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Indian Airforce
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Technological changes have ushered in an era of air power taking up position of dominance and changing the very nature of conventional warfare. This was amply evident from WW II in which air supremacy laid the foundation for victories on land and sea. Hence, any nation that aspires to enhance its influence beyond its frontiers; ought to have a strong and a viable Air Force.
Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) was established on 8 October 1932, with the prime responsibility of conducting air-based warfare and securing Indian airspace. The first flight of No 1 Squadron was formed with Wapiti aircraft at Drigh Road Karachi on 1 April, 1933. During the inter-war period, RIAF went through a phase of steady expansion and number of combat squadrons increased to nine, with a primary role of 'Army Cooperation'.
Indian leadership in the year 2000 drew an ambitious plan envisaging India to be recognized in the community of developed nations by 2020. Consequently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) defined its vision for 2020 and under the proposed plan.
The proposed plan includes acquisition of more advanced fighters, sophisticated defense systems and smart long-range weapons, for which IAF would require huge funding over the next decade. However, besides exorbitant spending, IAF would also need the support of a modern aerospace industry and research and development establishment to sustain it. IAF plans to accomplish these objectives by 2020. The doctrinal changes and the developmental plans of the IAF are viewed with great suspicion by its neighbors and arch rivals; PLAAF and PAF. The stage seems set to witness a rapid induction of hi tech weapon systems and equipment in the South Asian region during the decade or so alongside improving in the fields of respective strategic capabilities.
2.0 STRUCTURE AND COMMANDS
Chief of the Air Staff with the rank of Air Chief Marshal is the Commander of the Indian Air Force. He is assisted by six officers, all with the rank of Air Marshal.
The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, whereas the responsibility of functional commands is to maintain combat readiness. Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. Aside from the Training Command at Bangalore, the centre for primary flight training is located at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Advanced officer training for command positions is also conducted at the Defence Services Staff College; specialised advanced flight training schools are located at Bidar, Karnataka, and Hakimpet, Andhra Pradesh (also the location for helicopter training). Technical schools are found at a number of other locations.
Operational Commands
- Central Air Command (CAC), headquartered at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Eastern Air Command (EAC), headquartered at Shillong, Meghalaya
- Southern Air Command (SAC), headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- South Western Air Command (SWAC), headquartered at Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Western Air Command (WAC), headquartered at Subroto Park, New Delhi
Functional Commands
- Training Command (TC), headquartered at Bangalore, Karnataka
- Maintenance Command (MC), headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra
Other establishments of the Indian Air force include, The Garud Commando Force, the Integrated Space Cell and various other display teams.
3.0 MAJOR OPERATIONS
3.1 First Kashmir war
After gaining independence from the British Empire in 1947, conflict broke out between India and Pakistan over the control of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. With Pakistani forces moving into the state, its Maharaja decided to accede to India in order to receive military help. The day after the instrument of Accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to transport troops into the war-zone. And this was when a good management of logistics came into help. This led to the eruption of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, though there was no formal declaration of war. During the war, the RIAF did not engage the Pakistan Air Force in air-to-air combat; however, it did provide effective transport and close air support to the Indian troops.
3. 2 Liberation of Goa
In 1961, after failure of negotiations, the Indian government decided to deploy the armed forces in an effort to expel Portugal from the enclaves of Goa, Daman and Diu. The Indian Air Force was requested to provide support elements to the ground force in what was called Operation Vijay. Probing flights by some fighters and bombers were carried out from 8-18 December to draw out the Portuguese Air Force, but to no avail. On 18 December, two waves of Canberra bombers bombed the runway of Dabolim airfield taking care not to bomb the Terminals and the ATC tower. Two Portuguese transport aircraft (a Super Constellation and a DC-6) found on the airfield were left alone so that they can be captured intact. However the Portuguese pilots managed to take off the aircraft from the still damaged airfield and made their getaway to Portugal. Hunters, Vampires, Mystères and Ouragans (called Toofanis in the IAF) were deployed.
3.3 The 1971 Bangladesh war
On 3 December, 1971, India formally declared war against Pakistan following massive preemptive strikes by the PAF against Indian Air Force installations in Srinagar, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur. However, there were no significant damages as this move was anticipated by the IAF. The IAF was quick to respond and within the first two weeks had carried out almost 2,000 sorties over East Pakistan. It also provided close air support to the advancing Indian Army. The IAF also assisted the Indian Navy in its operations against the Pakistani Navy and Maritime Security Agency in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. On the western front, the IAF destroyed more than 29 Pakistani tanks, 40 APCs and a railway train during the Battle of Longewala.
Towards the end of the war, IAF's transport planes dropped leaflets over Dhaka urging the Pakistani forces to surrender, demoralising Pakistani troops in East Pakistan.
3.4 The 1999 Kargil war
On 11 May 1999, the Indian Air Force was called in to provide close air support to the Indian Army at the height of the ongoing Kargil conflict with the use of helicopters. The IAF strike was code named Operation Safed Sagar. The first strikes were launched on 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships. The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with MiG-21s and later MiG-29s providing fighter cover. The IAF also deployed its radars and the MiG-29 fighters in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border. Srinagar Airport was at this time closed to civilian air-traffic and dedicated to the Indian Air Force.
On 27 May, the Indian Air Force suffered its first fatality when it lost a MiG-21 and a MiG-27 in quick succession. The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000. The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and severely disrupted their supply lines. Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo and the heavily defended Tiger Hill and paved the way for their early recapture. At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region. By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully repulsed the Pakistani forces from Kargil.
3.5 UN operations
The IAF has also been called upon to play crucial roles in the United Nations peace keeping operations. Some of the major IAF involvements were in Congo and Sierra Leonne.
4.0 IAF Today
IAF today is the fourth largest air force in the world. It is among the world's top ten countries in terms of defense expenditure and third-largest importer of defense hardware. IAF is focusing on the procurement of long range, lethal and precision guided munitions, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition system. India's military spending amount to roughly over 2% of GDP and its military budget is expected to grow by 7% annually . In the process of its modernization effort since the late 1990s, size of the IAF has decreased during this period because of the retirement of older aircraft and lAF's current strength has dropped to an all-time low of some 29 combat squadrons against the authorized level of 39.
However, IAF still has over 800 combat aircraft with a balanced mix of offensive and defensive capability, having the potential for undertaking entire spectrum of air operations. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the mainstay of IAF with multiple role capability. The IAF has ordered for a total of 272 Su-30MKIs 17 of which 159 were in service as of June 2011.
The Indian Air Force has aircraft and equipment of Russian (erstwhile Soviet Union), British, French, Israeli, U.S. and Indian origins with Russian aircraft dominating its inventory. HAL produces some of the Russian and British aircraft in India under licence. The exact number of aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force cannot be determined with precision from open sources. Various reliable sources provide notably divergent estimates for a variety of high-visibility aircraft.
4.1 Airborne early warning aircraft
The IAF currently operates the EL/W-2090 Phalcon AEW&C. A total of three such systems are currently in service, with possible orders for two more. The Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEWACS) is a project of India's DRDO to develop an AWACS system for the Indian Air Force. The DRDO AEWACS program aims to deliver three radar-equipped surveillance aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The aircraft platform selected was the Embraer ERJ 145. Three ERJ 145 were procured from Embraer at a cost of US $ 300 Million, including the contracted modifications to the airframe. Probable delivery date for the first batch of three is 2015.
4.2 Multi-role fighters and strike aircraft
The IAF's primary air superiority fighter with the additional capability to conduct air-ground (strike) missions is Sukhoi Su-30MKI. The IAF have placed an order for a total of 272 Su-30MKIs of which 170 are in service as of 2013. The Mikoyan MiG-29 known as Baaz (Hindi for Hawk) is a dedicated air superiority fighter and constitutes a second line of defence after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. 66 MiG-29s are in service, all of which are currently being upgraded to the MiG-29UPG standard. The Dassault Mirage 2000, known as Vajra (Sanskrit for Thunderbolt) in Indian service, is the primary multirole fighter. The IAF currently operates 51 Mirage 2000Hs which are currently being upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 MK2 standard. The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 serves as an Interceptor aircraft in the IAF. The IAF have phased out most of its MiG-21s and plans to keep only 125 that have been upgraded to MiG-21 Bison standard. These aircraft will be phased out between 2014 and 2017. The MiG-21s are planned to be replaced by the indigenously built HAL Tejas.
The SEPECAT Jaguar known as Shamsher and the Mikoyan MiG-27 known as Bahadur (Hindi for Valiant) serve as the IAF's primary ground attack force. The IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars and over 100 MiG-27s.
4.3 Tanker and transport aircraft
The IAF currently operates 6 Ilyushin II-78MKIs in the aerial refueling (tanker) role. For strategic military transport operations the IAF uses the Ilyushin Il-76 known as Gajraj (Hindi for King Elephant) in Indian service. The IAF currently operates 17 Il-76s, which are to be replaced by a number of C-17 Globemaster IIIs in the near future. Six globemaster had been inducted by July 2014.
The C-130J of the IAF is used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations. There are currently 6 C-130Js in service. The Antonov An-32 known as Sutlej (name of an Indian river) serves as medium transport aircraft in the IAF. The aircraft is also used in bombing roles and para-dropping operations. The IAF currently operates 105 An-32s, all of which are being upgraded. The Dornier Do 228 serves as light transport aircraft in the IAF. The IAF also operates Boeing 737s and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft as VIP transports and passenger airliners for troops. Other VIP transport aircraft are used for both the President of India and the Prime Minister of India under the call sign Air India One.
The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 once formed the backbone of the IAF's transport fleet, but are now used mainly for training and communication duties. A replacement is under consideration.
4.4 Trainer aircraft
The HAL HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets. The HPT-32 was grounded in July 2009 following a crash that killed two senior flight instructors, but was revived in May 2010 and is to be fitted with a parachute recovery system (PRS) to enhance survivability during an emergency in the air and to bring the trainer down safely. The HPT-32 is to be phased out soon. The IAF uses the HAL HJT-16 Kiran mk. I for intermediate flight training of cadets, while the HJT-16 Kiran mk.II provides advanced flight and weapons training.The HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 is also operated by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF. The Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara. The BAE Hawk Mk 132 serves as an advanced jet trainer in the IAF and is progressively replacing the Kiran Mk.II. The IAF has begun the process of converting the Surya Kiran display team to Hawks. A total of 106 BAE Hawk trainers have been ordered by the IAF of which 39 have entered service as of July 2010.
The purchase of 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II aircraft was cleared by the Cabinet Committee. The decision has been made in the wake of acute shortage of basic trainer aircraft. On 24 May 2012, IAF signed a Rs 2800 crore deal with Pilatus Aircraft to purchase 75 PC-7s. Another 37 of these planes has been ordered under follow-on contract that will take the total planes with IAF to 112.
4.5 Helicopters
The HAL Dhruv serves primarily as a light utility helicopter in the IAF. In addition to transport and utility roles, newer Dhruvs are also used as attack helicopters. 4 Dhruvs are also operated by the Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team. The HAL Chetak is a light utility helicopter and is used primarily for training, rescue and light transport roles in the IAF. The HAL Chetak is being gradually replaced by HAL Dhruv. The HAL Cheetah is a light utility helicopter used for high altitude operations. It is used for both transport and search-and-rescue missions in the IAF. The Mil Mi-8 and the Mil Mi-17 are operated by the IAF for medium utility roles. The Mi-8 is being progressively replaced by the Mi-17. The IAF has ordered 80 Mi-17V-5s to replace and augment its existing fleet of Mi-8s and Mi-17s, with an order for 59 additional helicopters to follow soon. The Mil Mi-26 serves as a heavy lift helicopter in the IAF. It can also be used to transport troops or as a flying ambulance. The IAF currently operates 4 Mi-26s.
The Mil Mi-35 serves primarily as an attack helicopter in the IAF. The Mil Mi-35 can also act as a low-capacity troop transport. The IAF currently operates 2 squadrons (No.104 Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators) of Mi-25/35s.
4.6 Unmanned aerial vehicles
The IAF currently uses the IAI Searcher II and IAI Heron for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The IAI Harpy serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack radar systems.The IAF also operates the DRDO Lakshya which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training.
4.7 Land-based missile systems
Surface-to-air missile systems: The IAF currently operates the S-125 Pechora and the 9K33 Osa as Surface-to-air missile systems. The IAF has also inducted the Akash medium range surface-to-air missile system. A total of 8 squadrons has been ordered.
Ballistic missiles:The IAF currently operates the Prithvi-II short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). The Prithvi-II is an IAF-specific variant of the Prithvi ballistic missile.
5.0 IAF's Modernization Plan for 2020
In the nuclearised region, Indians do not see true surprise attacks by Pakistan and China and only "limited" conflicts are being anticipated in which the role of the IAF has become even more critical. In such scenarios, IAF would be expected to accomplish three objectives; firstly, successful completion of all the assigned tasks, secondly, neutralize whatever the adversary does, and lastly, be able to effectively support all the other armed services. "Implementing such a strategy successfully requires the IAF to maintain significant quantitative and qualitative superiority against Pakistan writ large and sufficient dissuasive power-flowing from the possession of both technical and operational edge against China in the likely theaters of operation".
lAF's drive to modernize itself gained momentum and support from the outcome of Kargil conflict. IAF leadership was able to prove the efficacy of air power during the conflict in which the air operations kept on developing with the passage of time. Hence, the recommendations by Kargil review committee laid the foundations for the IAF to get the largest chunk from the 15-year defense spending plan i.e. around $ 30 billion for the desired inductions and upgrades.
5.1 Aircraft and weapon systems
IAF has planned to increase the total number of its "air dominance combat jets" SU 30MKI order to a sizeable 272; the biggest aircraft deal with Russia since the MiG 21 deal with Soviet Union in 1968. IAF is already pursuing the upgrade of its fleet of Soviet-vintage Mig 29 fighters and IL 76 airlifters with the Russians, while the Indian Navy has asked for 45 naval versions MiG 29K.
LCA is a small, lightweight, supersonic, multi-role, single-seat fighter designed to function as a frontline, multi-mission tactical aircraft. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is being built indigenously in India and is primarily intended to replace the aging fleet of lAF's Mig-21s. IAF has a projected requirement of 220. Delay in the induction of LCA and phasing out schedule of Mig-21s has forced IAF to induct 126-200 fighter aircraft to cater for the depleting inventory. IAF has put up the qualifying requirements of its future Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) to manufacturers of Gripen, Rafale, Mig-35, Eurofighter and F-16/18. IAF leadership has been evaluating these options for a decade now but the evaluation and decision process has been extremely slow. India is also committed to partner the development of multirole transport aircraft (MTA) and russia’s fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). The committment extends to buying them after they become operational.
5.2 Force multipliers
The IAF since 1996, has successfully inducted IL-78s as Air-to-Air refuellers and modified some of its Jaguars, SU-30s, Mirages and Sea Harrier for the purpose. All IAF aircraft, including medium lift helicopters will have in-flight refuelling capability and the strategic aircraft assets would be augmented. The IL-78 tanker-transport force has endowed the IAF with incredible force multiplier capability even as the IL-76-mounted Phalcon AEW &C system will provide unprecedented long range target acquisition and identification, allowing operations to simultaneously perform a wide range of air land battle management functions.
IAF’s quest for force multipliers has made significant inroads into EW and Reconnaissance as well. IAF has rather extensive Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) gathering and reconnaissance assets available on its inventory. The bulk of the ELINT aircraft (B-707, An-32, and B-737) are operated under the auspices of the Aviation Research Center (ARC) and photographic reconnaissance assets are operated directly by the IAF. The recent introduction of high altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) gave the IAF its first significant experience with near real time reconnaissance capability. It is expected that by 2020 the defense forces will deploy dedicated satellites to enhance their intelligence gathering capabilities.
As regards to Airborne Early Warning (AEW) capability, IAF had been desperately trying to induct an AEW and Control aircraft into its fleet since early 1990s. The Russian A-50 AEW & C can pick up to 100 targets simultaneously and has a detection range of 230 km against a fighter size target. The Israeli Phalcon AEW System has coverage of 333 km and can deal with 500 targets in track while scan mode. IAF plans to induct three Phalcon based AWACS from Israel by 2007-0942 whereas indigenous AEW programme has been revived and maiden flight of the first aircraft is planned in 2011.
5.3 Training
The greatest challenge in IAF's modernization plan is to suitably deploy, adapt and sustain force levels, required to operate the sophisticated systems being inducted within such a short span of time and over such a vast area. The state of the art aircraft, smart weapon systems, complex sensors, space-based surveillance and reconnaissance systems, a network centric environment; all needs to be supported by an equally advanced and sophisticated training environment. The computer-based training systems, elaborate simulation devices for all disciplines, automated distance learning and evaluation systems, need to be placed in the loop now and not only for the officer cadre but at all levels of operators and leaders.
As regards to aircrew training, IAF offers a very rigorous schedule for its pilots. However, this is one issue that IAF leadership has not been able to resolve despite numerous studies and the proposals. The problem is particularly acute at the advanced fighter training level because the MiG Operational Flying Training Unit's (MOFTU) aircraft are now over 30 years old and in very poor state of repair. The IAF has been trying for years to purchase suitable Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) to ease the transition to high performance aircraft. IAF has now acquired 66 Hawk Advance Jet Trainers which is considered inadequate. The current fleet of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built HPT-32 type trainers have already been grounded since 2009 following a series of crashes.
5.4 Space programmes
Another dimension that the IAF is aspiring for is the 'space'. It has already formed an Aerospace Group which would lay the foundation for the Aerospace Command. According to Pandey, "While the concept of using space-based lethal weapon systems may yet lie in the realms of imagination, considerable progress has been made in the regime of communication and surveillance by space-based platforms using optical, radar and IR sensors". However, Indians do have an ambitious plan send a man on moon by 2020.
IAF is presently faced with a challenging task of transforming itself into a 'Space Power', because there are a number of organizations in the country which are dealing with matters related to space. Defense Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC) controls Indian Satellite-based image acquisition and operationalises only with the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) function. Whereas the other space applications such as Navigation, Communication, Search & Rescue, Early Warning, Space Control and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) need to be integrated with airpower to significantly enhance its potency. Newly formed Aerospace Group is tasked to interact with other departments and organizations dealing with space to enhance lAF's overall combat potential and now it would be the responsibility of this large network of organizations to help IAF in its endeavor to become a truly an Aerospace Power.
Indian leadership has aptly outlined its national objectives that India should emerge as an eminent power in Asia by 2020. In fact, India has everything that any great nation has had at any point in time in the history; manpower, knowledge, natural resources and above all its secular ideology which is acceptable to the western world. India is suitably placed and conveniently located, geographically, culturally and otherwise to play this role effectively.
In pursuance of its national objectives, "IAF is presently undergoing historical changes. From being subcontinental force, it is transforming itself to have continental reach and effect." IAF formulated its first ever Air Power Doctrine (APD) in 1995, which caters for the changing nature of air warfare and the challenges of operating under nuclear environment.
6.0 Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
Royal Pakistan Air Force (RPAF) was established soon after the partition of the subcontinent on August, 1947. Limited infrastructure of the British era existed on this side of the divide which remained active to fight against the local tribesmen of the tribal belt in the North West of the country. RPAF made a humble beginning with much lesser of its share of aircraft and equipment handed over by the outgoing servicemen of the British Empire. The prefix Royal was removed on 23 March, 1956 and since then it is called Pakistan Air Force (PAF). PAF has since its inception fought active wars as well as seen several periods of high tension with India.
PAF has been regarded as a professional force by its opponents as well as its allies. Pakistan, by virtue of being part of the western allies in the cold war era and afterwards as well, PAF has had the opportunity to operate state of the art aircraft and equipment of the times including US systems like F-86s, F-104s, and F-16s. However, soon after the Soviets left Afghanistan, tough economic and military sanctions were imposed by the US due to which Pakistan military in general and PAF in particular lost out on to any new acquisitions, upgrades and refurbishments of the aging equipment and hence the entire decade of the 1990s was consumed in maintaining and training on the relatively older equipment. It was only after 9/11 that the US developed interest in the region and Pakistan was once again requested for support assistance for the US and NATO operations in Afghanistan and hence the flow of money and machines resumed.
7.0 Conclusion
The impact of RMA technologies on the nature of warfare posses challenging demands on the future air power to be innovative and ubiquitous. The future wars would see an increasingly decisive and frequent employment of air power due to its coercive and deterrent capability through selective use of long range precision strike, strategic surveillance and other RMA technologies. Air Superiority or air dominance will remain the main mission of air power, although UAVs, UCAVs, satellites, and Cruise Missiles may be increasingly employed to reinforce the manned aircraft and the missile. IAF is therefore preparing itself to meet not only the challenges of the future but to become a dominant force in the region by 2020. But to transform this dream into a reality, firstly, it would require a concerted effort in R&D and indigenous design and development and more importantly the capacity to produce modern aircraft and equipment in the country. Indian Defense establishments are working hard to overcome the difficulties faced in projects like LCA, however they are determined to support as well as sustain the effort. Secondly, it would have faced a very strong and a potent force; PLAAF which is well underway to achieve the same with more men and machines. Therefore, it is expected that India would tread carefully in pursuit of its interests vis a vis China so as to avoid any active engagement of its military, particularly IAF vs PLAAF.
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