The IAF at 83: Interview with CAS
In his interview with Vayu on eve of the IAF’s 83rd anniversary, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha talks about the Rafale procurement, issues on the FGFA, development of the AMCA, timelines on the LCA, additional C-17s and on much else.
: Since your last interview with Vayu, much has changed for the IAF, for India and our regional security scenario. Which are the areas where you would like to priorities over the next decade, with ageing MiG-21 and MiG-27s having to be withdrawn without any replacement either identified or procured?
CAS: IAF is a technology- intensive organisation and skill development is a long drawn process. Our major challenge has always been to synchronise these two for optimum results. As a result of our critical self-analysis we, as an organisation, are focusing on processes rather than events. Our operational capability is dependent on five verticals namely equipment, training, infrastructure, procedures and force application, based on knowledge and in-depth analysis. Our capability at any instance is governed by the vertical least developed. Therefore, our endeavour is to keep all verticals moving up in sync. We are aggressively pursuing our acquisitions and simultaneously changing training philosophy and operational procedures to exploit our equipment profile fully. While infrastructure is being developed on ground to assist aerospace operations, minds are being trained for holistic capability development.
: The MMRCA tender stands formally withdrawn and there has been little movement since PM Modi’s April announcement on the direct purchase of 36 ‘flyaway’ Rafale fighters from France. Can you kindly comment on the status of this programme? Our belief is that at least twice that number of such fighters are required for a credible force level?
CAS: The contract negotiations for the 126 MMRCA had reached a stalemate and the process was not making any headway for almost two years. Realising the critical operational necessity of fighter aircraft in the IAF and likelihood of further delays in concluding the MMRCA contract negotiations, the Government of India decided to procure 36 Rafale aircraft from France through an inter-government route. The negotiations for the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft from France are presently in progress. The requirement of fighter aircraft for the IAF is known to the Government and it would take a decision on induction of additional fighter aircraft in due course.
:The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft ( FGFA) programme appears to be facing headwinds with issues regarding Indian workshare and the overall technical/ operational aspects of the Russian prototypes (SukhoiT-50). With Russia itself having reduced its procurement purchase to a single test and evaluation squadron, what are the IAF’s revised plans for procurement of this next generation fighter?
CAS: Th e Inter- Governmental Agreement ( IGA) for development and production of FGFA was signed on 18 October 2007 between India and Russia. The IGA had envisaged equal participation and funding by Indian and Russian sides in this project. There are certain issues involving technical features, cost and delivery timelines, which are being addressed at the highest level.
: Following from the previous question, is the IAF considering additional Su-30MKIs orders to bolster numbers in the shorter term?
CAS: Presently, IAF has 35 active fighter Squadrons against Government authorised strength of 42 Squadrons. The shortfall in fighter aircraft strength is planned to be made good through induction of the remaining contracted Su-30MKI, LCA, Rafale and other suitable fighter aircraft. We are not contemplating any additional procurement of Su-30MKI aircraft over and above the numbers already contracted for.
: The ADA-led AMCA programme is gaining momentum: kindly articulate the place of this new generation fighter in the IAF’s future order of battle. Is this to be a strike-oriented platform or more focused toward air-to-air engagements? How many aircraft of this type does the IAF intend to operate?
CAS: IAF is also looking forward to the development of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which will be our indigenous fifth generation fighter aircraft. The AMCA would be able to execute multiple roles. Since obsolescence management as well as capability enhancement is a continuous process, the AMCA is planned to be inducted when some of our current fourth and earlier generation fighter aircraft are phased out.
: After the first ‘series production’ Tejas LCA was delivered to the IAF in January this year, further production LCAs have yet to be handed over. What explains this inordinate delay, and what
impact will this have on timelines for its FOC and establishment of the first LCA squadrons? CAS: The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of LCA was achieved in December 2013. The documents for the first series production aircraft were handed over to the IAF on 17 January 2015; however, the aircraft is yet to be delivered to the IAF. IAF is ready to form the first LCA Squadron after receipt of the first four LCA, which is now expected in 2016. The first 20 LCA will be in IOC configuration; therefore, delay in Final Operational Clearance timelines has no impact on their delivery.
: The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will resume performing this year on new HAL-built Hawks, and we eagerly look forward to seeing them in the skies over Hindon on Air Force Day 2015. Could you share details about the re-formed team? When is the team expected to reach full display status?
CAS: The formation aerobatic team was resurrected in January 2015. The team has been allocated six Hawk Mk 132 aircraft to initially form a four-aircraft display team. The new team retains the ‘Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team’( SKAT) name and the aircraft colour scheme. The team is expected to carry out its first display on Air Force Day 2015 with four aircraft. The team would gradually build up to a full complement of nine aircraft in the future. Negotiations are underway to provide new Hawk Mk.132 aircraft for the team, with smoke generation capability that does not exist in the present Hawk Mk.132 aircraft.
:Recent reports have suggested that HAL’s IJT has not made substantial progress towards achieving IOC and that the MOD is even considering closing down the programme. The IAF has also floated an RFI to assess alternative options. What is ahead for the IAF’s intermediate training needs? Could the entire training sequence be revised along global lines, with Stage-II being taken care of by Hawk trainers and Stage-III with higher performance Lead-In Fighter Trainers (LIFTs)?
CAS: The Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer aircraft and Hawk advanced jet trainer are already fully integrated into the IAF’s training pattern. Both these trainer aircraft are supported by their respective simulators. Hence, IAF has initiated the process for conducting a flying training pattern based on two aircraft types: PC- 7 Mk. II and Hawk AJT, to replace the ‘three aircraft – three stages’ programme that had so far been in place. Limited number of flight cadets have already started training on this pattern wherein Stage-II is being conducted on PC-7 and the number of trainees will gradually go up with increase in the number of PC-7 Mk-II aircraft.
:The HAL HTT-40 is predicted to make its first flight within the year. Should this programme proceed satisfactorily and the type added to the IAF’s inventory, what are the challenges foreseen in operating two parallel basic
trainer types for the same (Stage-I) phase of training? CAS: The first flight of the HAL-built HTT- 40 that was earlier expected in June 2015 has now been rescheduled to December 2015. Although there would certainly be challenges in simultaneous operations of two different types of Basic Trainer Aircraft, I am sure they would not be insurmountable.
: The IAF has recently moved a proposal to purchase 3 additional Boeing C-17 heavy airlifters, but it is understood that Boeing only has a single new C-17 available for purchase. Is the IAF open to procuring low-hour C-17s from the USAF through an FMS deal?
CAS: In view of the long-term strategic airlift requirement of the IAF, we have initiated a case for the procurement of three additional C-17 aircraft. In case a need arises, all options would be considered for procuring these aircraft.
: Indradhanush 2015 was the IAF’s first foreign air exercise since ‘Red Flag’ in 2008, and there are reports that the IAF considering going back to the USA for another ‘ Red Flag’ exercise in 2016. Considering the importance of such bilateral/multilateral exercise, does the IAF plan to extend its foreign outreach along the lines of the Navy and Army, both of which services conduct regular joint exercises with regional as well as global nations?
CAS: IAF undertakes bilateral exercises with the Air Forces of a large number of friendly foreign countries like US, UK, Singapore, France, Oman, UAE etc. Last year the IAF conducted bilateral exercise with Russian Air Force both in India and Russia for the first time. The overall aim of these exercises is to enhance mutual operational understanding with different air forces. It exposes IAF aircrew to a near real-time scenario under safe and controlled conditions and presents opportunity to our aircrew to tackle new types of aerial and ground threats in large force engagements. IAF has also derived lessons from the experiences of the USAF through their participation in ‘ Red Flag’ earlier. The exercise provided exposure to aircrew in a near-realistic training environment. It also provided an insight into Network Centric Warfare (NCW) concepts of USAF that has helped IAF in refining its operational concepts.
: In April- May this year, the IAF took the lead in a mammoth multinational relief and rehabilitation effort following devastating earthquakes in Nepal. What were the challenges of working in such an environment, alongside various relief missions from around the world? What lessons has the IAF taken on board that may be applied to similar relief operations in the future?
CAS: It would be fair to state that ‘ Op Maitri’ has been the largest ever Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation conducted by IAF in any of our friendly countries, both in terms of assets, air effort and the time duration. It has not only earned goodwill from a friendly neighbouring country but also demonstrated India’s capability. It was a success in all respects. The challenges of working in a multinational environment are different from those of working within the boundaries of our country. However in our case, the aim of operation was clear from the word go. Our aim was to “render all possible support to the victims of the disaster in the fastest and most efficient manner.” With this aim, our cooperation with all multinational agencies was good. The Nepalese Army was the coordinating agency on ground. Certain requirements in aspects such as establishment of communications, procurement of HADR-specific medical stores and equipment were observed during ‘Op Maitri.’ Lessons in all these aspects have been drawn for future HADR operations.
: The Golden Jubilee of the IndoPak War of 1965 has been marked by various events, including the publication of several books encouraged by the Indian Air Force. The air war 50 years ago is regarded by many as having been a ‘draw’ but the December 1971 war was a clear victory for the IAF and the other armed forces. What are the plans to mark that seminal campaign and what is the status on establishment of a world standard IAF museum in Delhi coincident with the event?
CAS: The Commemoration of 50 Years of the Indo-Pak War of 1965’ has been marked by various events through August and September 2015 to honour our veterans and sacrifices of our martyrs. Establishment of the IAF Aerospace Museum in Delhi is not coincidental with this event and the case is being progressed vigorously with MoD. The plans for commemorating the 1971 War will be finalised at an appropriate time.
: On the eve of the IAF’s 83rd anniversary, what is your message to the air-warriors under your command, and also to the young men and women of the country who will make up the ranks of the IAF in the near future?
CAS: Over the last eight decades the Indian Air Force has modernised itself into a professional force that ranks amongst the most competent and respected Air Forces in the world. I am extremely proud of our operational achievements in spite of resource constraint and extremely challenging conditions. The competence and synergy displayed by everyone was indicative of a well-trained cohesive team striving for victory against all odds. I urge each one of you to remain anchored to our core values and continue honing your skills with single-minded devotion.
Over the years IAF has taken great strides in transforming itself into a formidable force with multi-spectrum capability. The challenges of transformation in terms of creation of appropriate infrastructure, training of Air Warriors in absorbing high- end technology and expeditious operationalisation of weapon systems are being met through dedicated hard work and professional competence. With the induction of new generation aircraft, IAF has acquired greater capacity for airlift and strategic reach, which has enabled effective conduct of Out of Area Contingency Operations. Forthcoming inductions such as MMRCA, attack helicopters, heavy lift helicopters, force enhancers, SAGW and AD radars along with upgrading of airfield infrastructure and communications network will provide unprecedented operational capabilities to the IAF. We need to train extensively so as to exploit these capabilities effectively.
Our people are our most valuable assets and in consonance with IAF’s vision ‘People First Mission Always’ we have reviewed our human resources policies to ensure professional growth of our Air Warriors. A strong, motivated and cohesive team, which is dependent on the professional competency of each member, is the key to success. Therefore, each Air Warrior must aim to achieve high degree of professional knowledge and exemplary standards. Creation and upgradation of infrastructure for sports and games, living accommodation and auditoriums have provided an impetus to enhanced quality of life and standard of living of our personnel.
As we rededicate ourselves today, we take the opportunity to pay tribute to our veterans and acknowledge their outstanding contributions. Events towards commemoration of the 1965 Indo- Pak War were organised throughout the year specially to honour our martyrs and war veterans. We are immensely indebted to our brave pioneers who endured tremendous hardship during the formative years of the IAF. On behalf of all serving Air Warriors, I salute their tenacity and leadership. Their vision will always serve as a beacon and will guide us in the completion of our mission with honour and pride.