http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/211102/editor/opi5.htm
Air Marshal (Retd) Ayaz Ahmed Khan
Going by numbers the Indian Air Force (IAF) is big. It has 1200 aircraft; 800 of which are combat aircraft. The IAF also suffers the biggest number of air and ground accidents per year. It suffers the biggest numbers of pilot casualties annually. During the last 10 years the IAF lost 250 MiG-21 fighters in air crashes, and ground accidents. About 150 IAF fighter pilots died in these MiG-21 crashes.
Another 200 fighter aircraft including Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, MiG-29s, MiG-27s, MiG-25s and MiG-23s have been lost during the same period in air crashes and ground accidents. Another 100 IAF fighter pilots have died during the last decade; the total tally of dead pilots being 250, and crashed aircraft 450. Thus the IAF is a big peacetime loser of combat aircraft and pilots. Such losses surely has had a telling effect on IAF’s fighting capability, and the combat efficiency and morale of its combat crews.
But the high quality, lethality of the advanced fighters, and numerical superiority of the IAF justifies the claim by Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes on September 27that ,“India will soon rank among big air powers”. This statement was made during the induction ceremony of the first batch of ten Su-30MKI multi-role jet fighters in No 20 Lightning Squadron at IAF’s Lohegaon Air Base. No 24 Hunting Hawks Squadron equipped with the earlier version of the Sukhoi Mk-30 fighters is also based there.
India had placed an order in 1996 for 40 Su-40 fighters from Russia. This was followed by a deal with Moscow for 140 Su-30MKI tailormade for the IAF. Added to these are the 40 Mirage 2000-H fighters (of Kargil fame) equipped with advanced laser-guided bombs and BVR air-to-air missiles. An order for 10 more Mirage 2000-H jet fighters has been placed with France. The IAF will have a distinct edge in advanced air weaponry over the PAF, as and when the IAF procures all the Su-30MKIs, Mirages and Jaguars on order.
At the Sukhoi induction ceremony Fernandes criticized domestic critics (from within the IAF) that "Sukhoi 30 MKI will silence critics who had been expressing doubts about its viability. " Pointing his finger at Pakistan, Fernandes said that, “The Sukhoi 30 MKI is aimed at silencing those nations who look at us with buri nazar, (evil intention).”
Unlike the earlier Su-30 versions, the new MKI is customized for India, and is fitted with very superior electronics and avionics. The MKI has thrust vectoring (directional control) capabilities, and is fitted with canards. With such improvements the MKI has amazing air combat maneuverability. It can take off with much higher bomb loads. Indian Air Chief Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy stated at the induction function that, “With its ability to engage several targets simultaneously the Sukhoi -30 MKI will redefine the very method of air engagement (air combat).”
Besides twin-engine power and safety the MKI is equipped with stealth technology, enabling it to evade radar detection. Indian defense analysts claim that the MKI can outclass China’s Su- 23 MKK and USAF F-22 fighters. The elected government of Pakistan and the PAF must take full cognizance of the induction of 180 (40+140) Su-30 and Su-30 MKI aircraft in the IAF, and consequently the enhanced air threat from India.
It is in order to suggest that Moscow be approached for the possible procurement of 100 improved-version Su 30 MKPs for the PAF under a long term induction plan of advanced Russian fighter jets. Russia is badly cash starved. There is no reason whatsoever for Russia to refuse such a lucrative deal.
India has also placed an order for 10 new Mirage 2000 H fighters from France and 37 Jaguar strike fighters from HAL at Bangalore. India’s Light Combat Air craft under development since 1978 is at an advanced stage. The 14th air test of LCA Demonstrator II was carried out on September 19. After the first air test flight two years back, several major modifications were carried out.
The LCA will be showcased in February 2003 at next year’s Aero India show. The IAF remained critical of the LCA, but will be forced to buy up to 400 units. The LCA will replace the MiG-21 as the IAF’s workhorse. The IAF fighter pilots do not trust Indian manufactured MiG-21s which have earned such nicknames as “flying coffins”, “pilot killers”, “widowmakers”.
Different variants of MiG-21 FL in IAF service since 1964 are being phased out. But 110 updated MiG-21 Bis and 160 MiG-21M will continue to fly for several more years. Most of the LCA components including the engine, fly-by-wire systems and major avionics are being procured from the USA.
The massive losses in fighter aircraft and pilots have been made good by massive procurements of latest weapon systems. But pilot recruitment and training has been a big problem. IAF pilots are forced into MiG-21 cockpits directly from basic piston engine trainers. The result is a high wastage of pilots during operational training. An advanced jet trainer should have been inducted three decades back. It would have saved hundreds of precious lives.
Offensive and defensive capabilities are being enhanced by the procurement of AWACs, 250-km range Prithvi MK-IIs, better air-to-air BVR missiles and advanced ground radars. Indian air strategy is based on the coordinated employment of its “big” air power and Agni and Prithvi nuclear-armed missiles.
During the recent 10-month military standoff, the IAF was strategically deployed for offensive air action, while hundreds of nuclear-armed Agni and Prithvi missiles were kept ready to destroy critical Pakistani military, air force and strategic assets. Why did they not carry out air and missile attacks in December, when Pakistani armed forces had not yet mobilized? Full forward deployment of the Indian armed forces had been completed by mid-February. In spite of daily ultimatums for war from Indian generals, air marshals, admirals and politicians, India did not attack. Why, and what deterred it?
By end-December the PAF had activated all its operational assets. By January 2002 PAF was in a very high state of readiness. All its two dozen airfields stretching from Skardu to Pasni were fully activated and operationalized. The air defense assets maintained continued vigilance over the entire eastern border. The resolve and determination of the PAF to defend and retaliate to cause unacceptable damage and losses to the enemy was realized by Indian political and military leaders.
There is no doubt that despite numerical disparity, the PAF has proved to be a credible deterrent against Indian air power. This was possible due to the high state of preparedness, readiness and robust morale of the force at all levels. The skillful management of operational assets, exemplary leadership and expertise has enabled the PAF to deter the enemy from any misadventure.
During the last 10 months of eyeball to eyeball deployment of forces, the PAF has amply demonstrated that it is a professional fighting force, totally committed to the defense of Pakistan. The government however must realize that the PAF must have matching technology in the entire range of weaponry. A lot of time has been wasted hoping that the USA will return the blocked but paid-for 28 F-16s. While pressure should be maintained on Washington, funds should be made available for the expeditious procurement of latest hi-tech fighter bombers for the PAF.
While the Indian Army has withdrawn 25 percent of its forward deployed troops, including the three strike Corps, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy the Chief of The Air Staff Indian Air Force stated on 13 November, that ,“The Indian Air Force had not withdrawn from strategic positions along the border.
It had redeployed and readjusted forces to meet the new circumstances. The threat is always there, and we can go into action at the shortest possible time. We are operationally very alert.” The continuing challenge of the Indian air threat is best met be continuous vigilance by the PAF. There is no question of lowering the guard, as long as Indian air power maintains its offensive posture.
I think the planes from China ma be a big boost to our air force..
I dont think India will ever have coplete superiority in the air.
AA, Ameen to that!!! :k:
all plane
go down
india usa
china pakistan
russia france
all place
go down
one day
all die
I think the planes from China ma be a big boost to our air force..
:rotfl"
Chinese junk is just that-junk. It does not boost our attacking capabilities, which is what we need.
Did you watch situation room on BBC4 sunday night?
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by mo_best: *
I think the planes from China ma be a big boost to our air force..
:rotfl"
Chinese junk is just that-junk. It does not boost our attacking capabilities, which is what we need.
Did you watch situation room on BBC4 sunday night?
[/QUOTE]
They are alot better then the Indian Migs...Even if the Indians are getting beter planes, I dpubt Islamabad is going to sit on its arse and not do anything. I failry certain that if that sale goes thru, Pakistan will press even harder for the F16's from the US and or something else..
Also, its one thing to have alot of planes, but they actually have to use them to their advatage. Whether they can do that or not is still questionable.