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The India Defence planners are envisaging a greater strategic role for the Indian Air Force and bring about a much needed boost in the quality of air assets of the IAF. This implies that the IAF would become an Aerospace power instead of merely being a support to the Indian Army.
This move will entail focus on acquisition of air assets like radars, satellites, Airborne Warning & Control Systems (AWACS) and C4ISR technology. This will ensure the acquisition of the low-level radars, which India lacks, to cover the entire gamut of Indian space. The shift of the IAF’s role into an Aerospace power will be followed by the creation of an Aerospace Command.
The IAF is currently fast-tracking most of its multi-billion dollar acquisition plans including the $10 billion Medium Range Multiple Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) which will soon be at the trial stage, and the $1.5 billion upgrade of Mirage 2000 fleet contract which is expected to be inked in the next couple of months. Besides, there is a $1.2 billion deal for purchase of Spyder Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile which was inked with Rafael of Israel in late 2008.
India is also procuring $1 billion worth of six Super Hercules C130J transport aircraft from the U.S. The IAF has also floated a global tender to acquire utility helicopters to replace the Cheetah and Chetak. The IAF has already begun the induction of Isaraeli Phalcon AWACS.
The IAF also has a $3 billion purchase program for new generation air to air missiles, air defense systems and precision guided munition. All the force multiplier aircraft including the Mirage 2000H, Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG 29, and MiG 27 aircraft will be equipped with advanced air to air missiles, including Beyond Visual Range missiles.
The IAF has ordered 40 more Sukhoi 30 MKI fighters and plans to purchase four more mid-air refueling aircraft to add to the existing six IL-78s
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