50 per cent of IAF equipment obsolete: Naik
Oct. 4: The Indian Air Force and Army have been entrusted with the task of guarding the Commonwealth Games from aerial threats but their air defence systems have become obsolete due to long delays in armed forces modernisation. The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, announced on Monday that the “obsolescence percentage” of equipment in the IAF is 50 per cent. The IAF chief, however, expressed confidence that the figure would come down to 20 per cent in just four to five years.
The IAF is in the midst of a rapid modernisation programme to acquire both foreign and indigenously-developed armaments. But Air Chief Marshal Naik made it clear that the IAF is fully ready to defend India’s airspace from any threat or external aggression. The IAF is acquiring the DRDO’s indigenous Akash missiles and Spyder missile systems from Israel which have state-of-the-art guidance systems using a phased array radar. Spyder missiles are a quick-reaction medium-range surface-to-air missile system that are capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
Observing that India is watching “with caution” China’s military modernisation, the IAF chief said anything that impacts on the nation’s growth is a matter of concern. “Anything that upsets the growth of the nation (India)... is a matter of concern. It is viewed as such and planned for.” He added that India was looking to induct around 200-250 new generation fighter aircraft, which are being co-developed with Russia. He said the aircraft weighing over 30 tonnes are expected to start joining the force by 2017.
Asked about the possibility of an offensive role for the IAF in anti-Naxal operations, he said it’s the “decision of the government whether to use or not to use”. When asked about the AFSPA, the IAF chief reiterated his stand that “a soldier fighting at the request of the government must have legal protection otherwise he will be inefficient”.
Meanwhile, a senior Indian Air Force officer said that the IAF was short of around 600 pilots and over 5,000 personnel below officer rank.
Post new comment