Fighter Jets of The IAF

IAF’s acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Jets is part of an effective procurement plan.

The long-delayed acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter jets (MRFA) is slated to begin soon, along with three other indigenous fighter development programmes.
It will culminate in the armed forces acquiring a massive 500-fighter aircraft procurement procedure.

About
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is The Indian armed forces’ air wing.
- Its goal is to protect Indian airspace and engage in aerial warfare during a crisis.
- After The United States, China, and Russia, India has the world’s fourth-largest air force.
- The Indian Air Force, also known as The Bharatiya Vayu Sena, was founded as an auxiliary air force unit of The Royal Air Force of Britain.
- The air force was given the designation Royal recognition of India’s aviation efforts during World War II.
- The term Royal Airforce was retained until India was granted dominion status.
- The prefix Royal was dropped when the government became a republic in 1950.
- The President of India is the supreme commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The operational command of the Air Force is held by the Chief of Air Staff, a four-star commander who is an air chief marshal.
- Marshal of the Air Force is a five-star rank given by the President of India on only one occasion in history to Arjan Singh.
- The IAF’s motto is ‘Nabhah Sparhsam Diptam,’ which comes from the Bhagavad Gita and means ‘Touch the sky with glory.‘

The IAF is authorised to have 42 fighter squadrons.
As the overall technical life is fulfilled, the drawdown increases with time.
- Unfortunately, the rate of new inductions needs to catch up with the drawdown.
- It results in a reduction in the overall number of fighter squadrons.
Furthermore, numerous frontline aircraft in the inventory, such as Jaguars and MIG-29s, will be phased out before the decade’s end.
- For example, the first MIG-29s, introduced in the late 1980s, will begin to be deployed by 2027-28.
In recent years, the IAF has added two squadrons of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and two French Rafale fighter jets, bringing the total squadron strength to 32.
The IAF inked a contract with HAL in January 2021 for 83 more advanced LCA MK-1As, which it will begin receiving in early 2024.
The IAF also stated that the 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) that will be bought would help to stop the decrease.
A larger and more capable LCA-MK2 and a fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are in the works.
- However, their availability in sufficient numbers will take some time.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed the Tejas Lightweight Fighter Jet.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed the aircraft.
The Tejas – Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme was intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s Russian MiG-21 fighter aircraft.
Tejas is a multi-role fighter aircraft with a single engine.
Tejas was the name given to the LCA programme in 2003.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has two squadrons of Tejas Mk 1 aircraft based in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, as of 2020.

Rafale is a twin-engine manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France.
Additionally, The French Air Force is the primary user of this aircraft.
The Indian Air Force will operate Rafale fighter jets after a contract for 36 Rafale fighter jets was signed.
The agreement, inked in 2016, comprises a package of spares and armaments, including the highly regarded Meteor Beyond Visible Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM).
Rafale has also been picked by the Egyptian Air Force and the Qatar Air Force, in addition to the Indian Air Force.
Rafale fighter jets were used in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Mali combat operations.

Sukhoi 30 is a twin-engine Fighter Jet manufactured by Sukhoi Aviation Corporation.
Sukhoi-30 aircraft come in various types, including the Sukhoi 30 MkI, which the Indian Air Force employs.
Besides the Soviet and Indian air forces, Sukhoi-30 aircraft are also used by Algeria, China, Vietnam, Venezuela, and Malaysia.
Sukhoi 30 MKI is the backbone of the Indian Air Force.
As of January 2020, India had around 260 Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter planes.
Furthermore, India intends to purchase additional Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft to replace those lost in accidents.

The Indian Air Force is the country’s air force.
Since its independence, the IAF has fought four wars with neighbouring countries.
It had previously been involved in battles with a force of 1.7 lakh soldiers.
The dedicated forces of the IAF endeavour to safeguard and maintain the peace and security of our country and its people from harm.
In addition, The President of India acts as the IAF’s commander-in-chief.
The IAF’s objective is to reach for the stars.
To India’s credit, the IAF has continued to work for the sake of our country since 1932.

Pic Courtesy: The Hindu

Content Source: The Hindu