Fire side chat between Editor-in-Chief Bharat Shakti Nitin A. Gokhale and AVM Anil Golani.

India Air Force’s depleting squadron strength continues to cause concern. It’s an issue that the #IAF has flagged repeatedly in the past, without a time-bound solution in place. With the slippages in #LCA Tejas production, the chasm between the desired capability and available resources is becoming difficult to manage. What is worrying is that such shortages are not limited to availability of fighter aircraft alone, but extends to re-fuellers, AWACS, data links, communications, SDRs and other areas. The requirement is to commit more resources and enhance production facilities.

The future too does not look too bright. The proposed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft or AMCA is at least a decade away. India needs induct platforms keeping in view current and mid-term requirements. Parallelly, the IAF has to focus on our weapon systems, and other related issues.

According to Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd), himself a fighter pilot and now Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies or #CAPS, feels the best way out is to incentivise induction of private players. Companies like Tata are already part of the global supply chain in the Aerospace Sector. More competitors are required to get the best results. The private sector’s role need not be limited to production alone, but be extended to cover research and development, also.

He pointed out that one major shortcoming is the lack of India’s own aero engine.

The big Indian advantage is the availability of high-quality manpower that could enhance IAF’s pace of progress. Notwithstanding the deficiencies of the IAF, foreign air forces are opting to train and exercise with the IAF, AVM Golani pointed out, which he said was a major plus point. Tune in to watch this discussion between Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale AVM Golani.