RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
MISSION ATMANIRBHARTA Indian Air Force Apache AH-64E
WITH 88TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY, IAF HAS MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY FOR INDIA’S ATMANIRBHARTA The IAF has major role to play in making an Atmanirbhar Bharat with the help of indigenous industry’s production of AMCA, Tejas Mk 2, and the Mk 1 A and strengthen India’s strategic autonomy By AIR MARSHAL M MATHESWARAN (RETD)
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he Indian Air Force, as it celebrates its 89th Founding Day on October 8 this year, is one of the oldest and powerful Air Forces of the world. Given the current situation in Ladakh where Indian and Chinese forces, deployed in significant strengths, face each other with considerable potential for conflict escalation, the IAF has its task cut out. Despite the continuing depletion in fighter squadron strength, the IAF has significant capability to ensure a favourable local balance of power.
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The induction of the first set of Rafale aircraft has served to boost the fighter power and projection. Over the last decade, the IAF has transformed its airlift and expeditionary capabilities. The recent operationalisation of Chinooks, Apaches, armed ALHs, and the latest induction of LCH gives it a significant boost to its helicopter operations and heli-combat capabilities. Its networking capabilities and armed UAVs add a major dimension to its operations in the current scenario against China.
CONCERN ON IAF’S FORCE STRUCTURE
Considering the heightened tensions on the Sino-Indian border, current gaps in IAF’s force structure is of concern, notwithstanding the Rafale induction. In a way, heightened tensions can be seen from a positive angle. It has revealed the
10/12/2020 7:35:46 AM
