India is going in for a major rejig of its fighter induction and serviceability plans to be ready for any individual or collusive threat from China and Pakistan in the years ahead.
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said several plans were under way for induction and deployment of “potent assets” as well as infrastructure development along the borders, even though he admitted China was developing “tremendous” military capabilities at a very rapid clip, Times of India said in a report on Sunday.
As for Pakistan, on being asked if IAF could take out the terror camps across the border if required, ACM Raha said his force had the requisite “capability” but the “intent” or “decision” to undertake such surgical strikes “is a political one”.
“We are not looking at one-front or two-front war. We just want capabilities to deter a war and project power in our area of strategic interest. We are looking at building our fighter combat squadrons to 42 by 2027,” said ACM Raha.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said a contract to buy 36 Rafale warplanes from France could be clinched by the year-end, but stressed the Air Force would require more such fighters to beef up its force levels.
Raha said the IAF would need at least six squadrons of Rafale or similar fighter planes as the Air Force was operating below its authorised strength. However, defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said in June that India would buy only 36 Rafales, ruling out the possibility of acquiring more fighters.
Asked if the four additional squadrons would consist of Rafales or India could turn to other players, Raha said, “I may wish to have Rafale but there are equally good aircrafts. So if the deal is good and the government decides, alternatives are there.” He was responding to questions at his customary press conference ahead of the IAF Day on October 8.
