By IANS
New Delhi : Depleting force levels are a matter of concern but are not worrisome, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said here Friday.
“We definitely are concerned about our depleting force levels but I can’t say we are worried about this as we still retain our (combat) edge,” Major said at a press conference ahead of the Oct 8 Air Force Day parade that will mark its 75th anniversary.
In fact, the IAF would turn the depleting levels to its advantage by reducing the number of different combat aircraft in its inventory, the air chief contended.
“We already have the (frontline) Sukhoi-30. We have floated a tender for a MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) and we hope to induct the (indigenous) LCA (light combat aircraft) by 2010. This will make our inventory more manageable,” Major pointed out.
The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 39 1/2 squadrons and is currently down to 30 squadrons.
“We will have a different air force in the next 5-10 years. Our endeavour is to reduce our inventory in the interest of maintenance and to have a more lethal system,” Major pointed out.
The eventual intention is for the IAF to have 11 squadrons of the Su-30 MKI, three squadrons of the MiG-29, six squadrons of the MMRCA, six squadrons of the LCA, four squadrons of Jaguars and three squadrons of the Mirage-2000.
According to Major, “the phasing out of old aircraft, mid-life upgrades of existing ones and induction of new aircraft will take time, but our home-grown tactics and doctrinal issues are in place to bridge the gap and take care of any eventuality”.
Speaking about the technology required for maintaining new types of aircraft, Major expressed hope of getting assistance from the academia and the government in recruiting the necessary manpower for this.
Stressing on the need for ramping indigenous capabilities, Major lamented that the country lacked capabilities in the areas of stealth and electronic warfare.
“No one is going to give us these capabilities and therefore, we have to develop these on our own,” he pointed out.
Major will take the salute at the Air Force Day parade at the Hindon air base on the outskirts of the capital at which 75 aircraft of various types will be showcased.