NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s call for a “comprehensive assessment of the country’s defence requirements” has reinforced the urgency to revaluate defence preparedness. Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ annual conference, he called for a “realistic and comprehensive assessment of the country’s defence requirements along with a selective package plan to finance the scheme.”
This follows a series of recent announcements concerning defence preparedness and national security, made against the backdrop of a resource crunch.
At the annual naval commander’s conference held on April 15, the Prime Minister had highlighted the need for a total study of the security scenario for the next two decades in the context of the changed international environment.” In addition, be had then called upon the Ministries of Defence, External Affairs and Finance as well as the defence forces to “deliberate and make an assessment of the defence requirements of the country.
Moreover, the Prime Minister told Parliament recently that he favored resurrecting the National Security Council to fulfill long term security goals. The National Security Council is visualized as a multidisciplinary body which takes an integrated view of the country’s security requirements.
The call made at the Air Force Commander’s conference, has special significance, in the context of the shortages of spares and equipment that the IAF has been recently facing. It is an indication that the problems of the Air Force are being recognized and that remedial measures may finally be on the cards.
The Air Force has been severely hit because of a shortage of spares and product support. This is because of the fall in supplies of spares for equipment of Soviet origin in its inventory. Since over 70% of the fighter force is of Soviet origin, a disruption of supplies has been eroding this cutting edge of the IAF.
Moreover, the aging fleet of MIG21s fast needs replacement but in the absence of an interim step (to up grade this plane and the unavailability of new aircraft 10 replace it, this segment of the [AF has been feeling the pinch.
The problem of spares has also hit transport planes of Soviet origin with India. Both the JAP’s heavy lift plane, the IL76, and the Medium lift AN32s have: been affected by shortages of spares. Cannibalization that is drawing of spares from a grounded aircraft to meet the spares requirements to keep maximum number of planes air worthy. Has been adopted as 2 contingency measures.
With the recent announcement that a decision has been taken to upgrade the MIG21, the first major step to plug the gaps in the IAP’s force structure has been taken. Moreover, the Government’s commitment to signal the development of the Light Combat Aircraft to be followed by a decision to launch its production in 1995, gives ground for hope that the gap in the IAF’s force structure may not be allowed lo reappear.
Referring to the resource crunch facing the country, the Prime Minister felt that “the IAF will have to undertake a well considered prior situation scheme which is financially viable.”
He said emphasis on the training of pilots; the reference assumes importance in the context of the delay in the procurement of an Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). This plane is required to train pilots to qualify for flying sophisticated fighter planes. Though the Government has shortlisted two planes, the British Hawk and the France German Alpha Jet, it has been unable to give a final nod for this urgent requirement of the lAF.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 21, 1993
