‘Selected vendor for multi-role fighter plane programme should guarantee tech switch’: IAF

By PTI

NEW DELHI: The winner of the Indian Air Force’s mega mission to acquire 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) should make sure the switch of know-how as it could be applied below the framework of the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has mentioned.

He mentioned the procurement of the MRFAs will increase the IAF’s fighter power and allow it to induct the superior applied sciences that the power “urgently desires” to execute its operational plans extra successfully.

In April 2019, the IAF issued an RFI (Request for Information), or preliminary tender, to amass 114 jets at a value of round USD 18 billion (one billion is the same as 100 crore).

It was billed as one of many world’s greatest navy procurement programmes in recent times.

The high contenders for the multi-billion greenback deal embrace Lockheed Martin’s F-21, Boeing’s F/A-18, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Russian plane MiG 35 and Swedish aerospace big Saab’s Gripen jet.

“While the entire process will be executed under the provisions of the DAP (Defence Acquisition Procedure) 2020, the selected OEM (Original Equipment Maker) will have to comply with our requirements of transfer of technology and Make-in-India that would add to our indigenous fighter aircraft manufacturing capability,” the chief of Air Staff informed PTI in an interview.

He mentioned the IAF has already acquired responses from a number of distributors to its RFI.

“The procurement of the MRFA through the Make-in-India route will augment our fighter strength and enable us to induct advanced technologies that we urgently desire to execute our operational plans more effectively,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari mentioned.

Asked about considerations that the IAF isn’t going to achieve the sanctioned power of 42 fighter squadrons within the subsequent 10-15 years and whether or not it could impression the power’s fight capabilities, he mentioned a “two-pronged” technique is being adopted in the direction of sustaining its power that includes induction of latest technology platforms and up-gradation of the prevailing fleet.

“Various approaches are ongoing below the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative to grasp this inside the finances forecasts.

“Improvements in technological capability and increase in the numerical strength require persistent efforts and involve long drawn processes with necessary financial support,” he mentioned.

The IAF chief mentioned the power growth must be critically harmonised with the envisaged threats and obtainable monetary outlay to issue within the time-bound build-up of requisite human assets and help infrastructure.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari mentioned procurement of 114 jets below the MRFA mission and acquisition of 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will assist the IAF considerably improve its fight prowess.

He additionally referred to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) mission.

India can also be engaged on an formidable USD 5 billion mission to develop a fifth-generation medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet to considerably bolster its air energy functionality.

“The IAF endeavours to build up its operational capabilities through planned inductions of LCA variants, MRFA and AMCA in a phased manner,” the chief of Air Staff mentioned.

“The IAF also perceives the distinct need for the induction of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has commenced development of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),” he added.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari additional mentioned the IAF is offering energetic help to the DRDO on this programme.

The variety of squadrons of the IAF goes down steadily due to the phasing out of previous plane.

The chief of Air Staff mentioned the IAF goals to reinforce its operational capabilities by the induction of contemporary know-how and by making certain higher serviceability and availability of its belongings, including the approaching years would demand extra rigorous, common and lifelike coaching in multi-domain warfare.

“Our focus on ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) should promote indigenisation and innovation at all levels leading to higher self-reliance,” he mentioned.

“Agility in thought and action through seamlessly integrated command and control structures should provide us with enhanced responsiveness and lethality,” he mentioned.