The announcement was made by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of the IAF while receiving the first C-295 transport aircraft in Spain. He underscored the pivotal role of the LCA in replacing the ageing MiG-series fleet, which includes the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said, “With the retirement of these ageing aircraft, it is imperative that we bolster our inventory with LCA class aircraft. Therefore, in addition to the 83 LCA Mark 1A aircraft we have already contracted for, we are advocating for the acquisition of around 100 more.”

The objective in acquiring these domestically produced aircraft is to phase out the older MiG-series fighter jets in its fleet. The proposal has been formally submitted to the defence ministry and other national security stakeholders. This decision to procure approximately 100 more LCA Tejas fighters follows a comprehensive review meeting chaired by the Air Force Chief, which included key stakeholders in the indigenous fighter jet program, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The order, if approved and realised, would represent a substantial expansion of the Indian Air Force’s LCA Tejas fleet. Over the next 15 years, the IAF is expected to have 40 LCA Tejas, more than 180 LCA Mark-1A, and a minimum of 120 LCA Mark-2 aircraft in its inventory.

The LCA Mark 1A stands as an advanced iteration of the Tejas aircraft, featuring upgraded avionics and radar systems compared to the initial 40 LCAs supplied to the Air Force. The first deliveries of LCA Mark 1A is anticipated around February 2024. Boasting a substantial indigenous component of over 65 percent, the LCA Mark 1A reaffirms India’s commitment to self-reliance in the aerospace sector. This program aligns seamlessly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, highlighting the nation’s unwavering dedication to achieving self-sufficiency in aerospace technology and manufacturing.

Earlier, in August 2023, after the fighter jet successfully fired the Astra indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, the IAF chief held a review meeting of the indigenous fighter jet programme with all entities involved including the HAL.

The Air Chief brought out that the LCA has been the flag bearer of the IAF efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet. He said that given the nature of this project of national importance, it is required that all stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach towards its success. The programme has been the harbinger of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the nation. More importantly, it is a flag bearer of India’s self-reliance in the aerospace sector.

During the review, it was brought out that all contracted fighter variants of the LCA Mk 1 had been delivered to the IAF. Representatives of HAL had assured the chief of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months, as well. Further to the LCA Mk 1, 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been contracted by the IAF in 2021. The CMD of HAL had assured those present that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024.

While complimenting HAL, the Air Chief indicated that based on these assurances, the LCA Mk 1A could be inducted in a newly raised squadron in one of the IAF’s operational bases, early next year. Notwithstanding the project delays that were brought out during the course of the review, the CAS lauded the efforts of all stakeholders and emphasised on the need to incorporate the lessons learnt from the LCA programme into future indigenous design and developmental projects. With timely deliveries of the more capable variant, the LCA Mk 1A is likely to see increased deployments at forward bases, besides participation in International exercises in the days to come.

The order for 100 LCA Mark1A fighter jets would make way for fighter jets re-entry into the Indian Air Force in very large numbers. In the next 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes. The last order for LCA Mark1A was for 83 aircraft and the first plane would be delivered around February 2024.

The advanced version of Tejas aircraft, LCA Mark 1A has more advanced avionics and radars than the initial 40 LCAs being supplied to the Air Force and will have more indigenous content. The LCA Tejas programme has been the harbinger of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the nation. More importantly, it is a flag bearer of India’s self-reliance in the aerospace sector as well as the force’s efforts towards the indigenisation of its aircraft fleet.

Parliamentary Panel’s Concerns

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence report tabled in the House on — has expressed ‘concern’ over the existing fighting force levels of the IAF.

The committee was informed by the MoD that delivery of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas MK-1A fighter aircraft will commence from February 2024 and complete by January 2029 and the case for procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is under progress.

Expressing their concern over the existing force level in the Air Force, the committee desired that “all-out efforts be made to expedite supply of Tejas”. The committee urged the MoD to make a time-bound schedule. The committee noted that plan for theaterisation of armed forces, or creation of integrated theatre commands has been considered by the forces at the highest level.

LCA Navy Trainer Prototype

The LCA Naval trainer prototype NP5 successfully completed its maiden flight on August 18 from HAL airport.

Designed and developed jointly by ADA and HAL, LCA Navy can also serve as an effective training platform for Indian Navy pilots for operations from the aircraft carriers. Addition of NP5 aircraft to LCA Navy prototype fleet will help to accelerate flight testing activities which will provide designers vital inputs towards design and development of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), the prestigious futuristic carrier aircraft programme of the country.

The new prototype NP5 will undertake field and carrier operations from both INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, ADA said, adding it will incorporate all improvements identified during exploitation of NP1 and NP2 is a production ready aircraft. It will also incorporate the production standard airframe and rainwater compliance, maintainability improvements as well as futuristic system advancement.

The first trainer prototype NP1 was flown on April 27, 2012 and the fighter prototype NP2 was flown on February 7, 2015. Both Naval Prototypes (NP1 and NP2) have achieved major landmark milestones like Ski Jump take off and arrested landing demonstrations on Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) at Dabolim Airport, Goa and operations from indigenous aircraft carriers. The aircraft demonstrated 18 arrested landings and Ski Jump take offs from INS Vikramaditya in January 2020, including hot refuelling capability. Recently, LCA Navy participated in the carrier trials from INS Vikrant and performed 10 Ski Jump take offs and arrested landings on February 6, 2023.

The LCA Navy is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as fly-by-wire flight control system, glass cockpit and advanced mechanical systems. The aircraft can be operated seamlessly both during the day and night. It features advanced hands free ski jump take-off and landing flight control modes. LCA Navy prototypes are carrier compatible and can operate with Air-to-Air weapons for combat missions.

Twin-Seater Trainer Version Handed Over to IAF

The IAF got its first Tejas twin-seater trainer version aircraft on October 4 from HAL. The twin-seater trainer version aircraft is part of the LCA Tejas project, the largest R&D program ever undertaken in India.

As part of the Tejas contract between the HAL and the Indian Air Force, the defence public sector unit has to supply eight twin-seater trainer aircraft to the force. HAL has an order for 18 twin-seaters from the IAF, with plans to deliver eight by the fiscal year 2023-24 and the remaining ten by 2026-27. 

The LCA Tejas Twin Seater is a lightweight, all-weather multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft, featuring advanced technologies such as relaxed static stability, quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree manoeuvring, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems, and advanced composite materials for the airframe.

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The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), capable of destroying enemy air defence, conducting counter insurgency strikes and much more, was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Jodhpur air base on 3 October. The fleet of four helicopters was inducted at a ceremony in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other senior military officials. The helicopter will be called ‘Prachand’, which means fierce.

The HAL designed and manufactured LCH has been inducted in the Jodhpur-based 143 Helicopter Unit of the IAF.

The LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world which can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters with a considerable load of weapons and fuel, meeting the specific requirements laid out by the Indian Armed Forces.

Ownership of Attack Helicopters

The Army and the Air Force have fought over the ownership of attack helicopters since the venerable Mi-25 Akbar was first inducted into the IAF in 1984 and again when the AH-64 Apache was purchased. It appears that the IAF and the Army have settled for duality of ownership. The orders placed for Prachanda are testimony to this duality. Of the 15 LCH sanctioned by the CCS on 30 March 2022, ten of them were for the IAF and five for the Army.

Features of the Light Combat Helicopter

LCH has the maximum take-off weight of 5.8 tonnes, maximum speed of 268 kilometers per hour, range of 550 kilometers, endurance of over three hours and service ceiling — the maximum density altitude to which it can fly — of 6.5 kilometres.

The helicopter uses radar-absorbing material to lower radar signature and has a significantly crash-proof structure and landing gear. A pressurised cabin offers protection from nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contingencies.

The helicopter is equipped with a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radars or infrared seekers of the enemy missiles. As far as weapons systems are concerned, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets and air-to-air missile systems are onboard.

LCH is powered by two French-origin Shakti engines manufactured by the HAL.

With these features, the LCH has the capabilities of combat roles such as destruction of enemy air defence, counter insurgency warfare, combat search and rescue, anti-tank, and counter surface force operations.

The LCH is also armed with a 20 mm nose gun and 70 mm rockets, which are not guided ones.

The LCH is designed to have systems in place to minimise external kinetic and electronic threats.

The LCH, which has a combat radius of 500 km and a service ceiling of a whopping 21,000 ft, is designed with stealth features such as reduced visual, aural, radar and infrared (IR) signatures and crashworthiness features for better survivability.

The LCH has advanced features like helmet-mounted sights, forward-looking infra-red suppression systems, flares and chaff, and glass cockpits.  It is also equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks, bullet-proof windshields, and damage-tolerant main rotor blades to withstand small arms fire.

Integration of Weapons Suite

Work is still in progress and weapon systems will be integrated soon. For the present, the LCH lacks its main arsenal and protection suites for now and will take time to be fully operational.

The attack helicopter — also known as tank buster — will get its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) only by mid-2023 and while it is integrated with air-to-air missile launchers, the missile has not been ordered yet.

The ATGM intended to be integrated with Prachand is the indigenous Helina, whose air force version is called Dhruvastra. The testing of Helina/Dhruvastra, made by DRDO, is currently on and that it will be integrated on the LCH by mid-next year as the plan is to fast track the process.

While the helicopter comes integrated with the European air-to-air missile Mistral 2 launchers, manufactured by the MBDA, the missiles have not been ordered yet. With a minimum range of 500 m, Mistral can take down airborne targets of up to 6.5 km.

The LCH is yet to get the electronic warfare suite unlike the weaponised version of Advanced Light Helicopter ‘Rudra’ which comes with Saab’s Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS). The IDAS system was first integrated with the Army and Air Force’s version of ALH Dhruv in 2005. With radar warning receivers supported by the missile and laser warning, IDAS allows the aircraft’s sensors to detect radar missile and laser threats from any position relative to the aircraft. Once a hostile target is detected, the system selects a semi or completely automated response with countermeasures dispensing to fool the incoming projectile or the radar. The plan was to have an indigenous system on board the LCH designed by DRDO, but it is a work in progress.

Genesis of the Light Combat Helicopter

It was during the 1999 Kargil war that the need was first felt for a homegrown lightweight assault helicopter that could hold precision strikes in all Indian battlefield scenarios. This meant a craft that could operate in very hot deserts and also in very cold high altitudes, in counter-insurgency scenarios to full-scale battle conditions.

India has been operating sub 3 ton category French-origin legacy helicopters, Chetak and Cheetah, made in India by the HAL. These single engine machines were, primarily, utility helicopters. Indian forces also operate the Lancer, an armed version of Cheetah. In addition, the Indian Air Force currently operates the Russian origin Mi-17 and its variants Mi-17 IV and Mi-17 V5, with maximum take off weight of 13 tonnes, which are to be phased out starting 2028.

But the requirement was for a more agile, multi-role dedicated attack helicopter. After the initial deliberations, the government sanctioned the LCH project in October 2006, and HAL was tasked to develop it. The HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Development Centre, which had already worked on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruva and its weaponised version ALH Rudra, embarked upon the project.

Development of Light Combat Helicopter

The LCH has been designed as a twin-engine, dedicated combat helicopter of 5.8-ton class, thus categorised as light. It features a narrow fuselage and tandem — one behind the other — configuration for pilot and co-pilot. The copilot is also the Weapon Systems Operator (WSO). While LCH inherits many features of the ALH, it mainly differs in tandem cockpit configuration, making it sleeker. It also has many more state-of-art systems that make it a dedicated attack helicopter.

In the LCH’s journey towards clearance and induction by the IAF and the Army, extensive flight testing has been carried out on four prototypes, also known as Technology Demonstrators (TDs).

The first Technology Demonstrator was completed in February 2010 and took its first flight on March 29 the same year. TD-2 prototype, completed around 2012, successfully passed the cold weather trials at high altitude. TD-3 and TD-4 prototypes, completed around 2014 and 2015, successfully tested other flight test requirements.

The flight testing was carried out at various altitudes, from sea level to the Siachen range, in extreme cold and hot weather conditions, and in desert regions. During these tests, integration of mission sensors such as electro-optical system, helmet-mounted display system, solid state data and video recorder, and weapon systems such as turret gun, rockets and air-to-air missile systems was carried out. Weapon firing trials were also completed. The four prototypes have together undergone over 2,000 flights with close to 1600 flight hours.

Initial operational clearance came in 2017 for the IAF variant and in 2019 for the Army variant. In August 2020, the MoD added LCH to the items under import embargo. In November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolically handed over the LCH to the Indian Air Force, paving the way for its final induction.

In March 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved procurement of 15 LCH Limited Series Production (LSP) — 10 for IAF and five for Army — at the cost of Rs 3,887 crore along with infrastructure sanctions worth Rs 377 crore.

The 15 copters are the initial lot and the orders will go up once the systems are in place. It is estimated that the Army will go in for nearly 90 of them for its aviation arm to support ground operations, while the IAF will have a little less.

Indigenous Content

One consequence of the Russian war in Ukraine is that it has brought into sharper focus the extent of India’s dependency on Moscow for defence hardware, and the urgent need for indigenisation to the extent possible. The LCH is 45 per cent indigenous right now, but will become more Indian in the years to come.

In March, the Ministry of Defence identified 18 major platforms for “make in India” and the 2022-23 defence budget reflects this with an allocation of 25 per cent of the defence research and development for Indian industry-led efforts in this direction. HAL’s indigenous multi-role helicopter, being developed to take the place of Mi17s that have started to be phased out, is the next big challenge.

Will there be a demand for India-made defence helicopters? It is hard to say, but the logic of self-reliance in defence production demands international standards. The LCH is a great start.

The Road Ahead

Eventually, the Army is looking for another 95 LCH and the IAF another 65 of them. After receiving a contract for the LSP in March, some units have already been delivered and the rest are at various stages of acceptance. HAL has said that it has drawn a detailed masterplan for achieving the peak rate production capacity of 30 helicopters per year in order to produce the remaining 145 LCHs in eight years from the date of signing of Series Production order.

The Army Aviation has three Brigades at Leh, Missamari and Jodhpur, and operates around 145 indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), 75 of which are the Rudra weaponised variants, and around 190 ageing Cheetah, Chetak and Cheetal helicopters. Another 25 ALH Mk-III are on order which will be inducted within two years. The Army will also start receiving the Apache attack helicopters in early 2024, six of which have been contracted under an estimated $800 million deal from the Boeing in February 2020. In addition, the Army is also pushing a case for 11 more Apaches for which negotiations are under way.

The focus is now on the development of medium-lift category Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), to replace the fleets of IAF’s workhorse Mi-17 and other helicopters which will start phasing out over the coming decade.

HAL has so far rolled out three indigenously designed and developed helicopters in the light category (below 10 ton) – the 5-ton class Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, its weaponised version ALH Rudra, and the LCH. It has also developed a 3-ton class Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), primarily as a replacement for the French origin legacy helicopters Chetak and Cheetah. So the next logical step is a Made-in-India medium lift helicopter in the 13-ton category – the IMRH.

On April 2, speaking at a function to mark 60 years of service of Chetak helicopters, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the need to develop the IMRH which, he said, is a significant requirement for the armed forces and has a huge market potential.

He also pushed for fast-tracking the development of helicopter technology, saying this will not only be a key strategic asset in the defence sector, but will also make India a dominant force in the global helicopter market.

The Navy operates close to 60 helicopters like Kamov and Seaking and the newly inducted MH-60R in medium lift category. Its projected requirement over the next few years is close to 120. A large share of this requirement may be fulfilled by the IMRH.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF), which is down to 31 fighter jet squadrons (some 16-18 planes in each squadron), is banking on rapid induction of the indigenous Tejas and a separate programme with a foreign partner to ramp up numbers.

The IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, while addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day, said 83 of the Tejas Mark 1-A are on order and the proposal to make 114 medium-range fighter aircraft (MRFA) in India has been finalised. The foreign manufacturers in the MRFA project have been asked to have a greater “Make in India” commitment.

Another 10 planes of the first lot of 40 Tejas will be delivered this year. “The project to get 12 additional Sukhoi-30 MKI and 21 of the MiG-29 is deferred,” he added.

On further long-term projects, the IAF chief said the force was committed to the indigenous Tejas Mark 2 and is looking at six squadrons and also the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The IAF will phase out the three squadrons of MiG-21 by 2024. The phasing out of the fleet of Jaguar jets — six squadrons — will start from 2025 and continue till 2032. By that time, the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fleets — three squadrons each — would be scheduled for phasing out, the IAF chief added.

The chief added, “With the given numbers (31 squadrons), it will be impossible to keep watch and do combat air patrol all across the country.” The target of 42 squadrons would remain even though it may take a decade to meet it, the IAF chief said.

‘Transforming for the Future’

The theme for this year’s anniversary celebrations – ‘IAF: Transforming for the Future’ — was very apt and highlighted the Indian Air Force’s need to redefine, reimagine and recalibrate to transform into a contemporary and future-ready force, the Air Chief said.

“Our fighting potential has to be sustained over the years through the induction of 4.5 Gen fighters, AWACS, AEW&C and flight refuelling aircraft. We have initiated necessary steps to ensure our fighter squadron strength remains at the desired level. Indigenous development of six AEW&C Mk-II has been sanctioned and we are actively pursuing the acquisition of ISTAR, UAVs, Counter UAS technology and strengthening our networks,” he said.

Modern armed forces, he said, have to be sufficiently self-reliant to ensure minimum disruptions. “Towards this, Atmanirbharta and Make-in-India are a step in the right direction. Our indigenous operational network AFNET, the backbone of all air operations IACCS, one of the largest maintenance management protocols e-MMS and the fact that we are completely paperless in our offices through the e-Office application is a testimony to our commitment towards becoming self-reliant,” he said.

The LCA, ALH, Akash surface-to-air missile, Astra BVR, LCH and Brahmos, he said, are a few examples of the indigenous hardware that has already been inducted and operationalised.

He said the IAF has signed a contract for 83 LCA Mk 1A and is fully committed to the development of LCA Mk-II and the AMCA.

“The advent of drones, swarm drones, hypersonic weapons and space based ISR systems have added a new dimension to war fighting. To effectively handle the full spectrum, artificial intelligence is being used for quicker decision-making and analysis of big data. I am happy to report that several projects are well underway to utilise the potential of automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence to transform our operational philosophy,” he said.

Phasing Out of Obsolete Aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) maintains that its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons will remain sacrosant, even though its current numbers have fallen to 31 squadrons. In actual terms, 31 squadrons doesn’t mean “31 squadrons” because the availability ratio of some of the aircraft types was less than 50 percent.

With the growing presence of both Pakistani and Chinese Air Forces, for the IAF, quantity matters when it comes to the ability to operate in a large geographical area and persistence which refers to the ability to conduct 24×7 air patrols. However, even if the entire planned procurement happened without any glitch or time delays, the IAF may just about reach 35 squadrons, against a sanctioned strength of 42, by 2035-36.

Achieving the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons by 2036 is dependent upon the induction of the Tejas Mark 2, the indigenous 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and 114 fighter aircraft for which a Request For Proposal (RFP) is still awaited.

Over the next 15 years, multiple squadrons would be phased out, starting with the three remaining MiG 21 Bison squadrons, which would be out of service by 2025. Following this, six squadrons of aging Jaguars would start being phased out as well, a process that will end by 2031-32. That is when the upgraded fleet of the Mirage 2000s and the MiG 29s will start getting phased out.

Last of the Remaining MiG-21s to Retire

The IAF is set to retire one of its four remaining squadrons of the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets on September 30. The other three MiG-21 squadrons will be phased out by 2025.

Several MiG-21s have crashed in recent years, with the accidents turning the spotlight on India’s longest-serving fighter plane, its safety record and IAF’s plans to replace the ageing jets with newer models in the coming years. Over 400 MiG-21s have been involved in accidents over the past six decades, killing around 200 pilots.

More MiG-21s have crashed than any other fighter jets because they formed the bulk of the combat aircraft in the IAF’s inventory for a long time. The air force had to keep its MiG-21 fleet flying longer than it would have liked because of delays in the induction of new aircraft, as previously reported.

The air force got its first single-engine MiG-21 in 1963, and it went on to induct 874 variants of the Soviet-origin supersonic fighters to bolster its combat potential.

IAF is inducting different variants of the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft to replace the MiG-21s.

Replacements Planned

The IAF has already ordered 83 LCA Tejas Mk 1A and plans to place an order for the Tejas Mk 2 as well besides the indigenous 5th Generation fighter aircraft, both of which are still in the design phase.

The IAF is keen on the 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for which it is in the process of firming up the technical requirements, following which a “Request for Proposal (RFP)” would be sent out.

The tender has been pending for long. While initially it was felt that the government may go in for a strategic decision and enter into a government to government contract with France for more Rafale, it appears that the controversy surrounding the original deal has made the government wary. Hence, a decision has been taken to go in for a MRFA contest. The IAF is in the process of taking commitments from the vendors regarding the indigenization element.

IAF to Get New Weapon Systems Branch

Moving to synergise operational requirements of the Indian Air Force, the government has approved the creation of a new Weapon Systems branch which will be responsible for all IAF weapon system operators, and bring them under one roof. The announcement was made by the IAF chief on Air Force Day 8 October.

The Branch will cover four specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft. Creation of this branch will result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crore due to reduced expenditure on flying training.

The establishment of a separate branch for missile system operators, unmanned aerial vehicles and weapon system officers of two-seater aircraft is an effort to synergise operational requirements which differ from active flying. 

A specialised branch will facilitate induction of more complex weapon systems. The weapon systems operator in a twin-seater aircraft does not have to be a full-fledged pilot as his core competence is handling the weapons on board. It would do away with piecemeal deployment of officers from non-specialised branches and institutionalise the non-flying operational cadre. Pilots would be spared from doing the task, thereby making them available for flying duties. This separate branch is also expected to include officers who specialise as intelligence analysts and operate intelligence-gathering tasks in unmanned aerial vehicles as well as space-based assets. Here again, the need for building core competence in a separate branch has long been felt by the IAF brass, given the increasing role of UAVs and space assets in information gathering and advance warning.

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The IAF has decided to indigenously modernize the Su-30 MKI fighters with indigenously-designed weapons, electronic warfare systems, and so on.

Indigenous efforts will promote self-reliance in defence, circumvent possible US sanctions, and continue to nurture close defence cooperation with Russia. The 262-aircraft Su-30MKI fleet is and will likely remain the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for many decades. The technical parameters for the major Sukhoi upgrade are being refined.

The large size of the aircraft not only facilitates upgrades but also leaves room for metamorphoses to futuristic roles such as a weapons truck operating with a penetrating sensor & attack platform such as the AMCA, or a mothership controlling LO loyal wingman UCAVs in a system of system approach similar to the US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).

The IAF is the largest operator of the Su-30 variant. Over the past 20 years, India has made significant IPR & infrastructure investments in assembling, operating, servicing (overhaul, spares manufacture), and spiral upgrading (Brahmos-A, Astra, Rudram) the Su-30MKI.

84 Sukhois are likely to be modernised in the first tranche. Modernization will kick off after 4-5 years of design and development.

Besides the ability to carry advanced indigenously developed weapons, the finalized technical parameters would likely include an improved Infrared Imaging Search and Track System (IRST), AESA radar & a more powerful engine.

Imaging Search and Track System. The DRDO is working on the design & development of a Long Range Dual Band IRST for Su-30 MKI aircraft under the ‘Make II’ sub-category. The DAC approved the project in May 2018. On April 26, 2022, HAL and BEL reportedly signed a contract for the co-development and co-production of Long Range Dual Band IRST. The proposed IRST system will be a high-end strategic technology product in the field of defense avionics and technically competitive to existing IRST system in the global market with features of Television Day Camera, Infrared & Laser sensors in a single window for air-to-air and air-to-ground target tracking and localization.

AESA Radar. The modernized Su-30MKI will likely feature an AESA radar to replace its N011M BARS Radar. DRDO, which has already developed the Uttam AESA for the LCA, is reportedly working with HAL & Russian OEM to develop an AESA for the Su-30MKI. Considering the size of the nose cross-section of the Sukhoi, the radar could be the most potent airborne AESA equipping a fighter aircraft.

Engine Upgrade. India will likely procure the engine for the modernized fighter from Russia. Russia is developing an AL-41F-1S (Product 117S) engine variant that could be fitted on Su-30MKI fighters without any airframe modification. Tests of Su-30SM with the AL-41F-1S engine were underway, with completion scheduled for December 2023. Compared to the existing power plant of the Su-30MKI, the AL-41F-1S has 16% more (14,500 kgf) thrust, better Specific Fuel Consumption, improved endurance, and an overhaul life of 4,000 flight hours.

Russian Help. Russia will help India with the modernization without directly participating in it but as part of the “Make in India” programme. They are likely to supply additional technical kits for the assembly of the Su-30MKI and joint work on the modernization, including the integration of the latest aviation weapons and avionics.

Lethality With BrahMos Increased

The IAF is set to increase the number of Sukhoi 30 (SU-30) MKI fighters integrated with BrahMos supersonic missile, which now has a range of over 500 kilometres. These are spread on the country’s western border with Pakistan and its eastern boundary with China.

The IAF currently has 40 SU-30 MKI with BrahMos, the only supersonic cruise missile in the world. While the range of the missile was 290 km earlier, it has been extended to over 500 km. The IAF had tested the extended range of the missile in May. There were certain software changes that had to be made for extending the missile’s range and this was done with the help of Russians.

The land-launched BrahMos has a range of about 400 kilometres and work is also to increase its range to 800 and 1,500-km.

The IAF had commissioned the 222 ‘Tiger Sharks’ squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets equipped with the BrahMos in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in August 2020. The decision to deploy the Su-30 MKIs at Thanjavur was also taken due to its strategic location. The Tiger Sharks squadron has 18 fighters, and about six of which are equipped with BrahMos.

Unlike the land-launched, the air version of BrahMos gives military planners more options to hit deeper targets which would otherwise be out of range. This is because the Sukhois have a range of 1,500 kilometres and hence can hit long distance targets with the cruise missile.

The missile has a maximum speed of 2.8 Mach (around 3,450 kmph or 2,148 mph), and is difficult to intercept by surface-to-air missiles currently deployed from warships across the world. It also has an immense ability to evade radars. The missile’s cruising altitude can be up to 15 km, and the lowest it can fly is 10 metres above the surface and is capable of carrying a conventional warhead (non-nuclear) weighing 200-300 kg.

Su-30MKI Indigenous Upgrade Proposed Equipment Fit (Alphabetical)

Advanced Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN )

Advanced Weapon Control System

Advanced Electronically Scanned Array radar

Aviation Clock

Blanking Unit

CIT

Digital Head Up Display (HUD)

Enhanced EW Suite

Enhanced FDR

Flight Data Transfer Unit clue

GPS Splitter

Higher Size Multi-Function Display System (MFDS)

Helmet Mounted Observation System (HMOS)

Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS)

Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

Indigenous Digital Map Generator (DMG)

Indigenous Solid State Digital Video Recording System (SSDVRS)

Indigenous VOR/ILS

Indigenous/Western Weapons

Imaging Search and Track System (IRTS)

Integrated Stand By Instrument Sys

Mission Computers

Modified INGPS

New Line of Position (LOP)

Software Defined Radio

Upgraded Radio Altimeter

Voice Activated Command System

India has already developed the following:

Mission Computer cum Display Processor

Radar Computer which is RC1 and Rc2

Mk2 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR).

HAL’s full LCD Modern Glass Cockpit.

High Accuracy Direction Finding Module (HADF)

IFF-1410A – Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

Integrated Communication suite INCOM 1210A

Radar Altimeter – RAM-1701

Programmable Signal Processor (PSP)

Multi Function Displays (MFD) – Samtel/DARE

The post Su-30 MKIs to be Modernised Locally appeared first on IMR.

The AMCA will be the first fifth-generation fighter used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). This fighter will provide many advanced and futuristic technologies to the IAF.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are jointly developing AMCA for the needs of the IAF.

The Necessity

The AMCA project is critical for IAF, which is grappling with just 30-32 fighter squadrons and will not reach its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons even with “planned inductions” over the next 10-15 years.

The IAF needs the AMCA for the following reasons:

•   Most of the fighter aircraft of IAF are fourth generation fighters. IAF currently does not operate any fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Leading military powers of the world have either already developed their fifth-generation jets or are in the advanced stage of their development. The US has F-22 Raptor and F-35, Russia has developed Su-57. China has developed J-20. It is imperative for India to go for a fifth-generation fighter jet when its adversary China has it.

•   China’s fifth-generation fighter J-20 entered into service in 2017. Till now at least 40 units have been manufactured. As per reports, China may have around 200 of them by 2027. This is a serious concern for India. If a new more powerful engine is developed, the J-20 will achieve its full potential and become a major headache for India.

•  Fifth-generation fighters offer a full spectrum of new technologies that are not there in fourth generation jets. These are stealth, supercruise, etc. Also, many futuristic technologies like Directed Energy Weapons, Flyby Optics can operate at their best in these fifth-generation fighter jets.

•   An indigenous platform is the most logical decision. There are very few options available for import. The USA is not likely to offer such a platform to India as it has not yet given them to many of its closest allies. Procuring and operating the F-35 is already an economic burden for US air force itself. IAF cannot afford it. The F-35 is much bigger and heavier. But, the AMCA’s technology and capabilities will be at par with any other fifth-generation fighter in the world.

•   India was working with Russia on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) project. But it pulled back due to many issues like pricing and transfer of technology. Cost is a major issue while procuring foreign platforms. There are limitations on integrating indigenous weapons and technologies with foreign platforms.

Development of AMCA So Far

The programme was earlier known as Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA). It was re-framed in 2010 with its name as AMCA. The basic design configuration was finalized in 2015. In 2018, the defence minister declared that the feasibility study had been completed. It was also decided to complete this project in two phases. The detailed design phase of AMCA started in 2018. The process for government approval of the next phase has been initiated.

Expected Timeline

AMCA will be developed in 2 phases. They are called AMCA Mk1 and AMCA Mk2. AMCA Mk1 will be a fifth-generation fighter aircraft and AMCA Mk2 will be more advanced with some features of sixth-generation fighter aircraft. AMCA Mk1 will be rolled out by 2024. Its first flight is expected in 2025. The induction in service may start from 2030.  It may take another 10 years for the development of AMCA Mk2. A more realistic timeframe for the AMCA induction to kick-off, however, would be around 2035.

AMCA Numbers

It is expected that IAF will order 40 AMCA Mk1 and 80 Mk2. Thus, IAF is currently looking for total of 120 fifth-generation stealthy fighters. The AMCA is expected to replace Su-30 MKI in the future. But IAF operates over 272 Su-30s. With the AMCA’s induction, the fourth-generation fighters with their upgraded versions will continue to play a major role in the coming years.

Costs

Fifth Generation fighter aircraft, due to very special features, are costlier than fourth generation fighter aircraft. Since AMCA is an indigenous Fifth Generation aircraft, it is less costlier than similar aircraft available outside.

The maintenance costs are high. No country can acquire costly niche capability in large numbers. The IAF has conceptualised its need for only seven squadrons of the AMCA (including the Mark-2 version). Maintaining the stealth features makes the aircraft more expensive.

As of now, the development cost of the 25-tonne AMCA is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore.

Learning from Tejas Experience

The Aeronautical Development Agency and other academic institutions together developed the stealth technology. Getting stealth material was another challenge. After years of dedicated work, the team managed to overcome those challenges.

Tejas LCA was the country’s first venture into 4.5-generation combat aircraft. Nobody was ready to share knowledge. All core technologies were developed indigenously. All stakeholders have to be involved right from the beginning. Maintenance, ground support equipment, etc, have to be factored in along with proving the technologies and flying capability.

The AMCA is designed for future upgrades as its architecture allows it to incorporate new systems easily. Its basic airframe is stealth- and future-friendly.

Normally, the shelf life of an aircraft is 30 years, and the AMCA is designed to take care of upgrades for that period.

The AMCA can be teamed up with unmanned assets. There will be more unmanned assets with manned fighters controlling them.

Features

The detailed AMCA designing, which was sanctioned in December 2018, meets IAF’s “preliminary staff qualitative requirements” but the requisite powerful engine remains a major problem.

The AMCA will be available in stealth and non-stealth variants. The first two squadrons of AMCA Mark-1 will have the existing General Electric-414 afterburning turbofan engine in the 98 Kilonewton thrust class, while the next five mark-2 squadrons will have a more powerful 110 Kilonewton engine.

The advanced stealth features in the swing-role AMCA will range from “serpentine air-intake” and an internal bay for smart weapons to radar absorbing materials and conformal antenna.

The fighter will also have the supercruise capability to achieve supersonic cruise speeds without the use of afterburners as well as data fusion and multi-sensor integration with AESA (active electronically scanned array) radars.

The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine stealth aircraft with an internal weapons bay and Diverter-less Supersonic Intake, which has been produced for the first time and for which the design is now complete.

It will be a 25-tonne aircraft with an internal payload of 1,500 kg and an exterior payload of 5,500 kg in addition to 6,500 kg of internal fuel.

India and France are nearing a deal to collaborate on the development of a 125kN engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). DRDO and Safran are expected to jointly produce the advanced AMCA engine.

Safran and HAL already collaborate on the Shakti engine, which powers the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and its variants, thus a future deal for AMCA engine between the two could be expected to be smooth.

Interim Plans

In the interim, IAF’s planned inductions include 73 Tejas Mark-1A fighters and 10 trainers, which will be delivered in the 2024-2028 timeframe under the Rs 46,898 crore deal inked with Hindustan Aeronautics in February this year. Then there is the long-pending “Make in India” project for 114 new 4.5-generation fighters with “some fifth-generation capabilities” for over Rs 1.25 lakh crore, which has seven foreign contenders and is likely to get the initial “acceptance of necessity” next year.

There are some discussions also underway about whether India should leapfrog from the Tejas Mark-1A directly to the AMCA.

Testing Technology

DRDO, in March 2022, a DRDO announcemen said, “Based on the design by ADA & DRDO, the fabrication of leading edge of AMCA initiated at HAL with special material for 5th gen design. The unit will undergo structural & other testing before putting it on the first prototype. An imp milestone for AMCA.”

Special Purpose Vehicle

In February 2022, R Madhavan, chairman of HAL had said that the company was employing a special purpose vehicle (SPV) model with private partners to produce the next-generation AMCA and Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).

The progress in the AMCA program would mark a major shift for India which stares as a shortage of combat aircraft against the requisite strength along with an aggressive neighbour at its doorstep.

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Based on the Introductory Remarks made at Digitisation & Networking in the Armed Forces 2020 Webinar, 21 Nov 2020.

The Indian Air Force has been part of the AFNET network for quite some time. Both the Air Force and Navy have been implementing network-centric operations for some time and we have gained a lot of experience in such operations. Two things generally come to our mind. Network Centric Warfare (NCW) is totally a different ball game.

It is actually a totally new domain in terms of transformation. Is it just technology or is it a problem solver?  I think we need to understand that better. It is not a new military technology but a new way of thinking, organizing and fighting wars.

ALSO READ: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION – Transformation For Future War

NCW is an all-encompassing technology, doctrine and organization to radically change the style of warfare. What it gives us is speed of command, self-synchronization and the concept of shooters replacing much of existing lexicon. In the age of military transformation, the NCW concept has established a framework to facilitate an evolutionary cultural change, process and doctrine for warfare. It takes a holistic approach for warfighting, based on tenets of warfare, and capitalizes on the technical advances with distributed computing and networks. NCW makes a fundamental shift from the independent entities or platforms to systems approach where the actions of one component effect the whole system. NCW does not remove the fog or friction of war, but reduces them integrating all the moving parts into a more robust and effective fighting team. Weapon platforms will be an integral part of the whole because some or all platforms will produce a greater effect than the independent platforms. According to Metcalf’s Law, the value of a network increases exponentially as a number of users increase while networking.

Shift in Warfare

The information technologies available today brings the multiplying factor of Metcalf’s Law applied to war fighting to the NCW concept. A number of shits are taking place in warfare, namely:

”              From platform-centric to network-centric.

”              From independent sensors to integrated sensors.

•             From need-based information to common information grid.

•             From centralized operations to distributed operations.

Network-centric Operations

To illustrate what we understand by net NCW and how we implement it – we have a ground network which is well established; there are various communications and radar sensors hooked up together in a network; we have satellites, which link up giving us communication redundancy and now we have aircraft flying which talk to each other. If we have two packages flying, they talk to each other. Then we have the AWACS in the air, which talks to aircrafts, to the packages and to the ground network. Over that we have the ability of any aircraft in the mission talking to any other aircraft in other missions. This gives you an overall advantage of talking to each other.

ALSO READ: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION – Imperatives For Network-centric Operations

This provides improved situational awareness and it helps in carrying out silent intercept when I do not have to transcript from my own radar. I can transmit from the radar of a different aircraft or from a radar on the ground. It helps build a real time electronic orbat. Navigation gets better, in that, the aircraft can find new routes through safe corridors. We can transmit and transfer images in real time and seek instructions to engage the target. In a dense aircraft environment, with a small operational space, the data network provides collision warnings. We are able to carry out dynamic target allocation in the air and on the ground, thus enhancing operational capability. We are able to coordinate the air effort to ensure attacks are well coordinated and effective.

In effect NCW has provided us accelerated information flow, enhanced battlefield transparency and seamless communication with voice and data.  Finally, what it leads to is reduced time from sensor to shooter.

All this impacts organisational change. In the legacy systems we had voice and data systems in different silos. NCW has transformed the environment to an enterprise network with an integrated command and control structure with a satcom network included. All of this can be scaled up to provide better data-link connectivity and communications.

Network Management

For the IAF considerable transformation has occurred. We have an Information Highway which has the network. To manage the network there is a data centre management unit. The networks are vulnerable; they need to have network security management which is provided by the SOC. To be able to communicate with remote areas where fibre optic network does not reach, a mobile network has been deployed which itself is managed by a mobile network management centre (MNMC). Satellite communication are in turn managed by a static Satellite Network Management Centre (SNMC).

The major change that has happened in the organisation is that we are able to connect with entities at various locations with redundancies, which the legacy systems did not provide. Therefore, the old traditional centralised hierarchical structures that were suitable for relatively stable and predictable conditions has been replaced by more flexible and flatter structures that will facilitate devolution of command.

The work force requirements basically entail recruitment policies, which need to be developed to draw expertise from a range of people, proficiencies and skills need to be created at various levels, For the special skills and the competencies required, special training centres are set up to be able to understand networks and managing them. The entire organization has got revamped. Is it static, No. As we keep evolving this network and the organization management keeps evolving side by side. Just as management of the organization is updated in terms of network management, we also have to look at the operational organizations.

The traditional legacy organization has three operational levels – tactical, operational; and strategic – the last being the highest. There are no overlaps. Command and control flows from top to bottom and feedback goes from bottom to top. Today, functional requirements dictate increased situational awareness, optimization of information flow, decentralization of planning, control and execution functions. In the new organization structure, we have overlaps in the tactical, operational and strategic levels. The information from the grid is available to all simultaneously – at the higher direction level to the execution level. Planning and control is decentralized. Many functions happen at the same time. Execution is much faster.

NCO facilitates flattening of the command & control structure; we need to adapt to this structure. The availability of information and data facilitates flexibility in the execution of tasks. Commanders can exercise seamless and dynamic control in rapidly changing situations. These changes allow us to seize emerging opportunities in operations due to the availability of networks.

In the end, I would say that NCW concept capitalizes on the advances of information technology; it will continue to evolve. One of the greatest challenges of NCW is the cultural change required to implement the new organizational processes and exploit the advantages provided by the concept. Speed of command and self-synchronization with the new concepts must be accepted and implemented on a larger scale within our organizations. NCW is a constructive facilitator. It requires change in the organizations and mindset of individuals within the organizations. Essentially, NCW remains a command and control concept. In addition, it directly contributes towards increasing combat effectiveness, providing efficient interfaces among sensors, shooters and the decision makers. It also opens up feasibility of implementing flattened organization structures and peer-to-peer command and control protocols, which would make military organizations more effective in the battlefield as well as more agile in dealing with the complexities of hybrid warfare in the 21st Century battlespace. 

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The need of the hour is to be strong. China respects strength and we are strong, but we need to look at the realities and how technology is moving. We need to identify areas in which we must move forward and really take domination of aerospace to the next level.

We have the ability to dominate today at the time of choosing but the definition of domination, the extent of it and everything concerning operations is moving rapidly. Therefore, I think the single most important issue that is being discussed now – networking, digitization, the ability to shorten the loop – whichever way you put it – is the most important issue. While I will not be able to go into the depth of many of the issues, where we are and what we have done, I will address issues as far as the Air Force is concerned, and what we need to do.

I will share with you my experience in building important networks having a bearing on war waging capability and the way forward in achieving enhanced domination of air space.

Keeping Pace

First, we need to integrate much more and, second, we need to move forward rapidly. The digitization scenario is changing very rapidly. Our basic structures in our procurement, decision-making, the way we integrate, the time we take, how the industry moves, how we ourselves move – all these need to be looked at. We cannot have open-ended timelines, we need to move fast and we need to absorb. While technology is being absorbed we should look at the next level straight away. What you implement today, will be good for the next two to three years. We should always be moving to the next level. So that is the background with which I would like to start.

Integration is the Key

Air Space domination implies being able to rapidly and accurately engage all targets while they are mobile or static, in the air, on land, over the sea, in a chosen time space. To achieve this capability, integration of all available airborne platforms, ground-based weapon systems and decision grade in particular, is essential. I think the decision-grade is something we tend to miss out or not implement in full. We are well aware that the process of transforming linear decision-making process into a well integrated information and knowledge-based network is the basic essence of digitization in terms of direction it should take in the armed forces.

Shortening the OODA Cycle

Infusion of information technology (IT) at the turn of the century ushered in a revolution in military affairs (RMA), that went on to fundamentally alter the nature of warfighting. Now network-centric capability seamlessly fuses all elements of war fighting to create a very high level of battlefield awareness that can be and should be effectively exploited to dominate operations in that area. The key components of these capabilities are the sensors, such as radar, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) platforms, AWACS (airborne warning and control system), satellites, etc. The shooters, both manned and unmanned and the decision makers in the loop control the air battle at all levels starting from the tactical level or the individual level in the cockpit or the combat system right up to the formations and back to the decision makers on the ground. This synergy is critical to compress the OODA – observe, orient, decide and act – cycle and this is really the essence as far as our ability to dominate is concerned. In air wars, it would apply simultaneously in parallel layers – the pilot in the cockpit who is handling the threats or the targets to the formation in parallel. The formation leader would be taking decisions in the entire area in which air battle manager would be taking parallel decisions. Also going backwards to Command HQ or commands whose assets are deployed in the air war that is going on in that area – to the extent that between Commands and Air HQs, in parallel, seamless thinking and decision-making in terms of real time results and how that particular battle changes the scenario to the next one or the parallel one. So, the whole scheme of things needs to move fast and whoever can do that better would win the situation. As you are all aware air power application is not only time sensitive but inherently escalatory in nature particularly in No War No Peace scenario and that is also to be kept in mind.

Digitisation Facilitates Flexibility

All this mandates high level of visibility into battle space to enable commanders to take quick and accurate decisions that will ensure that the campaign achieves the desired level. It is for these reasons that air operations, in particular, are planned centralized and executed decentralized. That is the way the Air Force functions and we have the capability to plan and execute from one location or two locations in parallel. We can today conduct operations, for example, from Delhi across many commands and bring to bear the assets onto one area or chosen areas as we decide. It need not be from Delhi, the same can be done from a location somewhere else. That is the flexibility and capability that digitization and networking brings, provided we integrate it and correctly incorporate it into our operational systems and thinking. Complete visibility of plans accords very high degree of flexibility at the operational level. It also effects dynamic changes which are in play in shifting air battle. Thus, real time decision-making such as rerouting fighter aircraft to destroy alternative targets or more important targets, or dynamic switching of roles of the force in the air to cater to any emerging enemy threat is a norm even today rather than an exception. This needs to become the high point of our ability in network-centric operations in the future.

NCW Projects

With aerospace sector being highly technology intensive, I have been on the path of transformation towards network-centric warfare (NCW) capability for over a decade. The process protocol started way back in 2006, when pan-India multi-protocol level optical system with modern IT-based technology came into effect. Based on this the AFNET, the backbone of Air Force was founded, which provided us an ultra high-speed communication and real time data sharing. What we started then has fructified today pan-India. But having done that, what we need to do now is to modify and to upgrade it at pace that has to be much faster. The success and lessons of the AFNET project laid the base for the next evolutionary step, which involved integration and networking of our sensors, progress towards processing capabilities, and keeping the IT infrastructure abreast of requirements. This has been achieved by integrating all the sensors like long range radars, AWACS and including civil service radars, aerostats and satellites, which empowers the Air Force to dominate an area, firstly with the information about the area, thereafter with our assets. The evolution of IACCS (Integrated Air Command & Control System), which is a C4I element has resulted in seamless air space surveillance capability. Now, AI and automation has shortened the sensor to shooter loop making targeting highly responsive as it has added another layer on top of it. We need to look at these hybrid systems and other advancements that have made decision-making faster and dynamic targeting a reality today.  

ALSO READ: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION – Transformation For Future War

Combat planning and automated decision-making is being developed in-house by the IAF, which will integrate air campaign planning and execution, including war gaming. This is something that we have launched this year, which will again pave the way for really being networked. Such initiatives in operations is the only way to automate the battlefield functions of tactical echelons and then establish an integrated command management system. Concurrently, we have also been actively partnering with industry to expand our digitization and automation footprint across multiple domains, which indirectly enhances our capability to undertake operations. A leading IT firm, Wipro, has developed an electronics maintenance management system (EMMS) and it has been successful. IACCS has done very well and EMMS has now become one of the world’s largest maintenance management systems with complete digital workflow across all platforms of the IAF. This is already fructified today. This is the pace with at which we have moved fortunately with indigenous industry. Our predecessors took that call and that is the only way you can keep your information secure and have the ability to make amends and modifications. Likewise, our e-governance projects, which have undertaken, will achieve enhanced automation and paperless workflow by this year end on nearly on all operational, administrative and maintenance related activities in the IAF.

Tri-Services Integration

Tri-Services integration is the next logical step in this evolution of information centric warfare. Individual service specific C4i systems are already in place. We need to construct joint and integrated C4I systems. Convergence of tactical data system, which automates the process of situational awareness and information across the entire battlespace is a key requirement. One of the challenges in such integration is the development of information islands within each Service with a robust security mechanism – and this is important – because the moment you digitize, vulnerability on security front needs to be really tight. We can share a lot on this in terms of our own experience. These information islands can be overlaid on a common tri-Service grid and serve to provide the requisite data without causing information overload. To this end the NFS is one such medium of convergence while we try to have tri-Service network capability.

Lessons Learnt

While the IAF has made considerable strides in its quest for dominating the information and networking domain, I would like to dwell on a few important lessons also which we have learnt in our journey.

First and foremost is the fact that frequent software and hardware changes have a negative impact on the transformation efforts. And the hardware changes fast. We really have to be a little visionary in the process – what we choose and how fast we do. We need to formulate a process that organizations requirements across destroying individual weapon systems, integrating systems such as EWO or common degree platforms (which we have done recently) but has led us to reverse engineer systems due to incompatibility with other systems. This is one of the major lessons from the recent past, which we have learnt. This would increase when we try to integrate many other different legacy systems. Policies and process of digitization or automation must lead to balance in developing systems that leverage the latest and best technology while having systems that are stable and combat ready.

ALSO READ: Future Military Technologies : Gen MM Naravane on Changing Characteristics of Warfare

Second major lesson is in the area of software development life cycle itself. I already mentioned that this is an area that needs to move fast and I think that the strength is that if you follow the indigenous route it will give strength to move faster. The industry also needs to recognize this and have a shorter loop in terms of their own decision-making and have a little more open-minded approach towards the requirements. With the operational urgency to develop or digitize products we invariably employ the standard spiral model, which has resulted in faster building of software but which comes with a new set of problems. To provide users with software, equipment with critical points, developers are often forced to release software before perfection and then continually field upgrades. We have seen this in many projects. At times it is also for cutting costs, which is just too bad and these are the issues the industry needs to handle. A better approach would be to decide on what we call software drops so that unwanted features are identified mutually and cut out on the development side.

Cyber Defence

In the cyber domain, though we have moved towards the Defence Cyber Agency, DSA and Service specific cyber groups, we still need to walk a good distance ahead to achieve all our operational objectives. A lot of work has started in this area too. As military communications, sensing, logistics, maintenance and C2I has increasingly been digitized and inter-connected, cyber defence has become a vital element of enhancing the digital capabilities of our forces and networks. Our aerospace systems and information systems are increasingly inter-twined and, hence, the potential of cyber attack is huge. More importantly, the potential of real time damage is huge. For example, the Conflicker worm attack in 2009, led to short term grounding of the Rafale fleet. If it happens at the wrong time, it can be critical. This is the scenario that needs to be avoided at all costs.

Emerging Technologies

Most of our systems are moving ahead and we have invested towards technological advancements, such as software defined networking. The Air Force is doing a lot in AI. Many of our systems and their integration is shortening the timeframe of analysis, particularly through Big Data analytics in EW. There are emerging technologies like quantum computing which we need to look at. Some of you may be aware that Google is already building a quantum computer to accomplish a task in 200 seconds what the fastest computer available today will take 10,000 years. This is what we are talking about in the years to come. While quantum computing is still is the nascent stage, with respect to military applications, we must see the technology both as an enabler or disrupter in the near future. China is investing large amount in such technologies. This is an area that we need to look at as a nation.

In these emergent technologies, it is only through a national effort that we can keep pace and not be left behind. The industry really has to look at the future carefully, leapfrog and catch up in these fields and build our networking ability so that we can dominate the areas we want.

Operational Fallback Systems

Finally, while digitization is the need of the hour, any lasting solution must go beyond basic network connectivity and cyber security. That is just the basic requirement. Also, defence planners need to maintain a backup, analog or appropriate systems in order to ensure minimum operational capacity, in case of digital blackouts or disruption due to cyber attacks. This is very critical area. Before we take up any networking project, there has to be an operational fallback option. It should nothappen that we depend on networks to such an extent that lack of network or operational fallback disrupts our ability to dominate. If we are not careful this can easily happen.

We need to enable our leaders to have a deep understanding of the warfare in the context of information. Manning digitized environments presents a major challenge in military eco system as we are forced to compete with private sector for qualified young men and women. We are still not self-reliant in terms of IT infrastructure with hardware being dominated by China and operating systems being dominated by US. However, we can offset the same by efficient programming, coding and developing of algorithms. This is an area that should become our strength, apart from taking some long-term look and calls on issues of software and hardware towards our applications itself, both in the industrial and military domains. This is one area that can propel us into network domination in the future.

Extract from a talk by Air Chief Mshl RKS Bhadauria given at an IMR webinar on Digitisation and Networking in the Armed Forces on 23 Nov 2020. Transcribed by Prithish Roy.

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Military and civil radars are being increasingly co-located in various parts of the country to provide seamless control of respective airspaces.

Integrated Air Command Control Communications System

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The missile is a potent weapon for IAF for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence effectively from large stand-off ranges.

The Rudram is first indigenous anti-radiation missile of the country for the IAF, being developed by DRDO.  The missile is integrated on Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft as the launch platform, having capability of varying ranges based on launch conditions. It has INS-GPS navigation with Passive Homing Head for the final attack. The Rudram hit the radiation target with pin-point accuracy.

Anti-Radiation Missiles

Anti-radiation missiles are designed to detect, track and neutralise the adversary’s radar, communication assets and other radio frequency sources, which are generally part of their air defence systems. Such a missile’s navigation mechanism comprises an inertial navigation system — a computerised mechanism that uses changes in the object’s own position — coupled with GPS, which is satellite-based.

The Passive Homing Head can detect, classify and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed. The system can detect, classify and engage targets (radio frequency sources in this case) over a wide band of frequencies as programmed. These features allow it to choose and select a target among the range of emitters that it sees at that point of time. The new NGARMs with PHH operates in the D-J band and can detect radio frequency emission from 100km away.

Rudram 1 missile contains a radar dome which is critical for missiles which can be used to target and destroy enemy based radars on the ground.  Once the Rudram missile locks on the target, it is capable of striking accurately even if the radiation source switches off in between.

Rudram-1 missile has a range of around 250 km. It can be fired from height ranging from 500 metres to 15 km. Rudram has the ability to detect enemy radars on the ground. Once these missiles disarm enemy radars on the ground, it can help inflict more damage in the attacks that follow the first wave.

ALSO READ: DEFENCE RESEARCH: Chinese Aggression Prompts 8 Missile Tests

DRDO initiated development of anti-radiation missiles of this type around eight years ago, and its integration with fighter jets has been a collaborative effort of various DRDO facilities and formations of the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. While the system has been tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI, it can be adapted for launch from other fighter jets too.

Because the missiles are to be carried and launched from extremely complex and sensitive fighter jets, the development was full of challenges, such as development of radiation seeker technologies and guidance systems, besides integration with the fighter jet, said a DRDO scientist.

Rudram has been developed for the IAF’s requirement to enhance its Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability. As one of the many aspects of SEAD tactics, anti-radiation missiles are used mainly in the initial part of air conflict to strike at the air defence assets of the enemy, and also in later parts, leading to higher survivability to a country’s own aircraft. Neutralising or disrupting the operations of the adversary’s early warning radars, command and control systems, surveillance systems that use radio frequencies and give inputs for anti-aircraft weaponry, can be very crucial.

Scientists said modern-day warfare is more and more network-centric, which means it comprises elaborate detection, surveillance and communication systems that are integrated with the weapons systems.

The post DEFENCE RESEARCH: Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile Tested appeared first on IMR.

IMR. What is happening about setting up an aerospace commission, which was recommended years ago. Is it not doable? Does the IAF support the concept to bring in synergy in use of all aerospace resources like Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the case of space.

CAS.       Outer space has been recognized as a strategic domain with likelihood of future battles being fought in an integrated manner with increased utilization of space assets. To this end, the Defence Space Agency (DSA) has been formed to bring about the required synergy for operational control of all space resources in achieving our national military objectives. We fully support this concept. The DSA itself is an interim arrangement and we shall see its evolution to an Aerospace Command in times to come. As regards an Aerospace Commission, we have given our recommendations in the matter and support this evolution.

IMR. In view of the existential Chinese threat how do you intend to make up deficiencies in aircraft, armament and essential resources in the short and long term?

CAS.       The Chinese threat is not existential. While we continue to evaluate our current and future threat scenario as part of our planning process, we are taking suitable measures in terms of threat perceptions with respect to China for acquisition of platforms, weapons and capabilities in order to meet our capability requirement.  We have planned for induction of indigenous fighters such as the remaining LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Mk1 and the LCA Mk1A.  Further, we fully support the LCA Mk2 and AMCA (Advanced Multi-role Combat Aircraft) programmes. The remaining Rafales will also join the IAF by 2022.  Additional Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters are also in the pipeline.  Additional force multipliers such as AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Systems and FRA (Flight Refuelling Aircraft) aircraft are also under consideration.

IMR. The Light Combat Helicopter remains under development. When can we expect the IAF to be equipped with it? What is causing delays?

CAS. The RFP (Request for Proposals) for the helicopter for both IAF and IA (Indian Army) was issued in December 2017. The IOC (Initial Operational Clearance) for the LCH LSP (Limited Series Production) has been accorded and the cost has already been finalised by the cost committee. The contract is likely to be signed in this calendar year and we expect the induction to commence a year or so thereafter.

IMR. Would the IAF not like to be involved in the development of the LCA Mk 2 like the India Navy gets involved in its projects through design bureaus and leading the manufacturing effort. Can we improve HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) performance in the regards with more involvement of private companies or a consortium.

CAS. The IAF has been fully involved in the development of LCA through our team in flight test centre and project management at ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency). The Tejas variants and AMCA are indigenous fighters, which will form the core of our fighter fleet in the decades ahead. We are also deeply committed to the HTT-40 and the LCH programmes. The IAF is heavily invested in these projects. We have teams of test pilots, flight test engineers, programme managers and logisticians deeply embedded at all levels in the design and manufacturing complexes at DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation), HAL, ADA and other stakeholders.

In keeping with the requirements of an Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, we see a major opportunity for the private sector. We feel our requirements could be met faster and more efficiently with a mix of public and private sector partnership, both in design and development and manufacturing.

IMR. We made a fatal mistake when we declined an offer by Rolls Royce for the co-development of an aeroengine for HF-24. We repeated the same when Safran offered co-development of Kaveri engine as part of offsets of Rafale project. How do we move forward to get aeroengines technology?

CAS. For the AMCA programme to succeed, the design and development of an indigenous aero engine is a pre-requisite. The technology is niche and the process complex and expensive. This can happen with experience gained from the Kaveri programme and a collaboration of aero engine houses, academia, industry and defence PSUs. DRDO is considering various options with international design houses including Safran for co-development of an engine for AMCA and beyond.

IMR. NDA cadets have moved from gliders to microlight. Systems are getting more complex but more automation, AI, robotics and simulators, can compress time frame of training and improve degree of difficulty for better proficiency. What changes have taken place in training philosophy of the IAF?

CAS. The training philosophy of the IAF has been adapted to keep pace with developments in the strategic space of operations. We have modified our basic training stage, which will see pilot trainees graduating with a B.Tech degree. To promote jointness in operations, ground duty and technical branch officers will also now be inducted through NDA (National Defence Academy), expanding the inter-Services interaction across branches. Use of simulators for ground training such as for mechanical transport operators, e-training format for air warriors and more officers being sent for post-graduate courses to remain abreast of technological developments are some of the steps taken in this direction. Simulators have also become an integral part of our flying training right from the basic stage in the Pilatus PC-7 to frontline fighters such as the Su-30 MKI and the Rafale.

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It was with a sense of urgency that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting, on 2 July, accorded approval for capital acquisition of various platforms and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces. Proposals for an approximate cost of Rs 38,900 crore were approved.

The DAC also approved, among others, the indigenous design and development Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Systems and Astra Missiles for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF). Addition of Long Range Land Attack Missile Systems having a firing range of 1,000 kilometres to the existing arsenal will bolster the attack capabilities of the Navy and the Air Force. Similarly induction of Astra Missiles having Beyond Visual Range capability will serve as a force multiplier and immensely add to the strike capability of the Navy and Air Force.

Addressing the long felt need of the IAF to increase its fighter squadrons, the DAC also approved the proposal for procurement of 21 MIG-29 along with upgradation of existing 59 MIG-29 aircraft and procurement of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft. While the MIG 29 procurement and upgradation from Russia is estimated to cost Rs 7,418 crore, the Su-30 MKI will be procured from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730 crore.

Astra BVRAAM Missiles

DAC cleared the purchase of 248 indigenously developed Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) for the IAF. India’s first indigenous air-to-air missile, Astra has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile has been tested by the DRDO and the IAF at least 27 times since it was first fired.

The first lot of 50 pre-production Astra Mk1 BVRAAM already has been delivered to IAF, which will be integrated into existing Su-30MKI fleet and another 100 will go to MiG-29UPG which after avionics upgrade and HAL developed Mission Computer will be next to get software upgrade patch for Astra Mk1 integration with the Zhuk-ME electronically scanned slotted planar array radar.

IAF will start getting 200 Astra Mk1 for Mig-29UPG and Su-30MKI fleet from 2021 onwards but our previous report (200 Astra Mk1 order soon with two different seekers ) hints at possible two seekers.

The Indian Navy also flies MiG-29Ks that have many updated features in common with the SMT and UPG variants will also get 48 Astra BVRAAM which will supplement Russian R-77 BVRAAM.

Tejas Mk1A will be third fighter jets which will get Astra Mk1 BVRAAM from 2024 onwards for which IAF might place orders for another 300 lot over 200 currently placed as per information provided to idrw.org.

Plans to integrate Astra Mk1 BVRAAM also on Mirage-2000 fleet that has been discussed but it will require French cooperation for source code of the Thales RDY 2 radar for the development of software which will allow Mission computer and Radar to talk to Astra Mk1 missiles for taking out the target.

Additional Sukhois and MiG-29s

The acquisition proposal for the purchase of 33 new aircraft for the Indian Air Force has been valued at an estimated Rs 5,000 crore.

The IAF has already initiated the process to strengthen its aerial might with the purchase of 12 new Sukhoi-30MKI and 21 new upgraded MiG-29s.

This will be the second lot of 33 new aircraft to be acquired by the Air Force after the contract was signed in 2016 for 36 Rafale aircraft. The Indian Air Force has also proposed that the government purchase the entire lot of equipment associated with the fighter planes in an apparent bid to prevent the issue of spares in the future.

First batch of Rafales Arrives

India received the first batch of five Rafale medium multi-role fighter jets on 29 July, when they landed at strategically located Ambala Air Force Base to join the Golden Arrows squadron. Five other Rafale fighters taken over by the IAF have been held back in France for training purposes.

The Rafale jets will significantly enhance the IAF’s overall combat capability and will send a clear message to India’s “adversaries”.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile (AAM) and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets have come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hashimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of the 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.

Predator-B Drones

In the wake of multiple prolonged stand-offs with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh, India has conveyed to the US its renewed interest in the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) armed Predator-B drone, which not only collects intelligence through surveillance and reconnaissance but also locates and destroys the target with missiles or laser-guided bombs.

While India is operating Israeli Heron unarmed drones in eastern Ladakh, the acquisition of an armed drone has acquired urgency with China not only using Wing Loong II armed drone but also in the process of supplying two systems (one system has two drones and a ground station) to Pakistan. Pakistan is also tying up with China to jointly produce 48 armed drones for use by the Pakistan Air Force. The GJ-2, military version of Wing Loong II, is said to be armed with 12 air-to-surface missiles and is currently being used in the Libyan civil war with limited success.

Although the US has offered to sell 30 Sea Guardian (unarmed naval variant, or UAV, of the Predator-B made by General Atomics) for over $4 billion, national security planners feel that due to the prohibitive cost of the UAV it would be better to have an all-in-one drone rather than separate ones for surveillance and targeting. Even though the Indian Navy is playing a lead role in negotiations with the US, the Indian Army is all in favour of the Predator-B. Also called the MQ-9 Reaper, the armed drone is battle-proven in the Iraq, Afghanistan and Syrian theatres with the capability of carrying four Hell-Fire missiles and two 500 pounds of laser-guided bombs.

Indian private sector companies are also now in the process of developing medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones but the capacity to acquire armed drones will take time. A number of experiments done in Ladakh have not been entirely successful with the drone being lost in high-velocity winds on the Tibetan plateau. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has plans to produce the MALE Rustom drone prototype by the end of this year.

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DAC Approvals

In addition to the additionakl fighter jets and the indigenous development of land attack cruise missiles and Astra BVRAAMs approved by the DAC in its meeting, on 2 July, approval was also accorded for equipment to be manufactured in India involving Indian defence industry with participation of several MSMEs as prime tier vendors. The indigenous content in some of these projects is up to 80 per cent of the project cost. A large number of these projects have been made possible due to Transfer of Technology (ToT) by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to the indigenous industry. These include Pinaka ammunitions, BMP armament upgrades and software defined radios for the Indian Army. The cost of these design and development proposals is in the range of Rs 20,400 crore.

Acquisition of new/additional missile systems will add to the fire power of three Services. While acquisition of Pinaka missile systems will enable raising additional regiments over and above the ones already inducted, addition of Long Range Land Attack Missile Systems having a firing range of 1,000 kilometres to the existing arsenal will bolster the attack capabilities of the Navy and the Air Force.

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