amid China-Pakistan stealth threat
ISLAMABAD: Indian Air Force Director General (Air Operations) Air MarshalAshutosh Dixit has publicly acknowledged that the Defence Research andDevelopment Organisation is incapable of delivering a fifth-generationstealth fighter aircraft in the foreseeable future, forcing the IAF topursue stopgap solutions to arrest the rapid decline in operationalsquadron strength.
Speaking at a defence seminar in New Delhi, the senior air marshaldescribed the falling number of combat squadrons as a matter of graveconcern for national security. The IAF currently operates around 31squadrons against an authorised strength of 42, with older MiG-21 fleetsbeing retired faster than new aircraft are inducted.
Air Marshal Dixit confirmed that the DRDO has informed the air force thatindigenous development of a true fifth-generation platform, the AdvancedMedium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), remains technically unfeasible at present.As a result, the IAF has been compelled to look for an immediate interimfighter while domestic capabilities are built gradually.
He revealed that India now plans to first mature critical fifth-generationtechnologies on the under-development Tejas Mk2 medium-weight fighterbefore attempting a full-scale stealth platform. Defence analysts note thatincorporating stealth features, advanced sensors and internal weapons baysinto the Tejas Mk2 will inevitably extend its timeline, further delayingthe IAF’s modernisation programme.
The air marshal emphasised that the deteriorating regional air powerbalance has become a pressing challenge. China continues to expand itsfleet of J-20 stealth fighters and has begun exporting the newer J-35 toclose allies. Recent reports indicate that Pakistan is in advancednegotiations to acquire the Chinese fifth-generation J-35, which would markthe first export of such advanced stealth technology in the region.
While declining to disclose specifics citing operational security, AirMarshal Dixit confirmed that the IAF has formulated contingency plans tocounter the growing stealth threat from both eastern and western frontiers.The service continues to evaluate multiple foreign fourth-generation-plusfighters as potential stopgap acquisitions, including additional Rafalejets and possibly American or Russian platforms.
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The admission underscores deepening concerns within the Indian defenceestablishment about persistent delays in indigenous programmes and thewidening technology gap with China. Military experts warn that withouturgent corrective measures, India’s aerial deterrence capability could beseriously compromised over the next decade.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-looking-at-stopgap-fighter-aircraft-option-air-marshal-ashutosh-dixit/article68945678.ece
Source:https://idrw.org/iaf-cant-wait-for-amca-drdo-not-ready-for-5th-gen-fighter-yet-says-air-marshal-a-k-dixit/
Tags: India, IAF, DRDO, China, Pakistan, AMCA, Tejas, J-20, J-35
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