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  • Time IAF Upgraded its Largest Combat Fleet

    While Rafale’s enhanced combat capabilities has added punch to India’s airpower, the developing threat scenario in India’s neighbourhood lends urgency to upgrading the IAF’s largest combat fleet, the Sukhoi fighters, to retain edge over the enemy.

    September 30, 2020

    Chinmay Khadke asked: Is there any ToT involved in C295 transport aircraft to be built by Tata-Airbus in India? What can be its implications for the aviation manufacturing ecosystem? Any potential civilian transport use of aircraft?

    Kishore Kumar Khera replies: A contract for procurement of 62 C295 aircraft is under consideration for replacement of 56 HS748 Avro for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the balance six aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard. Of these, 16 aircraft are to be built by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the balance aircraft will be manufactured in India. To facilitate aircraft manufacturing in India, certain Transfer of technology (ToT) is inevitable.

    Vineet Ravindran asked: Is there a scope of India developing a 6th generation fighter aircraft in the future, considering that the US and Europe have already started working on it?

    Kishore Kumar Khera replies: The rate at which the character of war is transforming and technology evolving, manned combat aircraft, as we know them, may lose their relevance. Much of the kinetic force application in future may be based on unmanned systems and high speed long range weapons launched from arsenal aircraft. The world combat aircraft inventory has already decreased by over 57 per cent in the last three decades and the same trend is expected to continue.

    Vineet Ravindran asked: Does India need a 5th generation stealth fighter besides AMCA, considering that Su-30 is the only heavy fighter IAF has in its inventory in numbers?

    Kishore Kumar Khera replies: The nature and type of combat force depends on the national security imperatives. In our context, Indian aerospace power needs to ensure the requisite capability to protect our national interests. As the operational environment in our region changes with the induction of new technology, Indian aerospace power needs to keep pace to retain relevance. Therefore, induction of the next generation combat capability is essential in the coming decade.

    Shyam Krishnan asked: Indian Navy wants 4.5th Gen TEDBF Aircraft to replace MIG 29K after 2030. India’s 5th Gen AMCA Mark 1 will be ready by 2030. Can a naval version of AMCA be developed for this requirement?

    Kishore Kumar Khera replies: Development of a complex system like a combat aircraft is a time and resource-intensive process. The first stage of the development process is defining the operational requirements that the combat aircraft must meet. These are formalised as Qualitative Requirements (QRs). The entire conceptualisation, design, development, testing and production of the aircraft is based on these qualitative requirements.

    Vivek Singh asked: How is the future of Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA)? Is there a possibility of it being merged with some other department?

    Kishore Kumar Khera replies:: The Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) under Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the regulatory authority for Quality Assurance (QA) and final acceptance of military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aero engines, airborne systems, avionics, armaments, consumables, allied ground systems and missiles during design & development, production, repair, modification and overhaul at various defence public sector undert

    Sayan Chowdhury asked: As PAF doctrine primarily relies upon large force engagement (LFE) in small area battlespace – visible in February 2019 Op Swift Retort – what doctrinal change should IAF make?

    Kishore Kumar Khera replies: Operation Swift Retort does not indicate any doctrinal assertion. It was a plan to undertake a limited offensive operation at shallow depth using long-range guided munitions to minimise exposure of mother aircraft from any possible reaction. To ensure the safety of weapon delivering aircraft, a number of support aircraft undertake simultaneous operations with specific missions.

    Defining the Charter of Chief of Defence Staff

    Having decided to create the post of CDS, the next logical step for the government is to define its charter of duties and responsibilities. The government needs to examine not just the CDS’s role as a single-point military advisor, but also his role in other matters that are equally important in driving critical defence reforms.

    November 21, 2019

    CDS: A Pragmatic Blueprint Required for Implementation

    The blueprint for the operationalisation of CDS would require intensive deliberation to make sure that no aspect of its implementation is left unaddressed.

    August 30, 2019

    Appointment of Chief of Defence Staff: A Historic Decision

    The decision to appoint CDS is an important milestone in India’s quest for complete integration of its defence forces; a significant step towards seamless coordination, better efficiency, and greater effectiveness of the national defence architecture in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

    August 29, 2019

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