Indian Air Force — Flying High or Flying on Fumes?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is a force of paradoxes. While it's flying high on courage and professionalism, its operational readiness is being strained by a critical shortage of fighter jets.
The IAF is simultaneously modernizing its fleet with cutting-edge platforms and facing a dangerous depletion of its squadron strength, a situation that could jeopardize its ability to fight a two-front war.

The Squadron Shortfall
The IAF is authorized to have 42.5 combat squadrons to effectively counter a two-front war against China and Pakistan.
However, it currently operates with only 31 squadrons. This gap is a significant vulnerability. The situation is set to worsen as the last of the aging MiG-21 squadrons—nicknamed "flying coffins" due to their high accident rate—are retired.
This will reduce the IAF's strength to just 29 squadrons, putting it at near parity with Pakistan.

Ageing Fleet: The IAF's fleet is a mix of new and old. Its backbone still relies on a mix of Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and MiG-29s, French Mirage 2000s, and Anglo-French Jaguars, many of which are nearing the end of their service lives and will need to be replaced in the coming decade.

Slow Replacements: The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program has been plagued by delays, with only a few squadrons currently operational.
Delays in the delivery of the more advanced Tejas Mk1A jets are a major concern.

Modernization Efforts and Future Plans-
Despite the challenges, the IAF has a clear roadmap for modernization and is investing heavily in a future-ready force.

Next-Generation Aircraft: India has a two-pronged approach. On one hand, it's acquiring advanced foreign platforms like the Rafale, which provides a crucial technological edge.
On the other, it's investing in indigenous fighter jets like the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter, to ensure long-term self-reliance.

Force Multipliers: The IAF is also focusing on acquiring and developing "force multipliers" to enhance its combat effectiveness.
This includes acquiring new mid-air refuelers, and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, which are essential for extending the range and effectiveness of its fighter fleet.

Drone Warfare: Recognizing the changing nature of warfare, the IAF is rapidly inducting Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and is also working on a "manned-unmanned teaming" concept, where piloted aircraft would operate alongside "unmanned wingmen" to enhance combat capability and reduce pilot risk.

The "Fumes" of Systemic Issues-
The IAF's ambitious plans are consistently hampered by systemic issues that have earned it the "flying on fumes" moniker.

Procurement Delays: India's defense procurement process is notoriously slow and bureaucratic, often taking years or even decades to finalize a contract. This means that by the time a system is finally acquired, it may no longer be cutting-edge.

Budgetary Constraints: The IAF's modernization plans are often limited by inadequate funding. A large portion of the defense budget is allocated to salaries, pensions, and maintenance, leaving insufficient funds for new acquisitions.

Technological Dependence: Despite the push for indigenization, India still lacks indigenous capabilities in critical areas like jet engines and advanced avionics, which makes it dependent on foreign suppliers.

Is India’s infantry adequately equipped for next-generation battlefield challenges, from drones to cyberwarfare?
India's infantry is undergoing a significant transformation to meet the challenges of modern warfare, but its readiness is a mix of promising advancements and persistent gaps.
The military recognizes that the traditional "foot soldier" must evolve into a "technology-empowered warfighter" to be effective on a modern battlefield dominated by drones, cyber threats, and network-centric operations.

Modernization Efforts and Strengths
The Indian Army's Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS) program is at the heart of this modernization drive.
It's a comprehensive initiative that aims to upgrade every aspect of the soldier's gear, from firepower to survivability and digital integration.

Upgraded Firepower: The Indian Army has been phasing out its long-standing INSAS rifles, which were known for their reliability issues, in favor of modern assault rifles like the Sig Sauer 716 and the AK-203.
This is a significant step towards improving the soldier's primary weapon. Additionally, the infantry is being equipped with advanced anti-tank guided missiles, precision-guided munitions, and modern grenade launchers to enhance their ability to engage enemy fortifications and armored threats.

Enhanced Survivability: The push for indigenous Level 6 body armor, which provides enhanced ballistic protection without excessive weight, is a crucial step towards better protecting soldiers.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also exploring the use of exoskeletons to increase endurance and reduce the physical burden on soldiers in difficult terrains.

Counter-Drone Capabilities: India is actively developing and deploying counter-drone systems to protect its infantry from the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. The "Bhargavastra" system, developed by a private Indian company, is a notable example. It is a multi-layered, low-cost system designed to detect and neutralize drone swarms with micro-missiles and rockets.
Furthermore, every infantry battalion is being equipped with a dedicated drone platoon to enhance reconnaissance, target acquisition, and situational awareness.

Cyber and Network-Centric Warfare: India has established new doctrines for cyberspace and amphibious operations.
The Battlefield Management System (BMS), currently in development, aims to create a real-time digital network that allows commanders to make precise, informed decisions based on live intelligence. This is a critical step in a future where information superiority is a key determinant of success.

Remaining Challenges
Despite these advances, several challenges remain that prevent the infantry from being fully prepared for next-generation combat.

Procurement Delays: The Indian defense procurement process has historically been slow and bureaucratic. This often leads to significant delays in the acquisition and deployment of new equipment, creating critical gaps in capabilities.

Technological Gaps: While India is pushing for indigenization, it still faces technological gaps in high-end defense systems and components. The country's defense budget, while large, allocates a limited portion to research and development, which hinders innovation.

Infrastructure and Training: Modernizing a military of 1.4 million personnel is a monumental task. Ensuring that all infantry units, especially those in remote and high-altitude areas, have access to the latest equipment, and are adequately trained in its use, remains a significant logistical and training challenge.

Fragmented Approach: While the F-INSAS program is comprehensive, its implementation has been fragmented. Critics have pointed out that the Army is still in the initial phases of this modernization, and bureaucratic inefficiencies have hampered its swift execution.

In conclusion, the Indian Army is well aware of the challenges posed by next-generation warfare and is taking decisive steps to equip its infantry for a multi-domain battlespace.
The F-INSAS program and the focus on indigenous technology are positive developments. However, to truly be ready for the threats of drones and cyber warfare, India needs to overcome its persistent challenges in procurement, budget allocation, and the full-scale integration of its modernization efforts.

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