THE IAF AT 86
Vayu : The IAF has issued a new RFI for some 110 fighters and received responses by 6 July 2018, presumably from known OEMs. These are apparently being studied and selected companies would be asked to submit formal proposals for evaluation. Can you kindly indicate as to how long this next step could take?
CAS : The case for 114 fighters is through the Strategic Partnership route and the process as per Chapter VII of DPP-16 will be followed.
Vayu : The IAF is very short of ‘force multiplies’, such as AWACS and mid-air refuellers (MRA). Kindly give us a road map as to when this vital gap in the IAF’s inventory is to be filled.
CAS : The Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) is an important combat support platform and the RFI for six FRA has already been issued. Presently, a SoC is under formulation and the case will be progressed as per DPP. One AEW&C aircraft has been inducted in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration. The DRDO is carrying out the development trials on the second AEW&C aircraft towards the Final Operational Clearance (FOC). The procurement case of the two additional AWACS is under consideration. Further, DRDO is planning development of two AWACS India on the Airbus A330 platform.
Vayu : There are persistent rumours that HAL has suggested that the IAF order another batch of Sukhoi Su-30MKIs, as follow on to the 222 already contracted, the last of which are currently being manufactured at Nasik. Would these be considered as a “stop gap” to stem the erosion of fighter squadron numbers or earmarked for special operations, for instance as carriers of BrahMos supersonic missiles?
CAS : The IAF has already inducted a major portion of the contracted Su-30 MKI and delivery of the balance aircraft is ongoing. Procurement of 83 x LCA Mk 1A has been initiated to arrest the drawdown of fighter squadrons. Further, proposal to procure 114 fighter aircraft through the ‘Strategic Partnership’ model is being progressed and other suitable options are also being considered to ensure that the IAF attains the authorised strength of fighter squadrons.
Vayu : The IAF has projected a requirement for some 180 basic turbo prop trainers, but only 75 Pilatus PC-7s are presently in service. How is this shortfall being addressed and will the indigenous HAL HTT-40 be considered to fulfill the comprehensive needs ?Also, with HAL’s Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) project stalled, could the Service consider a two-stage flying training pattern, with more hours on the BTA before transition to the Hawk AJT ?
CAS : The IAF is processing the procurement of additional Pilatus PC-7 Mk II under the ‘Option Clause’ to meet the training requirements. As far as the IJT is concerned, it had encountered design problems in the Stall and Spin testing. In view of this the IAF has, after due study, initiated ‘Two Aircraft Type Flying Training’ pattern. The HTT-40 is a Basic Trainer Aircraft which is still under development and the critical phase of flight test i.e Stall and Spin, is yet to begin.
Vayu : The air transport element of the IAF is seemingly well served by various types, ranging from the heavy-lift Boeing C-17 Globemaster III to HAL-Do228 LTA. However, the Avro replacement programme seems to have stalled: could you please let our readers know whether this will be revived in the near future? As a corollary, should not the selected type be required more as an An-32 replacement?
CAS : The Avro replacement programme is well under progress and is at the contract negotiations stage. As far as replacement of An-32 is concerned, the IAF will take a decision at an appropriate time.