As the 27th Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari has relentlessly been working to ensure that Indian Air Force emerges as a modern fighting force, capable of defending its borders along with force projection outside by transforming itself for the future.
In an email interview with Raksha Anirveda to mark the 90th Anniversary of Indian Air Force Day 2022, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the Chief of the Air Staff, responded holistically and in detail to the questionnaire. Edited excerpts:
Indigenisation vs Effectiveness is an old debate. What is your opinion of making up the deficit of IAF fighter squadrons with indigenous Tejas LCA to make up the 45 squadrons to tackle a two-front war scenario? Of course, there would be Rafales and other cutting-edge aircraft that we are to acquire?
Currently, the IAF has 31 active fighter Squadrons. Over the years, we have strived to arrest the draw-down of our fighter fleet and now we are in the process of gradually building up to the approved level of 42 squadrons. The IAF would need an infusion of around 20 Squadrons in the next 10-15 years. Various approaches are being adopted to ensure that this is realised within time, budget and under the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. Presently, the IAF is fully capable of defending the nation using its modern fleet along with the relatively older equipment.
The contract for 83 LCA Mk 1A has already been signed. Their induction should commence in 2024. IAF has planned for inducting six Squadrons of LCA Mk 2 and seven squadron of AMCA, when developed. IAF has also planned a phased induction of the MRFA and the indigenously developed enhanced variants of the LCA aircraft over the next 10-15 years.
Does the ongoing Indian effort to set up theatre commands, separate air defence command in any way diminish the role of the air force from what it is now? There has been a controversy on this in the recent past. What is your take?
The role of Air Power emanates from the perceived threat and joint response plan. The challenge of any effort for restructuring is to enable the best possible exploitation of all mediums, including that of air. The reforms should enable doctrinal freedom for harnessing the complete combat potential of every medium in a joint war-fighting environment. Air Defence operations are inextricably linked to Counter Air Operations and all offensive ops, as the success or failure of one, will dictate the demands on the other. Air Defence and offensive missions are interdependent and if executed in isolation, these would not only be disjointed but also ineffective in design or execution of the joint strategy.
From technology taken from the US to Russian to the French and to more – say for instance, integrating and amalgamating the Russian S-400 with French Rafales or American Apache and Chinooks—how has the issue of compatibility of the various technologies been addressed by the IAF in particular and the Indian military in general? Is it a challenge that has been overcome or in the process of being overcome?
IAF has sensors & weapon systems of varied origins operating together since inception. The integration of systems was then achieved through procedural solutions. With advent of new technologies and our focussed effort towards NCO, now we have technological solutions for integration. These technological solutions are totally indigenous and we have made good progress on this account. The networking of sensors has given an advantage in terms of responsiveness and redundancy.
Do you believe there is something like a 100 percent transfer of state-of-the-art technology? In military trade, are countries like India taken for a ride by sellers by promising the moon and not delivering on promises?
A 100 percent transfer of state-of-the-art technology may not be possible due to the restricted nature of a few core technologies. However, the IAF as a buyer strives hard to maximize Transfer of Technology (ToT) percentage from the Sellers. The efforts during such transfers are to acquire the key technologies needed by the Indian defence sector that can be effectively utilized towards achieving the set operational requirements. It may also be noted that strategic autonomy of a nation is lost if it is dependent on others for its technological needs. That is why, it is extremely important that an environment of spurring innovation is created in the country and both the government and user support this endeavour which is being done through Atmanirbharata.
How far are we into developing aero-engines? Has it been a failed effort till now? What have the main challenges been?
Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), DRDO has planned to develop an indigenous engine for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-II. The engine requirements have been worked out by GTRE. The engine has been proposed to be developed in collaboration with an International engine design house. This would ensure a better risk mitigation strategy and greater chance of success. We are sure that with the ongoing drive of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the challenges being faced by these agencies would be overcome.
