5 INDIAN AIR FORCE 41

5 INDIAN AIR FORCE 41

Indian Air Force today is transforming itself into a formidable aerospace force with long reach and superior striking capabilities well supported by technological advancements 5.1 Indian Air Force (IAF) today is transforming itself into a formidable aerospace force with long reach and superior striking capabilities well supported by technological advancements. The focus over the coming years would be to undertake continuous upgradation in the priority areas of Operational Capabilities, Infrastructure Development and Sound Security Environment. In pursuance of this strategy, IAF has initiated a blueprint for the overhaul of the combat potential of its fleets. It also intends to strengthen the Air Defence network, through induction of modern radars and weapons. The IAF has reinforced its emphasis on Networkcentric operations, Electronic warfare and Information warfare. Operational capability is being strengthened by bringing these force multipliers in its doctrinal fold. IAF is also focusing on enhancing the quality of training to meet future challenges by inducting Basic, Intermediate and Advance trainers and Simulators. Modernization of the operational and technical infrastructure is also being undertaken to provide the desired combat support. IAF s plans factor in geo-strategic and security challenges in the region to address operations across the spectrum of war. ACQUISITION AND UPGRADES 5.2 Mirage 2000 Upgrade: Mirage 2000 aircraft is in operation with the Indian Air Force for over two and half decades. Considering a robust airframe and engine design coupled with high fleet availability, it has been decided to upgrade this potent aircraft. The Mirage Upgrade contract has been signed between Ministry of Defence and M/s Thales and M/s Dassault Aviation. Mirage-2000 5.3 Induction of C-17: C-17 aircraft are planned to be inducted into IAF in 2013. These aircraft are capable of very heavy lift operations and can take-off and land from short runways with ability to operate by 42

day and night under all weather conditions. They are capable of sustained long range operations. used for Air maintenance, Army support operations in the Tactical Battle Area (TBA) and Special operations significantly enhancing the operational potential and war waging capability of the IAF. C-17 in Take-off Mode MI-17 V5 5.4 Induction of Mi-17 V5: The Indo5.5 Basic Trainer Aircraft: IAF has signed Russian defence deal worth over $ 1.31 a contract with M/s Pilatus, Switzerland for billion USD was signed in December procurement of PC-7 MK II trainer aircraft 2008, under which M/s Rosoboron Export in May 2012. The delivery of aircraft will of Russia would supply 80 Mi-17 V5 to commence from February 2013 with the IAF. This helicopter is specially designed delivery of all the aircrafts by September to meet the requirement of IAF and has 2015. additional western avionics, full glass cockpit, advanced autopilot and new aeroair DEFENCE NETWORK engine for high altitude operations. These 5.6 A large number of inductions have helicopters are Night Vision Goggles (NVG) been envisaged, not only to replace the compatible and appropriately protected vintage/ old generation sensors with to facilitate night operations in a hostile latest state of the art technology sensors, environment. Depending on the role equipment IAF has signed a contract with but also to procure sensors installed on the aircraft, it M/s Pilatus, Switzerland for additional can be used in Transport procurement of PC-7 MK II to ensure a robust operations; Paratroopers trainer aircraft in May 2012. surveillance capability. Transport operations, The delivery of aircraft will The details of these Search and Rescue commence from February 2013 new acquisitions are with the delivery of all the covered in succeeding operations and Medevac aircrafts by September 2015. paragraphs. missions. It can also be 43

5.7 Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): Towards Network centricity, the IACCS project was conceptualised to automate and integrate the functionaries of the entire spectrum of Air Operations.The system was conceived to be executed in two stages. The first stage is already operational. Further expansion is planned to achieve complete net centricity in operations, in the near future. 5.8 AWACS: Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) have been procured to significantly enhance the effectiveness of both offensive and defensive operations of the IAF. 5.9 Radar: IAF is in the process of procuring various ground radars to enhance the Air Defence surveillance capability of Indian air space through the procurement of Medium Power Radar, Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR), Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) and Mountain Radar to give a near gap free coverage of Indian Air Space. 5.10 IAF has been modernising its inventory as per its long term plan. The modernisation process includes new inductions, as well as upgradation of the existing weapon systems and platforms. Operational and maintenance support systems are also being upgraded as a part of the capability build up. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES 5.11 MAFI Project: IAF has embarked upon large scale upgradation of all the airfields which includes extension/ resurfacing of runways, improvement of associated manoeuvring areas and installation of modern navigational aids, being procured under the Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) project. This upgradation will facilitate 24 x 7 all weather operations and lead to a manifold increase in the safety of civil/ military air operations in Indian airspace. AEROSPACE SAFETY 5.12 In order to maintain high aerospace safety standards constant efforts are being made at various levels. These include defect investigations and meticulous follow-up of the recommendations of the defect investigation agencies, in order to prevent recurrence of serious defects. Upgradation of skills of air warriors through well-planned and sustained effort has been undertaken for achieving this goal. 5.13 Accident Statistics: IAF has brought down the Cat-1 accident rate with a combination of focused strategy and determined efforts. The major causes for accidents have been Technical Defects and Human Error (Aircrew). A number of proactive measures have been initiated to reduce the accident rate in the IAF. OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 5.14 Aerospace Safety Lecture and Short Interaction Visits: Aerospace Safety interaction visits have been undertaken to 44

8 Flying Stations. In addition to the regular visits, tours to 13 additional bases were conducted for lectures and interactions. The major aims of these are dissemination of information about the latest initiatives to a wider audience; to glean the working conditions at the field level and check compliance of the major policy decisions. 5.15 Simulators: The procurement of simulators is built into the contracts of all aircraft that the IAF is in the process of procuring. This includes Full Motion Full Mission Simulators (FMFMS), Fixed Base Full Mission Simulator (FBFMS), Flight Training Devices (FTD), Cockpit Procedure Trainers (CPT), Part Task Trainers (PTT), Avionics Part Task Trainer (APTT), Practice Procedure Platform (PPP) and Computer Aided Learning Systems (CALS-for the technicians). Availability of adequate number of simulators would assist in enhancing the skill level of pilots in the IAF. 5.16 Quality Audits: Joint Quality Review Committee (JQRC) comprising members from IAF, HAL, Director General Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), Centre for Military Air Worthiness Certification (CEMILAC) visits all the operating bases and repair agencies to study various Flight Safety, Maintenance Safety and other operational/techno-logistics issues affecting the fleet. The joint quality audits undertaken in the last one year were for Jaguar, Mirage-2000, SU-30MK-I and Hawk aircraft. INTERNATIONAL TRAINING/EXERCISE 5.17 As part of International Defence Cooperation, IAF is engaged with the Air Forces of various friendly foreign countries through conduct of Air Staff Talks, professional exchange visits, conduct of air exercises and sports events. Details of these activities are mentioned in the succeeding paragraphs. 5.18 Joint Military Training -2012: As part of Indo - Singapore Defence Cooperation, Exercise JMT-12 with Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), was conducted from October 20 to December 2, 2012 under the provision of renewed Bilateral Agreement between the Governments of India and Singapore. 5.19 Other International Joint Exercises: Indo Mongolia Joint Exercise Nomadic Elephant, Indo-Thailand Exercise Maitree and Indo-US Joint Special Forces training Exercise Vajraprahar are the three joint exercises that have already been conducted with Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). Medium Lift Helicopter (MLH) of the IAF are contributing extensively in these exercises showcasing the joint-ness of our defence forces. 5.20 All joint training/ exercises are conducted under the aegis of Annual Training Programme Yojna to cater for synergised training of three services. IAF provides air effort for all joint training/ exercises which are planned in coordination 45

with other services for a common training goal. INFRASTRUCTURE 5.21 Development of Infrastructure in J&K Sector: Infrastructure works sanctioned during FYs 2010-11 and 2011-12 are under execution and works services have been planned through Annual Major Works Programme (AMWP)/ Special Project route in the Northern area during the current financial year. 5.22 Impetus to Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development is one of the thrust areas of IAF. The infrastructural development budget has seen a substantial increase under the 12 th Five Year Plan, as compared to the 11 th Plan. 5.23 AMWP budget ceiling has increased in FY 2012-13. In addition, Special Projects have also been approved during the current FY. Concerted and consistent efforts are being made by IAF to achieve 100% AMWP target like the preceding financial year. 5.24 Infrastructure Development in North-East Area: Towards strengthening our Air Power in North-East region, a special project for infrastructure development was approved in April 2009. 5.25 Married Accommodation Project: With an aim to provide 100% married accommodation for uniformed personnel, a total of 7805 Dwelling Units (DUs) for IAF were to be constructed in Phase-I, out of which 7465 DUs have been completed and allotted for occupation. 340 DUs are under construction at Pune. 46