The Indian Government has formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to assess the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability development. This comes amid growing concerns over China’s expanding air power and Pakistan’s strengthening air force. The committee will evaluate the IAF’s requirements, focusing on indigenous design, development, and acquisition projects. It is expected to submit its report in the next two to three months. This move highlights the urgent need to address gaps in IAF’s fighter aircraft and missile capabilities, especially considering regional threats.
Committee Formation and Its Role
The committee was formed after IAF’s presentations during the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, where the need for futuristic combat aircraft and upgrades to existing capabilities were discussed. The committee includes senior Defence Ministry officials, including the Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, DRDO chief Dr. Samir V Kamat, and Air Marshal T Singh, who is the member secretary. The committee will focus on finding solutions, potentially through indigenous projects, to meet IAF’s increasing demands.
Key Issues Under Review
Fighter Aircraft Shortages: IAF has inducted only 36 Rafale aircraft, with plans to acquire 110+ 4.5-generation fighters still pending. The committee will explore ways to meet these needs, possibly via indigenous production.
Weaponry Gaps: The IAF faces widening gaps in air-to-air and air-to-ground missile capabilities, which need urgent attention to match China’s advanced weaponry.
Indigenous Development Plans: The IAF continues to rely on domestic projects like the LCA Mark 1A, but delays due to supply chain issues have hampered progress. Future acquisitions are expected to be focused on indigenous development, with plans for 114 fighter aircraft to be built in India in collaboration with foreign manufacturers.
Regional Threats and Strategic Importance
The growing air power of China and its support for Pakistan, along with potential military cooperation with Bangladesh, makes it imperative for India to enhance its air defense capabilities. The committee’s assessment will play a crucial role in addressing these threats and improving the IAF’s readiness for future challenges.
Summary of the news
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Indian government forms a committee for IAF’s capability development | – High-level committee formed under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to assess IAF’s future capability. – Focus on indigenous design, development, and acquisition projects. – Committee includes officials from Defence Ministry, DRDO, and IAF. – Report expected within 2-3 months. |
| Committee’s purpose | – Assess IAF’s need for fighter aircraft, missile systems, and long-term upgrades. – Evaluate plans to address fighter aircraft shortage and technological gaps. |
| Key members of the committee | – Rajesh Kumar Singh (Defence Secretary) – Sanjeev Kumar (Secretary, Defence Production) – Dr. Samir V Kamat (DRDO Chief) – Air Marshal T Singh (Deputy Chief of Air Staff) |
| IAF’s current challenges | – Shortage of fighter aircraft, with only 36 Rafale aircraft inducted. – IAF’s plans for 110+ 4.5-generation fighter aircraft still pending. |
| Regional Threats | – China’s growing air power and support to Pakistan’s Air Force. – Potential military cooperation between China and Bangladesh. |
| Indigenous development plans | – IAF favors future acquisitions through indigenous routes. – LCA Mark 1A project delayed due to supply chain issues. – Plans to manufacture 114 fighter aircraft in India with foreign collaboration. |
| Strategic Importance | – The committee’s report will help address critical gaps in IAF’s capability to tackle regional threats. |
