Air Force and Navy hampers India’s overall military readiness and response capability.

What are the future plans for fighter aircraft in India?

Increasing Indigenous Production: India plans to boost its fleet with more domestically produced aircraft, like the Tejas Mark 1A and Mark 2 fighters.

Investment in New Technologies: The Air Force is focusing on integrating advanced technologies such as Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and modern missile systems.

Large Scale Procurement: The Indian Air Force is set to invest ₹2.5 to 3 trillion over the next 7-8 years for new aircraft, including light combat helicopters and an expanded fleet of Tejas fighters.

Navy’s Aircraft Upgrade: The Indian Navy has chosen to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France, focusing on streamlining its fighter fleet for carrier operations.

Adopting the OODA Loop Principle: Following the US Air Force’s tactical theory, the Indian Air Force is working to shorten its “Observe-Orient-Decide-Act” cycle. This will enhance the speed and efficiency of detecting and responding to threats.

Terminology used

OODA Loop Principle: The OODA loop, standing for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act, is a decision-making process involving four steps. It involves analyzing available data, contextualizing it, and swiftly making suitable decisions, with the flexibility to adjust as new information arises. This strategy works both for individuals and organizations and is especially effective in competitive environments. Here, reacting quicker to evolving situations than an adversary can provide a significant edge.

Question for practice:

Discuss the strategies and plans India is implementing to address the challenges faced by its Air Force and Navy in terms of fighter aircraft acquisition and modernization.