EXCLUSIVE Chief of the Air Staff
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria flew on the first anniversary of Balakot air strikes at Srinagar Air Base
augment the fighter strength. AMCA programme is being vigorously pursued with the aircraft likely to be inducted from 2032 onwards or earlier based on D&D completion. To augment the existing fleet of Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 aircraft, AoN for 33 aircraft has been accorded and these will start flying with us in the next couple of years. SP’s: The Make in India programmes seem to have been halted, including the Avro replacement, the way it appears. Can you please comment on the same? CAS: The Avro replacement programme has been the first case where in a private industry has been planned to be involved in aircraft manufacturing in India. The case naturally had several issues to be deliberated upon and procedures to be defined. The project is now at the CFA approval stage. SP’s: Deterrence is supposed to control the hostile approach of neighbours. If we have enough and sufficient level of deterrence, then how should we perceive the China’s behaviour around the LAC this year? CAS: Military deterrence is an important element in preventing and controlling hostilities from neighbours. However, we must remember that statecraft is a complex field involving interplay of multiple facets of a National strategy. In our scenario, the role of military remains to be forever prepared to counter any aggression or misadventure with a robust response, as has been the case.
SP’s: Please indicate on the plans for: a: EW Jammers which are reportedly missing in Su-30 and LCA Mk1; b: Long range BVR air-to-air missile for Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi; c: Hawks in air to ground role. CAS: The Su-30 MKI aircraft are equipped with EW capability which meets its operational roles. The LCA aircraft fleet is also being equipped with jamming equipment. Astra BVR has been successfully tested on the Su-30 MKI and integration on the fleet is underway. Mirage 2000 has been upgraded to fire the long range BVR missiles. The Hawks are currently used in a training role. Their utilisation during contingencies has been suitably catered in our operational plans. SP’s: Request your comments on Chinese utilisation of Pakistani airfields, how is this factor perceived? CAS: There have been uncorroborated reports on OSINT (opensource intelligence) about Chinese aircraft deployment at Pakistani airfields. We closely observe all such activity. It is a known fact that the militaries of both countries regularly conduct joint exercises from each other’s bases. However active operational employment of aircraft from a third country will amount to collusion and would be viewed as such. SP Reproduced from SP’s Aviation Issue 9, 2020, IAF Day Special Issue Aero India 2021 Special SP’S MAI 13
