The Indian Air Force (IAF) will continue to remain deployed along the frontier in the region till complete disengagement takes place in the remaining contested areas in eastern Ladakh.
At the annual press conference ahead of the Air Force Day on Oct 8, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said “the IAF is constantly reassessing the evolving and dynamic situation along the Line of Control (LAC) and is monitoring it, especially in eastern Ladakh. A strong and capable military is the need of the hour.”
“IAF’s operational plans are very dynamic and it will deal with challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through better tactics and training in places where it cannot counter the “numbers or the might of the adversary”.
Procurement Plans
The air chief said the IAF is looking at inducting military platforms, equipment and defence hardware worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore to Rs 3 lakh crore in the next seven-eight years.
Giving details of steps being taken to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s operational prowess, he said a contract to procure 97 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft at a cost of around Rs 1.15 lakh crore will be concluded soon. In February 2021, Defence Ministry sealed a Rs 48,000-crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to procure 83 such jets.
China &IAF
Addressing the issue of China’s increasing military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Air Chief Marshal stressed that the IAF closely monitors border situations through Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) methods.
According to IAF is paying close attention to the expansion of infrastructure and deployment of assets near the borders. The operational strategies of IAF are adaptable and change based on evolving circumstances, particularly along any disputed fronts. In areas where they cannot match the adversary’s numerical or military strength, they intend to overcome these challenges through improved tactics and rigorous training, stated the air chief.
Regarding the deployment of assets along the LAC, he said the focus of the IAF remains flexible rather than fixed. They maintain dynamic war plans that are regularly updated based on ISR data.
The IAF is currently in the process of deploying mountain radars to enhance border surveillance. They will remain deployed until a complete disengagement occurs in the region.
The Air Chief Marshal also responded to a question related to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the delivery of the S-400 Missile System. He mentioned that they have received three units so far and expressed optimism about receiving the remaining two within a year.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, describing it as the new global economic and strategic center of gravity. The Indian Air Force’s unique capabilities, including long-range reach and precision, are essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities in this region. Given the volatile geopolitical landscape, a strong and credible military has become imperative.
The chief acknowledged the rapid evolution of modern warfare due to technological advancements and that the IAF is actively investing in technology and undergoing a planned transformation. Their focus includes AI-based decision tools, electronic warfare systems, robust networks, and leveraging space and cyber capabilities.
While acquiring advanced equipment and weapons, they remain committed to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, contributing significantly to indigenous defence production and aerospace projects.
Finally, he emphasized key areas of focus for the IAF, including persistent surveillance capabilities, reducing the time from sensor to shooter, developing long-range precision weaponry, and enhancing multi-domain capabilities.