IAF to focus on indigenous production of fifth-gen jets

NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Thursday laid out a major indigenous plan to include quick induction of more versions of Tejas and backed a fifth generation fighter jet of the DRDO, ruling out its import.

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 4

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Thursday laid out a major indigenous plan to include quick induction of more versions of Tejas and backed a fifth generation fighter jet of the DRDO, ruling out its import.

The new IAF Chief, who took over on September 30, said, “We are putting in all efforts on AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)".

The AMCA is a fifth generation jet which the DRDO is making.

On whether the option of fifth generation jets like those with Russia or other countries was being explored, he said "no".

He was addressing a media conference ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8.

The new IAF Chief, who was a Tejas test pilot during the days of sanctions imposed by the US in 1998, said the order for the 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets will be placed soon. These will carry a more powerful engine along with better weaponry than the Tejas Mark 1.

The cost negotiation committee will soon give its report, he said, adding that if the Tejas Mark 2, also known as the medium weight fighter, is ready in a few years, IAF will induct that. The process for 114 fighter jets is on, he said while dismissing questions on 36 more Rafale being purchased.

"Indigenisation and modernisation will be the key pillars", Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said.

"We have to ensure that indigenous products remain the focus and we will work to reduce dependency on foreign equipment," he said, adding the new air-to-air missile Astra and BrahMos on the list.

On the fighter fleet, he said steps have been initiated to add 21 more MiG 29.

The Sukhoi 30 will be upgraded as the IAF has initiated the process. The Mi17 and Mi17-IV class of helicopters is being upgraded.

On being asked about the Mi17 crash at Budgam on February 27, he said the court of inquiry has been completed.

Two officers will face disciplinary action. The victims will be treated as battle casualty. "It was big mistake. Necessary steps taken to ensure that it's not repeated," he said. The copter had been shot by own missile.

On the threat of drones dropping arms in Punjab, the IAF Chief said, “It’s a new threat and it's serious. We have some procurement in pipeline to will deal with such drones".