Interview September 2014 September 2014

process is progressing well and we are already Notwithstanding various alarmist views witnessing early results with comprehensive being aired from time to time in the media, enhancement of our capabilities. As we build could you give an update on the current Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha new operational capabilities, our concepts of status of the IAF’s combat squadrons’ conducting various types of air campaigns are strength? Would the IAF be in a position also evolving. It is a continuous process and our to reach the oft-stated strength of 42 jet Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force ethos, professionalism and leadership would be fighter squadrons by the end of the 13th the real catalysts in effectively harnessing the Plan (2022)? ir Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, footprint. The response options so desired would enhanced capabilities. The IAF’s present strength of fighter squadrons AVSM, VM, ADC, took over as Chief be afforded by our comprehensive transformation falls short of the sanctioned strength of combat of the Air Staff (CAS) on December 31, plan involving acquisitions, upgrades and What are the key ingredients of the IAF’s squadrons. IAF has several legacy squadrons of 2013. Commissioned into the Flying efficient management of legacy systems. Flying latest doctrine? Does it mesh well with the MiG-21 and MiG-27 which will retire over the BranchA of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1974, he training is another focus area where we are joint ‘Sea-Air-Land Doctrine’ of the three next decade. Therefore, early induction of LCA has to his credit over 3,400 hrs, mostly flown on systematically building up our capability; both services? Please elucidate. and MMRCA has been planned for arresting the different types of fighter aircraft. In an interview in terms of inducting modern trainers as well Joint operations would be the key to success drawdown in the strength of fighter squadrons. with Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal VK as enhancing our overall capacity. The aircrew in any future military operation. The realms of IAF is likely to have its sanctioned strength Jimmy Bhatia (Retd) of India Strategic need to be capable of handling and operating sea, land, air, space and cyber would need to be of combat squadrons operational sooner (IS) recently, the CAS speaks at length on IAF’s the modern platforms in multiple roles in a multi- exploited seamlessly for effective and efficient than later. Transformation and plans to equip and train itself threat environment. Maximum impetus is also operations. Developing and articulating a doctrine IAF Doctrine against future challenges. being provided in training and preparing our is only the first step towards complete integration. What is the latest on the long air-warriors to absorb the intrinsic technologies The Joint Doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces pending MMRCA deal? Is there a articulates the Having completed six months now at the and maintenance practices therein, in the least lays down the fundamental principles by which possibility of the contract being Vision, Mission helm of one of the largest and battle-tested possible time. we employ our joint war-fighting capabilities to signed in the current financial year? and Core values air forces in the world, what do you reckon conduct successful military operations. The IAF If yes, when would the IAF likely are the major challenges facing the Indian “The IAF in metamorphic transformation” is completely ‘in-sync’ with the Joint Doctrine. get its first squadron of Rafale jet of the IAF, and Air Force (IAF)? How have you planned to is an oft-repeated statement, which Processes related to procurements and training fighters? puts Indian cope with these? continues to emanate from different have already been synergised to a great extent. The MMRCA CNC is presently aerospace The application of aerospace power would quarters, within and outside the Operational Integration is an on-going process negotiating various aspects of the prove to be the decisive factor in winning the ‘Establishment’. Do you agree? If yes, could and we continue to improve upon it with every contract with the L1 vendor, Dassault power in short and intense wars of the future, wherein the you elaborate, especially with regard to its exercise especially in operationalising new weapon Aviation of France. The negotiations are the right response would need to be prompt and precise. concepts and ethos? systems. Moreover, it is the understanding of each progressing well. The contract for 126 perspective. It Towards this, IAF envisages a multi-spectrum The on-going transformation of the IAF other’s roles, capabilities and core competencies MMRCA is expected to be signed sooner strategic force capable of addressing the myriad involves a three-pronged approach of ‘Preserve, that will enable us to always choose the right than later in the current FY 2014-15. highlights the challenges posed by the prevalent security Upgrade and Acquire.’ All these components are option to further our national interest. need for all to environment. One of our major challenges is to equally important and are included in the Long As regards the IAF Doctrine; it articulates the In the interim, is there a possibility Paying homage understand at the Amar remain a contemporary aerospace power which Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) of the IAF Vision, Mission and Core values of the IAF, and puts of the IAF going in for additional Jawan Jyoti possesses credible capability with a strategic which would be progressed as per the envisaged Indian aerospace power in the right perspective. It Mirage 2000 aircraft as being the roles and time lines. The LTIPP clearly lays down the force highlights the need for all to understand the roles reported in some sections of the responsibilities accretion plan of the IAF which spans the entire and responsibilities of the IAF. The potency and media? Please clarify. of the IAF spectrum of IAF’s capability building including lethality of air power has increased tremendously To make good the existing deficiencies fighters, transport ac, helicopters, combat support and it provides a wide spectrum of choices to in the Mirage-2000 fleet, a case for assets and modernisation of air defence network. decision makers in any contingency, both in peace procurement of two additional Mirage Net centricity, cyber security, and ensuring and war. The Doctrine emphasises the importance 2000 aircraft is being initiated by the Air HQ. requisite communication bandwidth for seamless of joint operations and the increasing role of air operations are also part of this capability. Space power as a tool of nation-building. The stellar Could you give a detailed update on is increasingly being integrated into our day-to- role played by IAF in the smooth conduct of recent the indigenous LCA (Tejas) programme? day operations to give us the winning edge in Lok Sabha elections through extensive airlift of When would the aircraft be in a position to any contingency. In order to absorb these new officials, equipment and security personnel as achieve full-fledged FOC (Final Operational capabilities more efficiently, a time-bound and well as record-setting HADR (Humanitarian Aid Clearance)? How will the issue of the first comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan has and Disaster Relief) operations in Uttarakhand last 40 LCAs fitted with the underpowered GE been instituted which focuses on creating modern year are fine examples of IAF’s contribution in 404 IN engines be sorted out in the long operational and technical facilities. It would nation-building. The Doctrine is forward looking run? Will these be retro modified to Mk II however, be difficult to give a definitive date or in its appreciation of the air and space paradigm; standards or the IAF would remain saddled year to say that the ‘IAF has Transformed’. I am and the significance of information warfare in with Mk Is through their entire service life? sanguine that the metamorphic transformation transforming future military operations. Could you also give details of the LCA Mk II

26 IndiaStrategic IndiaStrategic 27 Interview September 2014 September 2014

programme? How many squadrons of these give details of the various programmes? Also, UAVs offer a cost-effective solution for aircraft are envisaged for procurement by how well is the indigenous AEW&C programme reconnaissance and surveillance and the the IAF? progressing? Your comments please. developments in sensors and communication The LCA achieved IOC in December 2013 To ensure the requisite degree of air technologies are providing immense capabilities and this paved the way for induction of the LCA surveillance and achieve air dominance in future to these platforms. It is natural to extend their in IOC configuration in IAF. HAL is likely to deliver operations, IAF needs to have adequate on-station utilisation for the armed role. UCAV technologies the first LCA in 2014 and IAF will be in a position capability in its Area of Interest. Towards this, IAF are available only to a few countries and are still to form the first LCA squadron only after receipt has already taken the first step of operationalising in development phase. It will take some time of at least four LCA from HAL, which is likely by three AWACS, procured from abroad. Indigenous for UCAV technology to mature and harden so the third quarter of 2015. The FOC of LCA is development of AEW&C by DRDO is in the that they can be integrated in the battle-space. scheduled in December 2014. The first 40 LCA developmental flight trials stage. These would A careful cost-benefit analysis is essential before would fly with GE 404 IN engine. The LCA Mk II be inducted in IAF after the trials are successfully selection of any equipment for induction. The IAF would be equipped with GE 414 INS6 engine with accomplished. To leverage the experience and is studying these systems and is looking at the improved performance. Preliminary Design Review expertise gained in the Design & Development of option of inducting such technology in future. of LCA Mk II was conducted. Four Squadrons of AEW&C, a project for indigenous development LCA Mk II are envisaged for procurement. of AWACS has been initiated. The project The recent inductions of C-17 is envisaged in two phases. Phase I involves Globemaster III and C-130J transporters It is believed there is a possibility development of a prototype, followed by a mid- have metamorphosed the IAF’s strategic/ of the stalled Jaguar re-engining term review by a National Review Committee. tactical and Special Operations capabilities. programme being revived. Is it true? Based on the success of Phase I of the indigenous Your comments please. What will be the To leverage If yes, could you give details of the AWACS, Phase II for production of additional ultimate size of these fleets once IAF the programme? How will it affect the AWACS will be initiated. gets to meet all its ongoing and planned experience overall service life of the aircraft? acquisition demands? Mi-17 Series helicopters, for safe and efficient The CAS in his Yes, a case for re-engining of the Could you give an update on the IAF’s The induction of C-17 and C-130J has brought conduct of VVIP operations. However, this is only office and expertise Jaguar aircraft with F-125 IN engine is endeavours to improve its ground-based about a paradigm shift in our airlift capabilities. an interim measure. gained in being actively pursued. Presently, the case air defence capabilities? How well are the The exceptional capabilities of the C-17 aircraft the Design & is at Technical Oversight Stage, after which comparatively recently inducted Akash and have enhanced our strategic footprint which The IAF appears to be highly satisfied the contract negotiations will commence Spyder SAM systems performing? Also, impacts the concept of Strategic Airlift Operations. with the performance of the Pilatus Development and we are hopeful of signing the contract what is the progress on the India-Israel joint Though the process of operationalising the PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft and its of AEW&C, a in this financial year. Re-engining and MR-SAM programme? Please elucidate. fleet is still in progress, it has already displayed availability on the tarmac – implying project for concurrent upgrade of the Jaguar fleet will A number of ground based defence capability potential by undertaking operations in support much better sustained serviceability states ensure its operational relevance till 2035. projects are in progress. These include Akash, of the UN Mission in Congo and the Government – and; would like to acquire more of indigenous Spyder, MRSAM, SRSAM and VSHORAD. A of Tajikistan. The C-130 has flown with us for the same to cater to its ever-increasing development What are your views on the – still number of Akash squadrons have already three and a half years and has emerged as a requirements of ab-initio flying training, of AWACS on the drawing board – indigenous been operationalised in the IAF and several significant enabler for Special Operations, besides and to ensure standardisation. But HAL MCA (Medium Combat Aircraft) more squadrons will be inducted soon. A few being extensively deployed for varied tasks. More is reportedly going ahead with its HTT-40 has been programme? How does it fit in the Squadrons of SPYDER LLQRM have also been importantly, these platforms have significantly BTA programme. Could you please explain initiated already crowded fighter acquisition contracted. Delivery of the SPYDER system is likely enhanced our responsiveness in carrying out in detail as to how the IAF plans to resolve programmes such as the MMRCA, to commence shortly. Design, development and HADR operations. the emerging conflicting situation and what FGFA and of course the LCA too? Also, production of MRSAM jointly by DRDO and OEM We have inducted five C-17 and C-130J aircraft would be its future plans? what time horizons have been fixed from abroad is progressing well. A case for joint each and expect to induct more of these platforms The performance of PC-7 Mk II as a basic flying for its operational induction into the procurement of VSHORAD, for all three services as we gain more experience in their utilisation and trainer has met the long aspired requirements IAF? is being processed. expand upon the roles. Induction of the balance of the IAF. The average serviceability of Pilatus After having successfully developed the LCA five C-17 will be complete by the year end while PC-7 Mk II has been exceptional and the OEM indigenously, the next logical step for DRDO is Armed UAVs are increasingly becoming six additional C-130J aircraft are scheduled to be is providing proactive product support for to design and develop an indigenous medium the weapons of choice in the conduct inducted by 2016. maintaining enhanced serviceability of the fleet. category fighter aircraft which would replace of conventional/sub-conventional wars Within a short span of just over a year, IAF has some of our legacy fleets due to retire in 10-15 including the GWOT (Global War on How is the IAF coping up in the aftermath completed the basic flying training of almost 200 years time. Presently MCA is on the drawing Terrorism). Does the IAF – which had of the stalled/cancelled VVIP helicopter pilots utilising this platform. The fleet has already board and it is too premature to draw out its pioneered the acquisition and operational programme? Does the IAF have a ‘Plan flown more than 15,000 hours and executed over induction timelines. exploitation of UAVs in the Indian context – B’ to ensure safe and efficient rotary 25,000 landings. The total requirement of IAF for have any plans to acquire UCAVs in the near wing capability to meet the VVIP/VIP the BTA as approved by the Government is 181. The IAF is in the hunt for augmenting its future? What is the IAF’s long-term vision requirements? Please explain. The HTT-40 project does not meet the delivery meagre resources of force-multiplier aerial of acquiring a mix of unmanned/manned The IAF has initiated a case in consultation timeline requirements of IAF. A RFI related to platforms such as AWACS, FRAs, etc. Could you combat systems to fight the future wars? with concerned agencies for modifying a few procurement of additional PC-7 through ‘Buy and

28 IndiaStrategic IndiaStrategic 29 Interview September 2014 September 2014

the three Services & other agencies. As against the misplaced perception of its reluctance, the proposal to create the appointment of Permanent MMRCA Acquisition Programme – What Next? Chairman COSC by the Naresh Chandra Task omehow some people believe Dassault Rafale Force has been concurred by IAF. As per its that India’s ongoing acquisition recommendations, the Chairman COSC would process for a Medium Multi be one of the three Service Chiefs appointed by Role Combat Aircraft can be the Government and be the single point contact Sreversed. In fact, former Chief of between the Government and three Services. He the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK would thus be the fourth four star officer who Browne - now Ambassador in Oslo would also be responsible for the various Tri- - had openly hinted at conspiracies Service Commands. by vested interests,including some in The Service Chiefs will continue to exercise the media,to divert the process. The operational control and staff functions over their French Rafale has been selected as the respective Service and have direct access to RM. winner out of the two finalists in the The proposed set up will allow HQ IDS under competition on the basis of lower costs. Chairman COSC to function as an effective The European Eurofighter, which lost, is Reviewing Make (Indian)’ route has been floated to make advisory nodal agency to the government on still a hopeful candidate. the Guard of good the BTA shortfall. The case will be processed matters of policy, joint acquisitions, joint capability But is it possible to reverse the Honour on taking over thereafter, based on responses to the RFI. building and training. process, even though, technically, any What is the progress on the much A full switch over to CDS concept would be government can just cancel even a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). before the contract is signed. Preparing delayed IJT programme under way at the possible, only after assessing the functioning of finalised deal. There are also appropriate After that it will be the usual route – the report of the negotiations by the HAL? It is believed that IJT suffers from Permanent Chairman COSC for some time. provisions to do so.We asked noted RFP, submission of bids (probably after Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) serious asymmetric stall problems which analyst Amit Cowshish, a former several extensions of the last date for of a project of this magnitude and cannot be solved without redesigning the There is a view that even after years of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of submission of bids), various evaluations complexity is not going to be a one- aerodynamic shape of the aircraft. Is it revising it, the DPP (Defence Procurement Defence directly in charge of acquisition (technical, field and staff), technical day affair. The report will then meander true? Your comments please. In the worst Policy/Procedure) continues to be extremely of military systems. His observations: oversight, examination of the offset through the capital acquisition wing case scenario, if the IJT fails to deliver, complicated and needs to be simplified. proposal, and then, finally, it will be and the finance division before being what would be the IAF’s fallback position? One good thing which has happened The MMRCA contract has been under back to the contract negotiation stage. approved by the minister. Please explain. though is the eligibility of ToT (Transfer negotiation for so long that it has given Apart from the diplomatic fallout of Considering the likely value of this The IJT was sanctioned in 1999 with an aim to of Technology) in discharging ‘Offset’ rise to the speculation that probably the a move like cancellation of the on-going deal, the matter will have to be brought achieve IOC by 2004. However, there are certain obligations. Has it helped in accelerating programme is going to be abandoned in negotiations and political ramifications before the Cabinet Committee on critical D&D issues which are being resolved the commercial negotiations/processes favour of some dark horse. While nothing of such a step, whether it would be Security (CCS). This requires inter- by HAL through consultancy. We are closely underway, such as the Rafale deal? Your should ever be ruled out, this seems to operationally acceptable to the Air ministerial consultations – in this case monitoring the progress of the IJT project in view comments on both please. be a highly unlikely scenario. Force to go back to the drawing board, with the Ministry of Finance – based on of the impending retirement of Kiran aircraft. IAF The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has All capital acquisitions are made as it were, is going to be the proverbial a draft cabinet note. There are elaborate is hopeful that the IJT will mature before the Kiran not just streamlined the entire Capital Procurement as per the Defence Procurement million dollar question. guidelines on how such notes are to be fleet starts retiring in very near future. process; it has also catered to the ever increasing Procedure. There is no provision therein It is equally naive to believe, as prepared. These need to be meticulously requirement of transparency in the procurement for calling off the negotiations midway some reports suggest, that since the followed making the process painfully What are your views on the Naresh process. At times the procedures appear to delay – especially after labouring over it for impasse in negotiations has been slow. If the Finance Ministry raises queries Chandra Committee’s recommendation the procurement timelines rather than reducing more than two years – and to negotiate resolved, the contract signing is just on the note – which is almost certain – of creating a new post of Permanent them, but the overall effect is that it has led to a the contract with L2, or any other a month or so away. these will have to be answered. The CCS Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC)? better understanding of the processes involved vendor for that matter. What could possibly be a month away notes also need to be sent to the Prime It has been often stated the proposal has and brought in the much needed standardisation If – and this is a real IF – the negotiations is the culmination of the negotiations Minister’s Office and it is mandatory to been hanging fire because of the IAF’s amongst the procedures followed by the Services. are called off, the programme will be between MoD and the vendor, Rafale wait for 15 days for the response. reluctance for its implementation in its The DPP is also evolutionary in nature; feedback back to square one, probably starting International, the combine set up by The note gets placed before the present form. What would happen if the from the environment and stakeholders is regularly with the Qualitative Requirement (QR) Dassault Aviation, Safran and Thales. CCS only after all these stages are recommendation finds favour with the new considered and procedures amended to include formulation stage to ensure that any later After all, there cannot be very many crossed. Even after the approval of the political dispensation? What in your opinion suggested improvements. The revised offset development in technology or change issues left to be resolved after more than Committee, MoD will obviously take should be done to create the necessary guidelines permit greater flexibility for discharge of in requirement gets factored in. Once two years of negotiations. some time to sort out the last minute conducive environment for its creation and offset obligations. This will allow offset contracts to the QRs are finalised by the Services One does not know what the issues with the draft contract before what should be the overall responsibilities progress in a more effective manner. The MMRCA Equipment Policy Committee of the IAF, status of the ongoing negotiations signing it. of the new functionary? procurement is being progressed under DPP 2006, the proposal will move through various is. Assuming that it is on the verge Meanwhile, there is NO option for The creation of CDS is an incremental process under which Transfer of Technology (ToT) is not committees before a fresh Acceptance of conclusion, there are far too many those outside the system to wait and and therefore, deserves to be supported by eligible towards discharge of ‘Offset’ obligations. of Necessity (AoN) is accorded by the things that would still need to be done watch! n

30 IndiaStrategic IndiaStrategic 31 Interview September 2014

The IAF has been one of the foremost Advanced armed forces the world over THE TRUSTED proponents of the idea that aerospace continue to open new operational roles for industry in India cannot be managed as women, the latest being the induction of just a public sector endeavour, but needs women officers in the submarine cadre of PARTNER FOR to be integrated with private sector in the UK’s Royal Navy. What is the likelihood a meaningful way to ultimately achieve of IAF’s women pilots flying in combat THE AVRO the goal of self-reliance. What more does roles in the near future? Also, is there a the IAF need to do to realise the stated move to grant permanents commissions objective? Has the IAF also put itself to women pilots? REPLACEMENT in the driving seat to determine what Presently, women officers of all the three cutting-edge technologies it wants from Services are not being deployed on active duty the concerned sectors to achieve the close to the border wherein they are likely to desired operational capabilities? Your be exposed to direct line of fire of the enemy/ comments please. engaged in operations across the border. IAF has The Defence Production Policy, which has opened up all branches for induction of women been put in place by the Government, espouses as SSC officers except for fighter stream of Flying the cause of the indigenous defence Branch. The probability of women pilots flying industry, including the private sector, and in combat roles in the near future is very bright. is one of the major steps towards achieving Permanent Commission has been granted to IAF has self-reliance. While initiating the proposals a large number of SSC women officers in the opened up for any new acquisitions, it is ensured recent past. that the inherent capability of the Indian AVSC-II had recommended a larger number all branches defence industry is taken cognisance of, of officers in SSC cadre and had limited the for induction before looking at the external market. number in PC cadre in all three Services; primarily of women as The provisions of Transfer of Technology to reduce the stagnation at higher ranks and to SSC officers and Offsets as enshrined in the Defence improve career prospects. Recommendations of except for Procurement Procedure (DPP) also go a AVSC are being implemented and the IAF has long way in ensuring that the indigenous decided to have a balanced mix of PC officers fighter industry (both public as well as private) and SSC officers. stream get the required fillip to compete with the of Flying international players thereby leading to Lastly, a standard question: What are PERSONNEL Branch. The self-reliance. the newer technologies being inducted by probability of Future Technology Perspective and the IAF to cut down the size of the sensor- Capability build up roadmap has been shooter loop – a never ending quest for MILITARY PALLETS women pilots clearly carved out by the IAF. We regularly any air force? flying in interact with the Indian Private and Public The induction of state-of-art combat MEDICAL SUPPLIES combat roles industries and apprise them of critical platforms like FGFA and MMRCA as well as in the near technologies which need to be brought the ongoing upgradation of existing combat The C295 is optimised for personnel and cargo transport, into the country. IAF has forwarded RFI platforms would enable us to keep pace with SEARCH AND RESCUE paratroop airdrop and medical evacuation; and is an future is very efficient complement to heavy airlifters. Proven in rough to CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM to identify the newer technologies which include long range airstrips, hot and high conditions. The C295 does what bright private industries capable and interested multi-function radars, superior man-machine the HS-748 Avro does, but with a lot more capability, PARATROOPS in IAF’s procurement for Air-to-Air and interface, high performance mission computers flexibility and reliability! After 150,000 accumulated flight Air-to-Surface Weapons, SAGW, radars with data link, state-of-the-art electronic warfare hours, the C295΄s higher utilisation rates and availability over similar aircraft mean it΄s proven to be simply more and EW equipment. In addition, IAF wants rotor systems, smart weapons and stealth capability. MILITARY VEHICLES efficient. Therefore it has become the transport solution blades for Mi-17 helicopters to be produced IAF endeavours to seamlessly integrate maximum of choice in 16 countries. For daily transport missions, within the country for which we have recently number of sensors, platforms and systems in the Airbus Military is your trusted partner. MEDICAL EVACUATION written to Indian Private Industry Associations. Integrated Air Command Control System (IACCS) Given the growth of Indian Aviation sector network. Coupled with space assets and RPAs both military and civil, we feel that for holistic this network would afford us ‘High Situational and inclusive growth of Defence Industrial Awareness’ in a ‘Network Centric’ environment. Base, Public and Private sectors need to grow Enabled by ICT, the network would reduce the Airbus Military, Astrium and Cassidian together complementing and supplementing sensor to shooter time considerably. join forces for the success of your critical missions each other. We have always been supportive Note: Parts of the interview have been published in earlier of indigenous development, without sacrificing editions and they can also be viewed at India Strategic’s our combat potential. online edition, www.indiastrategic.in

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