Air Marshal (R) RGK Kapoor
Asia’s biggest airshows are currently captivating crowds in Bengaluru. The airshow also chats about two fifth-generation fighters from both ends of the geopolitical spectrum. It’s the US F-35 and the Russian SU-57. The shortage of IAF fighter jets is a well-known and widely debated issue these days.
The IAF has undergone a major lack of competence after going through one of the most difficult stages in history. Meanwhile, two Indian neighbours are moving forward with full throttle in expanding the quality and volume of their fighter jets. The ratio is becoming more challenging.
The Air Force is a major tool of national power. The effects it can produce are due to its responsiveness, thermal power, agility, flexibility and vertical packaging, which demands that it embrace current technological trends.
Current Status
According to the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), there are around 2,184 fighter jets in China, about 498 in Pakistan and about 542 in India. This clearly highlights the decline in India’s power ratio to two neighbors.
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Although numerous measures have been proposed to overcome this slide, the number is unlikely to increase over the years since the LCA MK1A was delayed. It’s been resolved.
The delay in supply of the LCA MK1A GE F404 engine means that the first LCA MK1A squadron will not be completed by March 2026.
China has over 500 people, over 1,500 people, and by 2035 it has sixth generation fighter jets, and Pakistan could win 40 J-35s from China, with an unspecified number of Khans The 5th generation fighter jets are partnering with Türkiye.
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So, by 2030, both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have five generations of fighters, while the Advanced Medium Fighter (AMCA) is in development.
The slides presented during the briefing at Aero India 2025 listed the planned fighter guidance timeline in the IAF. Currently, 220 LCA MK1/1AS, 120 LCA MK2S and 120 AMCA are produced domestically, of which 40 have been handed over to the IAF.
The plan is to produce 83 LCA MK1AS by 2029 (an additional 97 will provide a new time frame), 120 LCA MK2S by 2035, and AMCA from 2036 onwards.
Air Chief Marshall AP Singh made a poignant statement that seemed unsure about HAL while sitting on a Tarmac’s LCA aircraft during Aeroind. The show is not actually an MK1A, as there are no specified features. He said it was time for the IAF to change something to ensure its capabilities. At the same time, the IAF also accepted that it was somehow responsible for changing its Qualitative Requirements (QRS) along the way.
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The MRFA project is in the RFP phase and, very optimistically, if everything goes well, the aircraft could be introduced in 2029, with 114 aircraft manufactured by 2035. The desired time frame.
The LCA MK2 is said to be a 4++ generation fighter jet with a total weight of 17,500 kg carrying a weapon load of 6500 kg and 3300 kg internal fuel, located under the M-2000 category and Lafare. With a total weight of 24,500 kg, it carries 9,500 kg of weapon load and 4,700 kg of internal fuel. However, considering the requirements in the Indian context, aircraft plays the role of 4++ generation aircraft.
Using a combination of F-35, F-16, and F-15, it is appropriate to note the effects achieved by the Israeli Air Force in a strike against Iran. In the Indian context, this can be achieved by the LCA MK2, Rafares and the fifth generation fighter jets.
Upgrade, the SU-30 MKI matches Rafale.
IAF 5th Generation Options
IAF now has very few options to get the functionality needed within a specified time frame. The developers and HAL have guarantees, but many variables make these guarantees a bit unstable. Another approach is the need for time.
Currently, two fifth-generation platforms, the F-35 and SU-57, are participating in Aero India. Both aircraft attract a large crowd.
It is appropriate to emphasize that air displays are located inside the aircraft in the form of low avionics, sensors, sensor fusion, and observability, and are not a measure of the actual potential of fifth-generation fighters.
There is much more to identifying the actual capabilities of these aircraft. The SU-57 is produced in a small number and is not actively involved in combat operations. The F-35, on the other hand, is part of many Air Forces. Over 1,000 aircraft are providing active services, and aircraft are paid for combat.
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The USAF Chief of Staff said that during his interaction with the media in February 2019, the fourth generation fighter achieved a 20:1 kill ratio when the F-35 pitched fourth and during Red Flag exercises He said he did.
It’s also improved among fourth-generation fighters, but the kill ratio may remain in favour of fifth-generation fighters. Therefore, going forward, in the 2030 time frame, the IAF will need an appropriate number of five generations of fighter jets.
The IAF is permitted to have 42.5 fighter squadrons that are converted to approximately 765 aircraft. The force structure according to the current plan for 2030 could be 272 SU-30 MKI, 36 RAFALES, 50 M-2000, 50 MIG-29, 123 LCA MK1/1a, and 105 Jaguar (531 fighter jets). there is. ).
Additionally, the 97 LCA MK1AS and 120 LCA MK2S were produced during production, and all 97 LCA MK1As were not produced, which could result in a rise in the number of squadrons to 33.5.
This is the IAF transition period. From 2030 onwards, the M-2000, Mig-29, and Jaguars have been phased out, and the AMCA will still be on trial. This important time gap must be met with fifth generation fighters.
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In this context, countries should evaluate the best fifth generation options. Russia is once again believed to be providing India with SU-57 fighter jets, but Trump has “threw” the F-35 fighter jet.
India is in a good position to negotiate and attack hard bargains. A committee of experts must be established immediately to assess the capabilities of the F-35 and SU-57. It focuses on lifecycle costs and the transfer of technology or specific joint support in critical technologies that are behind R&D. The LCA MK2 is truly indigenous and has full independence for integration and future upgrades.
Also, if the F-35 is seriously considered, the US has chosen to celebrate India’s position as a major defence partner and ease concerns about the US’s reliability as a defense partner. You need to ensure complete freedom to adopt aircraft in.
Therefore, instead of 114 MRFA, India will be able to offer the best deals and capabilities in Indian indigenous weapons, and collaboration in future integration of Indian weapons, and achievement of the F-35 or SU- We were able to procure 57 four squadrons (72 aircraft) – the sufficiency of the specified critical technology.
When pushed at the highest level, these 72 aircraft are probably far better than the 114 MRFA in a relatively early time frame.
However, this is a requirement for a 42.5 company, as a larger 5th generation fleet will be required in the 2035-40-year time frame where most air forces around the world operate fifth and sixth generation fighters. It does not mean that it can be pruned. The decision also provides a good balance between the IAF’s 4++ and the fifth generation fighter jets.
This alternative will leave HAL focused on upgrading the LCA MK1A and MK2, SU-30 MKI and AMCA. It also aligns with the country’s Atmanirvaal policy, technical support related to fifth generation aircraft contracts will leap forward the key technologies of future fighter projects and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF). It helps to make it.
By exercising this option, in 2035, the IAF will have 272 SU-30 MKI, 220 LCA MK1/1A, 120 LCA MK2, 36 Lafares, and 72 five generation fighters (total of 720 fighters/40 combat) (Counters) and then the 120 AMCA becomes 120 AMCA. It will be introduced.
Conclusion
India’s aerospace power must remain a means of choice, and must remain behind or ahead of its colleagues and enemies. The current situation requires emergency measures and ready-to-use solutions. The next five to seven years are important for the IAF, which has been phased out by many fleets.
By guiding 5th generation fighters instead of MRFA, it provides the IAF with reliable deterrent capabilities, giving the opportunity to absorb, train and operate 5th generation technology, achieving complete indigenousness with the LCA MK2 Gives the opportunity to do so.
This experience is invaluable in the early fractions of the AMCA project. The biggest advantage of implementing this is the greater Indigenous fighter fleet, greater commonality of components and spares, and efficient inventory management with low lifecycle costs and superior overall combat capabilities. is.
Air Marshal (R) RGK Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, VM are retired officers of the Indian Air Force. He served as an AOC-in-c Air Command Officer. Editor (at) Mail Eurasian Times at Eurasiantimes.com
