It is no secret that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been struggling to maintain its envisaged number of fighter squadrons. In the next few years many MiG-21/27 squadrons will be deactivated and there is not an obvious replacement.
Originally the IAF planned a total of 39.5-42 fighter squadrons in order to cope with a 2 front war (Pakistan and China). The delays and lack of funding have led to an actual number which is much lower, around 32-33 squadrons. See table for more details.
Originally the IAF planned a total of 39.5-42 fighter squadrons in order to cope with a 2 front war (Pakistan and China). The delays and lack of funding have led to an actual number which is much lower, around 32-33 squadrons. See table for more details.
There are a number of solutions to remedy this issue in the short term. The following aircraft could be acquired:
- Su-30MKI: This aircraft is a mature design and already produced under license. It would provide work to HAL.
- Rafale: Another package –maybe together with Navy- would help increasing the fighter strength.
- MiG-35: RSK MiG is in a position to produce many in a short term (36 per year). The type is already in service with the IAF.
Tejas is another option, but the design/fielding has been marred by delays. As a consequence MiG-21s had to be upgraded to make up for the delay. A Mk 2 version is now expected.
- Su-30MKI: This aircraft is a mature design and already produced under license. It would provide work to HAL.
- Rafale: Another package –maybe together with Navy- would help increasing the fighter strength.
- MiG-35: RSK MiG is in a position to produce many in a short term (36 per year). The type is already in service with the IAF.
Tejas is another option, but the design/fielding has been marred by delays. As a consequence MiG-21s had to be upgraded to make up for the delay. A Mk 2 version is now expected.
References:
- http://ajaishukla.blogspot.co.uk/
- http://www.sldinfo.com/
- http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/
- http://www.indiandefencereview.com/
