Emphasising on the urgent need to maintain the deterrent edge of the Indian Air Force, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S.K. Sareen on April 27th, observed that a large number IAF aircraft were fast reaching obsolescence. The obsolescence relates mainly to about 300 fighter aircraft or almost half the IAF fleet. This involves over 200 1960s-vintage MiG-21 aircraft (which forms the maintstay of the IAF, alongwith four 1970s-vintage MiG-23 squadrons.

The IAF flies about 11.5 squadrons of the outdated Type 77 and Type 96 versions of the Mig-21. In addition, the IAF flies about 10 MiG-21bis squadrons of which about six squadrons are being upgraded. Equally significant is the IAF's limited BVR and electronic warfare�capabilities as also the number of precision guided munitions.

Air HQ sources say that by the year 2001, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will have 26 squadrons compared with 32 IAF squadrons, bringing them almost at par with India which also has to manage the airspace with China and other neighbours. It is also estimated that the PAF, with additional Mirage-IIIs available for air defence, would be able to release part of the F-16s for ground attack or air defence role.

As regards Pakistan's air defence, the PAF has four additional squadrons of long-range air defence aircraft. This combined with Pakistan's automated air defence system gives the PAF improved ability to prevent the IAF from penetrating their airspace. Outlining the security scenario at the biennial Air Force Commanders' conference inaugurated by Defence Minister George Fernandes, Air Chief Marshal Sareen highlighted the importance of deterrence capabilities.

While observing that air power will play a decisive role in any future engagement, the Air Chief said that "an investment in a strong Airforce would imply an investment for peace." Pointing out that the present operational status of the IAF was at its best with a significant increase in aircraft utilisation rate as also an increase in total flying effort.

The Air Chief also briefed the Defence Minister about the series of measures which are at various stages for functional & operational improvement and include merger of various branches for a more focused approach in achieving operational tasks, setting up both an Airforce engineering college and medical college. The Airforce commanders' conference held twice a year to identify key result areas, review operational preparedness and initiate requisite measures to meet the planned task.

"Make people aware of security threat," says Defence Minister Fernandes
(Hindustan Times, 28 April 1998)

Defence Minister George Fernandes today emphasised the need for taking the people into confidence and making them aware of the country's security and threat perceptions. Addressing the Air Force Commanders' Conference, Mr. Fernandes called for enlisting support and cooperation of the people so that the challenges before the country could be met squarely.

"The country's defence requirements would be better addressed when not only the Armed Forces but the people are apprised of the issues involved," Mr. Fernandes remarked. Expressing concern at the shortage of manpower in the Armed Forces, Mr. Fernandes regretted that the rising tide of consumerism had led to erosion of some of the basic values.

He conceded that while the Government would not be able to match the corporate sector in mere monetary terms, it was necessary to inculcate and nurture the patriotic fervour. Air Chief Marshal Satish Kumar Sareen in his address outlined the security scenario and dwelled in detail on the short-term as well as long-term threat perception of the force.

He also spelled out the various possible scenarios keeping in view the test-firing of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile by Pakistan. Air Chief Marshal Sareen said that the deterrent edge of the IAF should be maintained at all costs, keeping in view the fact that a large number of IAF aircraft were fast reaching obsolescence.

The Air Chief highlighted the importance of deterrence capabilities and used it as a major reason for the situation in the North-Western sector remaining confined to a low intensity conflict.� He said wide-ranging measures undertaken by the Indian Air Force during the past two years to enhance operational capabilities and improve the conditions and quality of life in service had started to show positive results.

According to Air Chief Marshal Sareen the IAF's present operational status was at its best with a significant rise in aircraft utilisation rate and total flying effort on all its frontline aircraft. "The increased flying effort had a cascading effect not only on the operational status of the air crew but also in improving the training status of other weapon systems & operators such as air missile crew and fighter controllers," he claimed. Air Chief Marshal Sareen also briefed the Defence Minister on a series of measures taken by the IAF for functional and operational improvement.

India develops it's own Global Positioning Satellite receivers
(Deccan Herald, 27 April 1998)

Civilian and defence applications of satellite navigation technology are poised for a rapid growth in India, following indigenous production of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers. The GPS receivers which have strategic value has been developed under a project jointly funded by the department of electronics, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

These receivers allow mobile users know their exact position with the help of the constellation of 24 orbiting navigational satellites maintained by the US Department of Defence. By continuous tracking of any three of the satellite the receivers help aircraft or ship stay on desired course. Beginning this year, the Aerospace Systems Private Limited (ASPL) in Bangalore, has started producing GPS receivers fully qualified to military standards at half the cost of imported unit.

"We already sold 200 receivers and our defence services have placed more orders," says Rear Admiral Jagdish J. Baxi (retd), managing director of ASPL. He said the product has export potential. "We are very pleased with the Indian made product," said Mr. V.K. Atre, Chief controller of DRDO. "After successful trials, the Airforce and Army have cleared the indigenous receivers for use in fighter aircraft, tanks and armoured vehicles," said Mr. Atre. The Indian Navy is currently evaluating the marine version.

According to Defence officials their next goal is to make the GPS receiver totally indigenous both for strategic reasons and to bring down the cost by manufacturing the chip set-heart of the receiver locally. At present it is imported. "Though several companies in the world which make commercial grade GPS receivers, only a handful of them produce military grade," said Mr. Kumar, who is heading the division of strategic electronics in the DoE, "ASPL has become one of them."

ASPL has sold its commercial grade GPS receivers to about 50 fishing boat owners and is trying to sell it to the Railways and police departments for their patrol cars. But Admiral Baxi (retd) admitted the civilian applications would pick up only if the price comes down from the current Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per unit and the communication facilities in India improved.

Indian products are still expensive because of low market volume and dependence on foreign suppliers for chip sets and tracking modules. The indigenous GPS receivers will have applications in airport terminals, courier and ambulance services, surveying other prospective users are highway fleet operators, police departments and transport corporations forest patrol.

While the US managers of the GPS system restrict the positional accuracy for civilian users to 100 metres, the Bangalore company has developed a differential GPS system that would allow up to 5-metre accuracy, according to Admiral Baxi (retd).

Although the receiver can be used only with the US satellites at present, he said his company, along with BHEL, also in Bangalore, was trying to bring out by December 1998 a receiver capable of receiving signals from Russian satellites as well.

The satellite navigation technology business would be worth $8 billion by the turn of the century and $12 billion by 2005, said Admiral Baxi (retd). But the Indian companies could become competitive only by strategic alliances with major international players to achieve economies of scale, he said.

IAF has strategy to counter the Ghauri IRBM (Deccan Herald, 26 April 1998)

Taking a serious view of the Pakistan's test-firing of the Ghauri IRBM, the IAF has worked out a counter strategy to be implemented immediately in the South Western Air Command (SWAC), which manages the largest air-to-ground range in the country.

The first major step in this direction would be to shift the SWAC headquarters from Jodhpur in Rajasthan to here in Gujarat on May 1. In addition, SWAC is strengthening all its base in Gujarat and other states of the western region to protect the economic zones that could be targeted by anti-national elements.

The SWAC is one of the five operational commands of the IAF and was formed in September 1972 following the Indo-Pak war the year before. Subsequently, it became a full-fledged command in July 1980 and a move to shift its headquarters from Jodhpur to Gandhinagar had been initiated as early as November 1997.

The area under SWAC includes part of Rajasthan, the entire Gujarat, a major part of Maharashtra and union territories of Daman, Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli. The SWAC area shares about 1450km of border with Pakistan in Rajasthan and Gujarat and 2400km of sea shore. In addition, the command is also responsible for providing air defence to some of the most important national assets in Gujarat and Maharashtra like the offshore oilfields of Bombay High.

SWAC has already developed its Pokharan & Jodhpur bases in Rajasthan, the Bhuj Naliya AFB in Jamnagar in Gujarat and Pune in Maharashtra as the most modern air bases, having state-of-the-art technololgy. The IAF has already started its activity to widen the civilian air strip at Diu in view of its close proximity to Bombay High.

A radar is proposed to be set up at a place about 20 to 25 km away from Diu. The Air Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief of SWAC, was here yesterday to personally give final touches to the smooth transfer of SWAC headquarters from Jodhpur to Ghandinagar.

Talking to mediapersons, the Air Marshal said the HQ at Gandhinagar will be a temporary affair until the IAF creates its own facility near Koba village on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad highway. The IAF is the process of acquiring about 106 acres land allotted by the state government for the purpose.

The inauguration of the SWAC Headquarters by Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel would be marked by a flypast in which 45 aircraft, including the latest Su-30, would take part. He said a full dress rehearsal of the flypast would be held on April 29.

The Surya Kiran jets would perform formation aerobatics in the parade area. Within five years after acquiring land for the SWAC base, the full-fledged Headquarters would start functioning and accommodation facilities for about 650 personnel would be created in the area.

On the Ghauri IRBM, Air Marshal Krishnaswamy said certain highly confidential operational matters and tactical moves would be implemented in Gujarat immediately after the Headquarters starts functioning from May 1. He refused to divulge any details in the interests of national security.

The Air Marshal said SWAC was fully prepared to meet any challenge posed by Pakistan. It would take long time for Pakistan to make Ghauri operational in terms of accuracy, he said. Indian defence scientists were already working on a strategy and technology to jam the accuracy and range of any Pakistani missile and soon they will have this technology.

First flight of LCA is still a few years away (Times of India, 25 April 1998)

The prestigious Rs. 2200-crore project to build the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is now in the ground run phase - where the G.E. engine is integrated into the airframe and run on the ground - but the all-important first flight is still at least a couple of years away. Though the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) handling the project would like to see it take to the skies in 1998, top sources involved with the project said it would take at least a couple of years.

The ground run itself has been on for more than a 1� year now and was finally initiated on April 9th. After an initial hiccup with the fire warning system, it is now progressing well. The F-404 augmented turbofan engine has been integrated into the airframe, the aircraft anchored and the engine run, powering the electrical system, avionics, the hydraulic pumps and the fuel systems.

The sources said the hydraulics, the fuel system and the pilot interfaces seem to have gone well so far. The ground run yields large amounts of data which have to be processed. The complete engine airframe integration checks are on, with the ventilation in the bay housing the engine currently being checked.

Another crucial aspect of the project is the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). It is currently being tested on the 'Iron Bird' simulator at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The DFCS is the fly-by-wire system that the fighter pilot will use to fly the aircraft. The LCA is unstably configured for higher manoeuvrability and the DFCS is crucial if it has to be flown successfully.

The test program, which would have to cover weapon systems and radar, would only begin only after the flight test. But scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, Dr. Kalam has gone on record here stating that the induction of LCA into the IAF would be brought forward from 2005 to 2003. The LCA is to replace the frontline MiG-21.

Another aspect of its successful induction is the engine. The first two technology demonstrators will both use the G.E. engine, but the indigenous Kaveri low bypass augmented turbofan engine being developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) here for the LCA is crucial if the aircraft has to achieve its projected abilities.

Aviation experts have pointed out that the G.E. engine would not give the required performance. If the Kaveri fails, the LCA is in trouble. India does not have test bed aircraft and a contract has been signed with the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Moscow. An engine was scheduled to be delivered in September 1997, but though 4 engines are on the test bed, actual flight testing is still some time away.

LCA has great export potential, says Dr. Kalam (Deccan Herald, 25 April 1998)

The Light Combat Aircraft, which has been under development for over 15 years and is yet to make its maiden flight, has a great export potential, Dr. Kalam, Scientific Advisor to the Defence Ministry, said. Delivering the 34th memorial lecture of the Sriram Institute for Industrial Research on technology vision for the industry here, Dr. Kalam said the aircraft, which uses an imported engine from the US, rolled out of its hangar in early 1996 and was expected to fly the same year. But the test flight is not likely to take place till 1999.

As for the basis of his prediction on the export potential of LCA although it has still not made a single flight, Mr Kalam said, "One should not stop dreaming." Dr. Kalam also stressed the need for indigenous technology growth, saying the country should give more thrust to indigenous technology to combat commercially motivated control regimes of the developed countries.

"The need of the hour is to give thrust to indigenous technology growth with increased productivity in the industry with thrust for export," he said. Dr. Kalam cautioned against simply transferring technologies from the west into India, saying such a policy would lead to a technology gap "as developed countries will not give frontline technologies."

IAF plan to upgrade the Diu airstrip stalled (20 April 1998 @ New Delhi)

The IAF's plans to upgrade a strategic airstrip at Diu to provide air cover to offshore oilfields and industrial centres on the Western coast have been stalled due to lack of cooperation from civil aviation authorities. Sources in the Indian Air Force said that civil aviation authorities had not acted on a proposal submitted through the defence ministry for the development of Diu airstrip to facilitate the operation of interceptors like Su-30s and MiG-29s.

"The IAF?s South Western Air Command urgently needs an airbase in the Diu area to counter potential threats posed by Pakistani aircraft, which can target assets on the Western coast worth almost Rs. 1 lakh crores," the sources said.

Some of the major installations which are within range of Pakistani aircraft operating from eleven airbases near the international border in the Western sector are the Bombay High oilfields, the oil refinery at Baroda, two other private sector refineries coming up in Gujarat, industrial centres in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the city of Bombay, the country's economic capital.

The IAF is responsible for the protection of ONGC?s offshore oilfields, which account for almost 80% of the country?s crude oil production. "We are particularly concerned by the threat posed by aircraft approaching these targets over the sea. Interceptors like MiG-29s operating from Diu could pre-empt all strikes within a 400km radius," the sources said.

The Command HQ of SWAC is also being shifted from Jodhpur to Gandhinagar in Gujarat due to the changing security scenario and to improve operational efficiency. The shift will be completed by 1 May 1998 this year. The Diu airstrip, which has a length of 5,000 feet, is under the control of civil aviation authorities and can handle 25-seater aircraft which are being used to ferry in tourists.

The upgradation plan drawn up by the IAF envisages the extension of the runway to 8,000 feet and the construction of air traffic control facilities and accommodation for its personnel at a site in Gujarat. The sources said the IAF would provide the funds needed for the project, which has an estimated cost of about Rs 15 crores.

After the local population expressed their opposition to the IAF's plans to acquire private land for the extension of the runway, the AOC-in-C of SWAC, Air Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, personally met a citizens' committee last year to discuss the matter.

The sources said he had been able to convince the people about the need for upgrading the airstrip. "Although the Indian Air Force will take over air traffic control at Diu, it will remain open to civilian aircraft. Besides, larger aircraft like Boeings will be able to operate from Diu after the upgradation, giving a boost to tourism," the sources said, adding the IAF would only use the airstrip for exercises and during times of hostilities.

IAF to upgrade its MiG-27 fleet (Hindustan Times & Indian Express, 14 April 1998)

The Indian Air Force is planning to upgrade its fleet of MiG-27 fighter aircraft as a part of a major modernisation program. Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S. K. Sareen said that the MiG-27 upgradation plan would involve updating the existing radar systems, avionics and weapon systems.

The upgradation would be carried out at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He said that HAL has so far done an excellent work in rendering services to the IAF and was capable of handling the MiG-27 upgrade. Replying to a question on whether the Airforce was planning to acquire more sophisticated fighter aircraft, he said, "If we can upgrade what we have, it will be more than sufficient."

An expert team would first study the IAF's present requirements and other factors before suggesting areas in which the Air Force requires modernisation and then it would be worked out which equipment has to be imported.

Informed sources said the MiG-27s, inducted into the IAF in 1984, were fast approaching obsolescence levels. Already, a team comprising experts from HAL and the IAF had been despatched to Russia to make a detailed study of the kinds of weapon systems and avionics required to upgrade the MiG-27 fleet. The IAF has around 7 squadrons of MiG-27s.

Sources said the upgraded MiG-27 would be fitted with precision guided missiles, built-in target acquisition, thermal imaging and better weapon delivery systems. It is planned that the upgraded MiG-27 would be similar in avionics to a Su-30 or have a compatible system. The existing MiG-27 fleet of the IAF is fitted with visual target acquisition, but the upgraded version would have a range beyond the horizon. Thermal imaging would give the fighter night-attack capabilities, making it decidedly more lethal.

Upgradation in military terms means that while the body and engine of the fighter remain the same, its weapons and radar are modified to such an extent that its kill power increases manifold. For example, while the frame and engine of Mirage 2000 and Mirage 2000-5 are the same, the latter's radar is 1� times more powerful than that of the former. This means that Mirage 2000-5 is four times more powerful than its predecessor in terms of tracking down and knocking out the enemy.

Asked whether the British-made Jaguars, which served India during IPKF operations in Sri Lanka, would also be modernised, Sareen said, "Not now. Let's do the old things first. The upgradation of MIG-27s are very much on cards."

On induction of women as fighter pilots in the Air Force, Sareen said that he had talked to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Chief in this regard recently. The RAF Chief said that tests were being carried out on four versatile women pilots to gauge their capability to endure enormous strain involved in flying fighter planes, he said. "Preliminary results have shown that these women pilots were facing certain physiological strain, and we do not want to rush into induction of women fighter pilots," he said.

"Su-30 induction delayed due to late delivery," says Air Chief Marshal Sareen
(Times of India, 14 April 1998)

The induction schedule of the next batch of 12 recently-acquired Su-30 fighters has been delayed, according to Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sareen. "This batch of aircraft was to be delivered in September this year. But it is now scheduled to be delivered around mid-1999," said Air Chief Marshal Sareen. "However, we do not expect that the subsequent batches of Su-30s will be delayed and will be delivered within the overall time span," he added.

In November 1996, India signed a Rs. 6310 crore contract with Russia for the delivery of 40 Su-30s. The break down of the Rs. 6310 crore involves Rs. 4400 crore for the 40 fighters at Rs. 110 crore a piece. The remaining Rs. 1910 crore includes payment for armament, development of high-tech processors by DRDO, foreground and testing equipment, ground support vehicles, training of pilots and technicians, and setting up of facilities at the air base.

First batch of Su-30K aircraft was delivered in March & April 1997 and was formally inducted 10 months ago on June 11. The aircraft, to be delivered in batches, are scheduled to be upgraded in phases in the form of Su-30MK-I, MK-II and MK-III. All 40 Su-30MK-III are supposed to be delivered by 2002 while payment for these aircraft is to be staggered over seven years.

Informed sources said that the delivery schedule has been delayed on account of delays in signing contracts with relevant agencies for avionics equipment to be developed, upgraded and fitted into the Sukhois. The final Su-30MK-III is to be fitted with BVR air-to-air missiles and sophisticated long-range precision guided munitions as also canards and thrust vector nozzels for greater combat maneouverability.

Air Chief Marshal Sareen who witnessed a historic tri-service air display along with an estimated record 15 to 17 lakh spectators over marine drive here on Sunday, said that the upgrade of the MiG-27M strike aircraft was next on the cards. "But this will be done by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)," he said adding that the Air Force had begun work on all that was required for the upgraded version. HAL is scheduled to begin upgrading about 120 MiG-21bis fighters once the two upgraded prototypes return from Russia, he said.

Bombayites throng to see their Air Force One (Indian Express, 13 April 1998)

Dolby Sound took a vacation on Sunday evening as the Queen's Necklace was converted into a huge aerial theatre resounding with the thunderous roars of fighter jets. At least 500,000 people thronged Marine Drive for a ring-side view of the grandest Indian Air Force show ever organised in the city, a visually overpowering series of gut-wrenching Ooh-Aah eliciting aerobatics.