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Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
An anguished, frustrated and dejected IAF chief
Listen to article While speaking to Rahul Kanwal and Gaurav Sawant, the News Director and the Managing Editor of India Today respectively, at India Today Conclave 2025 on 23 January 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Amar Preet Singh expressed his objective but candid views on a host of sensitive yet significant issues. He particularly focused on IAF's limitations regarding its indigenisation drive, ever-widening qualitative gap with respect to the competitive regional Air Forces (China and Pakistan), and dilemma to choose between self-reliance or off-the-shelf acquisitions in the race against time. Towards later part of the interview, he particularly appeared anguished and disturbed about discourteous interjections and exhibition of pseudo expertise by the hosts compelling him to sarcastically invite them to work for the IAF as freelancers. The ACM did not either mince words to express his displeasure and discomfort towards the hosts for bringing his private conversation with the officials of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to the public. While finalising the envisioned implementation plan of the Cold Start Doctrine against Pakistan and lamenting two-front war mantra, IAF's projections were rationalised to 42 squadron Air Force in 2014 by the Indian political and military leadership. However, gradual decommissioning of the aging fleet has reduced IAF to 32 squadrons which, according to the hosts of the India Today Conclave 2025, is further projected to shrink to 25-26 squadrons by 2030. The deficiencies so arise were planned to be systematically filled by the six squadrons of indigenously built LCA/Tejas (Mk-1, Mk-1A & Mk-2) by HAL alongside off-the-shelf acquisitions of 126 Rafale aircraft. However, despite the lapse of over four decades of hard work and huge financial, technological and HR investments, HAL seems to be way short of its promised targets and timelines. The IAF chief was unhappy and visibly frustrated with the delayed decision-making, in this regard, by the political leadership and painfully slow progress by HAL. His criticism of HAL colleagues can be inferred as: (i) pursuing the project without the continuous inputs from the IAF resulting in systematic delays; (ii) delays in timely addressing the highlighted observations and incorporating requiste modifications; (iii) perpetuity of technological gaps due to continuous shifting of goal posts and manufacturing delays; (iv) vicious cycle of delayed timelines vs increasing costs; and (iv) delayed availability of funds due to red tapism. There is a general fear amongst the decision-making tier of the IAF that acute deficiency in aircraft numbers may result in panic buying of off-the-shelf foreign platforms, thus compromising on the long-drawn indigenisation efforts of IAF. The IAF chief's frustration could be understood within the context that the current IAF fleet is suffering from both qualitative and quantitative differential which becomes more pronounced when asked to confront and compete nuclear neighbours equipped with more modern and more lethal aerial platforms. Pakistan's endeavours to co-produce and acquire 5th generation aircraft with long range stand-off weapons and retention of first shot capabilities ahead of IAF are sure enough reasons to have sleepless nights for the IAF chief, let alone China indigenously producing 6th generation aircraft for its air force. Mr Singh was caught off guard to say that "IAF would employ 'tactics' to fight qualitatively superior adversary" while trying to defend IAF's current state of affairs. Interestingly, the IAF's current fleet is not only ageing but also presents serious interoperability problems due to vintage and diversity. French-built Rafale is IAF's best bet which at best is 4.5 generation aircraft with relatively inferior avionics and weaponry. In the face of delayed production of Tejas, pursuance of the Defence Research and Development Organization's (DRDO) Advance Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) practically seems a distant possibility. Therefore, off-the-shelf purchase of additional Rafale from France and decision to buy another 120 modern platforms from elsewhere seems to be the only viable option for the IAF which, if materialised, would take at least ten years to fully operationalise. By the time PAF would fully operationalise its 5th generation platforms, IAF would still be reeling between the dilemma to choose either self-reliance or go for direct acquisitions. Nevertheless, in either of the cases, PAF is likely to maintain its qualitative superiority over IAF for at least next 10-15 years. The IAF's recent acquisitions are a piecemeal solution and thus not commensurate with its desired role within the overall geopolitical and geostrategic objectives of India. Weapon systems like Russian S-400 SAMs and French-built Rafale aircraft present acute deployment and employment limitations especially in a potentially heavily contested and competitive airspace along the eastern and western frontiers of India. In the same backdrop, likely presence of 5th and 6th generation platforms in the near future within its immediate neighbourhood may compel the IAF to panic purchase 5th generation platforms (F-35 or SU-57) either from Russia or from the USA. Such a decision, if materialised, would not only adversely impact its indigenisation drive but would add complexities to already fragile ecosystem of IAF. In short, ACM Singh, as a professional and honest airman, has not only identified limitations and shortcomings within the IAF but also expressed his anguish, frustration and dejection about the current capabilities of IAF vis-à-vis desired role and tasks. His remarks that "if a person equipped with a chaku (knife) is made to fight another person having a gun, [he] may not succeed all the times" exhibit his frustration about the state of current capabilities of IAF and amply describe the likely outcome of any future conflict involving IAF.
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Indian warplane maker promises faster delivery after air chief's rebuke
India's state fighter jet maker Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) said it understood why India's air force was impatient over delays in delivering warplanes and would start rolling them out once General Electric supplied engines for them. In a pre-scheduled press conference on Tuesday that was held a day after the head of the air force rebuked company officials, HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil said when asked about the delays: "The concern of the air chief is understandable. Of course, his squadron strengths are going down." "We have now promised that we will have all the structures ready," Sunil said. "We are building this. Once the engines are available, this will start rolling out." The Indian Air Force's fleet of mainly ex-Soviet aircraft has been operating with only 31 fighter squadrons compared with a target of 42, frustrating its officials given the country's tense relations with neighbours China and Pakistan. The Air Force has ordered 83 Mk-1A light combat aircraft from HAL, an advanced variant of the operational Mk-1 "Tejas", with deliveries initially planned to start in February 2024 as part of a 364.68 billion rupees ($4.20 billion) contract. It plans to procure 97 more Mk-1As, which would take the total of the Tejas group of aircraft to 220. But deliveries have been repeatedly delayed, due in part to the slow arrival of engines from GE, which has been facing supply chain issues. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was seen rebuking HAL officials at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru in a video filmed by defence news outlet National Defence that went viral on Tuesday. "At the moment I am just not confident of HAL," Singh said, seating inside the cockpit of a trainer aircraft as HAL officials crouched by his side on a platform. "I was promised that when I come here in February I will see 11 Mk1As ready, minus the engines," Singh said. "Not a single one is ready. Not impressed." India's defence production secretary, Sanjeev Kumar, said at the same air show that production lines had stabilised both at HAL and GE, and that the Indian company would have the capacity to hand over 16 to 24 aircraft in the fiscal year that starts in April. GE Aerospace referred to a company statement from earlier this month that said the company has so far delivered 65 engines for the LCA Mk-1 programme, and another 99 are on order for the LCA Mk-1A variant. India's close defence partner Russia this week also offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, by enhancing the Indian production line of the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, 260 of which are in India's fleet.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indian warplane maker promises faster delivery after air chief's rebuke
By Shivam Patel BENGALURU (Reuters) -India's state fighter jet maker Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) said it understood why India's air force was impatient over delays in delivering warplanes and would start rolling them out once General Electric supplied engines for them. In a pre-scheduled press conference on Tuesday that was held a day after the head of the air force rebuked company officials, HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil said when asked about the delays: "The concern of the air chief is understandable. Of course, his squadron strengths are going down." "We have now promised that we will have all the structures ready," Sunil said. "We are building this. Once the engines are available, this will start rolling out." The Indian Air Force's fleet of mainly ex-Soviet aircraft has been operating with only 31 fighter squadrons compared with a target of 42, frustrating its officials given the country's tense relations with neighbours China and Pakistan. The Air Force has ordered 83 Mk-1A light combat aircraft from HAL, an advanced variant of the operational Mk-1 "Tejas", with deliveries initially planned to start in February 2024 as part of a 364.68 billion rupees ($4.20 billion) contract. It plans to procure 97 more Mk-1As, which would take the total of the Tejas group of aircraft to 220. But deliveries have been repeatedly delayed, due in part to the slow arrival of engines from GE, which has been facing supply chain issues. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was seen rebuking HAL officials at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru in a video filmed by defence news outlet National Defence that went viral on Tuesday. "At the moment I am just not confident of HAL," Singh said, seating inside the cockpit of a trainer aircraft as HAL officials crouched by his side on a platform. "I was promised that when I come here in February I will see 11 Mk1As ready, minus the engines," Singh said. "Not a single one is ready. Not impressed." India's defence production secretary, Sanjeev Kumar, said at the same air show that production lines had stabilised both at HAL and GE, and that the Indian company would have the capacity to hand over 16 to 24 aircraft in the fiscal year that starts in April. GE Aerospace referred to a company statement from earlier this month that said the company has so far delivered 65 engines for the LCA Mk-1 programme, and another 99 are on order for the LCA Mk-1A variant. India's close defence partner Russia this week also offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, by enhancing the Indian production line of the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, 260 of which are in India's fleet. ($1 = 86.8700 Indian rupees) Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
12-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Indian warplane maker promises faster delivery after air chief's rebuke
Summary Companies IAF operates with 31 squadrons, target is 42 Jet maker HAL facing issue with engine supplies HAL says it understands concerns, trying to fix problem BENGALURU, Feb 12 (Reuters) - India's state fighter jet maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said it understood why the military was impatient over delays in delivering warplanes and would start rolling them out once General Electric (GE.N), opens new tab supplied engines for them. In a press conference on Tuesday, called after the emergence of a video showing the head of the air force rebuking company officials, HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil said: "The concern of the air chief is understandable. Of course, his squadron strengths are going down." "We have now promised that we will have all the structures ready," Sunil said "We are building this. Once the engines are available, this will start rolling out." The Indian Air Force's fleet of mainly ex-Soviet aircraft has been operating with only 31 fighter squadrons compared with a target of 42, frustrating its officials given the country's tense relations with neighbours China and Pakistan. The Air Force has ordered 83 Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A from HAL, an advanced variant of the operational Mk-1, with deliveries initially planned to start in February 2024 as part of a 364.68 billion rupees ($4.20 billion) contract. It plans to procure 97 more Mk-1As, which would take the total of the "Tejas" group of aircraft to 220. But deliveries have been repeatedly delayed, including due to a slow supply of engines from GE, which has been facing supply chain issues. GE did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on Wednesday. A video filmed by defence news outlet National Defence went viral on Tuesday showing Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru the previous day rebuking HAL officials. "At the moment I am just not confident of HAL," Singh says, seating inside the cockpit of a trainer aircraft as HAL officials crouched by his side on a platform. "I was promised that when I come here in February I will see 11 Mk1As ready, minus the engines," Singh said. "Not a single one is ready. Not impressed." India's defence production secretary, Sanjeev Kumar, said at the same air show that production lines had stabilised both at HAL and GE, and that the Indian company would have the capacity to hand over 16 to 24 aircraft in the fiscal year that starts in April. India's close defence partner Russia this week also offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, by enhancing the Indian production line of the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, 260 of which are in India's fleet. ($1 = 86.8700 Indian rupees)
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indian warplane maker promises faster delivery after air chief's rebuke
By Shivam Patel BENGALURU (Reuters) - India's state fighter jet maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said it understood why the military was impatient over delays in delivering warplanes and would start rolling them out once General Electric supplied engines for them. In a press conference on Tuesday, called after the emergence of a video showing the head of the air force rebuking company officials, HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil said: "The concern of the air chief is understandable. Of course, his squadron strengths are going down." "We have now promised that we will have all the structures ready," Sunil said "We are building this. Once the engines are available, this will start rolling out." The Indian Air Force's fleet of mainly ex-Soviet aircraft has been operating with only 31 fighter squadrons compared with a target of 42, frustrating its officials given the country's tense relations with neighbours China and Pakistan. The Air Force has ordered 83 Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A from HAL, an advanced variant of the operational Mk-1, with deliveries initially planned to start in February 2024 as part of a 364.68 billion rupees ($4.20 billion) contract. It plans to procure 97 more Mk-1As, which would take the total of the "Tejas" group of aircraft to 220. But deliveries have been repeatedly delayed, including due to a slow supply of engines from GE, which has been facing supply chain issues. GE did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on Wednesday. A video filmed by defence news outlet National Defence went viral on Tuesday showing Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru the previous day rebuking HAL officials. "At the moment I am just not confident of HAL," Singh says, seating inside the cockpit of a trainer aircraft as HAL officials crouched by his side on a platform. "I was promised that when I come here in February I will see 11 Mk1As ready, minus the engines," Singh said. "Not a single one is ready. Not impressed." India's defence production secretary, Sanjeev Kumar, said at the same air show that production lines had stabilised both at HAL and GE, and that the Indian company would have the capacity to hand over 16 to 24 aircraft in the fiscal year that starts in April. India's close defence partner Russia this week also offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, by enhancing the Indian production line of the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, 260 of which are in India's fleet. ($1 = 86.8700 Indian rupees)
