The Indian Air Force has forever been a symbol of pride to Indians. Since its creation, it has almost won every encounter with its enemy (barring 1965 war, but that’s a little bit more complicated so I won’t go into detail right now). There are very few air forces that can take on the Indian Air Force, USAF and Russia come into mind, and the IAF is one of the most professional Air Force in the world today (if not the number one). However, despite being the most successful, it has run into its fair share of troubles. The recent one I am alluding to is the MMRCA and Rafale issues. Add Tejas into the mix and when you have the backbone that is on the verge of retiring, it is a serious matter.

In this article I would like to shed light on the role on IAF as I see it, its present, and its future. You don’t have to agree with everything I say, but a careful thought might make you think differently.

So let’s begin. What is the role of IAF?

The Indian Air Force fulfills multiple roles in the Indian Defence sector. Its role is one of the most important, after the Indian Navy, in terms of balancing power in the subcontinent. As such, it also is the second most expensive area for the Ministry of Defence (Navy being the first). So, it is a very hard job for an individual who isn’t necessarily educated about aerial machines to make decisions that involve BILLIONS of dollars. The reason I am sharing this is because when we are expert in a field, we think differently. Thus, when things that are obvious to us but are not acted upon by those in charge, it might infuriate us. However, we have to realize that the other person isn’t necessarily in our shoes. They have to look and learn about Navy (frigates, corvettes, aircraft carrier, destroyers, submarines), army (guns, bombs, etc etc), airforce (multirole, air superiority, bombers, attack, helicopters, etc etc) and it gets extremely overwhelming for them to soak all this information in a short amount of time.

But why doesn’t the Air Marshal select the fighters? Why won’t the admiral do the same?

Well, they can……and in an ideal world that would be the case and I wouldn’t write this article. However, that is not the case. There is always a risk of corruption in ANY contract that involves a number of layers and a lot of money. So, to give you an idea about how it might go really bad think about a situation. The Marshal selects the fighter jet, the decision goes to the bureaucrats who then recommend it to the government. It then goes to the Government who approves it, with majority vote in the parliament. Then the company has to talk to different industries who are making all these parts, radars, avionics, engines, body etc etc. Think about it…..how many people are involved in the discussion? Now think about the opportunity of possible corruption at ANY stage of this process. The more levels and people involved in the process, the more the chance of possible bribery at different level. You see the problem now? Yup……that’s probably what happened during the BOFORS scandal. Therefore, Parrikar can avoid some level of this possible corruption by directly being involved in this process and overlooking it. Of course, we have to assume that he himself isn’t corrupt…..but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here.

The role of IAF, as defined by the constitution, is: Defence of India and every part there of including preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war to its prosecution and after its termination to effective demobilization

In easy words: it provides close air support, strategic and tactical airlift capabilities, infantry & artillery transportations, safeguards Indian territory and interests from all threats. Additionally, it also provides assistance in disaster relief in India and sometimes other countries.

I am only here to talk about the combat part because that’s what I find exciting (lets be honest here). So I am going to mention the list of current fighter jets, their roles, their possible replacements, and why I think those should be the replacements.

Present

1. MiG 21

Currently used as an interceptor. Previously was also used as a “multirole” fighter as a secondary role. This is the 2nd main fighter in the Indian Air Force after Su-30MKI. Its replacement, according to the Indian Government, is clear cut HAL Tejas. Although, I am skeptical of IAF actually wanting Tejas. The more I hear about Tejas and its induction, the more I feel that the who Tejas concept has been shoved down into IAF’s throats. IAF is extremely reluctant to induct ANYTHING Indian….including Akash Missiles (oh hello news…..I had just been waiting for you: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Enough-of-Akash-says-Army-as-it-opts-for-Israeli-missiles/articleshow/51608406.cms). To people who say they are not the same, please go home. They serve the same role.

2. Sukhoi Su-30MKI

Currently the main backbone of Indian Air Force. I honestly have almost no complaints about this aircraft. I am a huge fan of Russian engineering, and if it didn’t have inferior avionics and questionable engines, I would ABSOLUTELY love them. However, they are still one of my favorites. It can be used as an air superiority fighter AND as a multirole fighter. IAF has also been trying to make sure that Su-30MKI is capable of nuclear delivery (lovely BrahMos). A point of HUGE concern though is that their availability rate is only 50-60%, which tells a lot about Russian quality…..doesn’t it? So be careful about what we boast about.

3. MiG 29 UPG

A decent medium ranged, air superiority and multirole fighter. Most Indian MiG 29s are outdated and are currently being upgraded to UPG standard. India has had a LOT of problems with the MiG 29. MiG 29 has structural issues and is prone to developing cracks due to corrosion in the tail fin. India has been the only country with good MiG 29 operational record. I love the MiG 29 just like I like the Su-30MKI so I am a little biased. But MiG 29 are operational in very small quantities in India, and the main concern is that Russia doesn’t provide India with spares and other equipment on time and for cheap. This is the MAIN reason why MiG-35 didn’t win the MMRCA and why India doesn’t want to rely one only one supplier for its airforce. Its future looks bleak. It is currently being upgraded by Taneja Aerospace Limited. Frankly, I feel when India decides the main medium fighter, be it AMCA or anything else, it will soon dump MiG 29. It would probably be around till 2030 or 2025. This can always change depending on if Russia starts teaching HAL how to make MiG 29 (which it won’t).

4. Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 (Upgraded from Mirage 2000-H)

Upgraded with new avionics, radar, Helmet mounted display, ability to fire new missiles. In my opinion, the most underrated fighter in the entire world. A true definition of a champion, this fighter has done it all for the Indian Air Force. It might look ugly, but it is insanely good. Tejas is based off its design. I absolutely love what it has done for IAF. Few countries have had a fighter that has done that much for its country as much Mirage has done for India. It is supposed to stay in IAF until 2030. Had the global game not changed as much, Mirage would have still ruled the skies for a long time. Unfortunately, stealth changed everything. I feel India should keep its Mirage 2000 as reserves because they can dish out insane damage when nobody expects them. True underdog.

5. MiG 27/SEPECAT Jaguar

Both of these are not relevant as they are ground attack aircraft. I believe the future of ground attack aircraft is nonexistent because Multirole fighters will take over that job.

Future

Here is my favorite topic. I would like to discuss the HAL Tejas and the MMRCA deal. Now, I don’t expect you to agree with me. Not everybody will. But, take some time….think about my rationale and then decide.

HAL Tejas is a small, light combat fighter. I would have absolutely loved it, it is my type of a fighter, provided it hadn’t been forever delayed. I still feel Tejas is the future. Why? Well, think about what role are aircrafts fulfilling nowadays? What did Russia do, recently? What is USA, UK, France, Belgium and other countries doing? They are bombarding the islamic terrorists in Middle East. Actually, most battles where aircrafts have been used recently are against terrorists. Terrorists don’t have fighter jets. They also don’t have sophisticated SAMs. So one needs a cheap aircraft that doesn’t cost much, can be mass produced, and is extremely efficient in terms of sorties and bombing missions. Tejas can do all that!!!

It’s a little expensive for my taste….I would prefer it to be around $20 Million or cheaper but then again, Tejas provides a lot of state of the art stuff so I’ll let it slide. If HAL wants some of my advice then I suggest that they make a cheaper version of Tejas that can be afforded by countries in Africa. Those are the ones that are fighting often and thus will need more parts, orders, and repairs which will all be in favor of India.

Where do we go from here?

India has AMCA on the table, FGFA is around the corner. However here is where my concerns start as well. FGFA, although seems great, has had its share of issues including capabilities. I am still skeptical T-50/Su PAKFA/FGFA. I have nothing to contribute to that debate because in order to be a true world power, India needs to make its OWN 5th gen fighter and not pull off a Pakistan by letting someone else make it for you for your money (anybody see the similarity with JF-17 here?).

Tejas is pretty good so far. If HAL can learn how make things on time and have a better work ethic (I still believe Indian companies are lazy as hell and have a poor worth ethic), then Tejas should have 0 problems. I feel Tejas would be India’s moneymaker in terms of export. There are many many countries that are poor and can’t afford a brand new fighter fleet, and thus have to make do with MiG 21s. However, because those fighters are so old, they have to spend money to repair them and it costs them more. India can sweep that market away by providing countries with a Tejas which would be a little expensive initially, but much better in the long run because they won’t have to worry about up upgrading them often and their upkeep would be cheaper. India can partially solve that problem by providing other countries with Tejas on a little credit. This will basically take away China’s export market. Countries India should target with Tejas exports are (but not limited to): Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Argentina, Brazil, Middle East (except Saudi), Vietnam, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco etc.

India’s medium range fighters are the ones that they are worried about. Honestly speaking I don’t know why Indian Air Force wants to designate fighters as Heavy, Medium, and light because even the most powerful countries in the world don’t have all 3 (USAF has F-15/F-22 for Air superiority, and F-16 as a lighter multirole. Russian Air Force has Su-35 as air superiority and MiG-29 as lighter multirole. China has its own Su-27 knockoffs as air superiority/J-20, and lighter J-10 for multirole). But, I have no authority over IAF so lets go with their decision. Currently the debate is about Rafale, F-16IN, JAS-39IN, and F/A-18 IN. So let’s talk about them and their benefits and downsides (if any).

Dassault Rafale:

A very competent fighter, Rafale is the best one out of these 4 options, let’s just straight up acknowledge that. However, at a price tag of $222+ Million per piece, I think it is the most overrated aircraft as well. Think about this, you are paying MORE than F-22 and F-35. In fact if you combine the costs of F-22 and F-35 (5th gen), then you will be paying a little more than a single Rafale (4th Gen). Now, granted that Rafale cost $ 222+ Million per piece included spares, training etc. But even with that in place, paying $222+ Million per piece is still waaaay over-priced in my opinion. In the amount of money they will buy Rafale, they can buy almost triple JAS-39IN, and almost quadruple F-16IN & MiG-35.

JAS-39 IN (a variant of NG):

A really really good fighter in my opinion. It will be very cutting edge, although not a 5th gen fighter. It is also one of the cheapest option in terms of long term because their per mission cost is really really cheap. Plus, another added benefit is that SAAB wants to pretty much copy and paste their manufacturing in India. This means not only do India get a know-how of making the power engines for their new Tejas Mk2 variant, BUT they also get important knowledge for making aircrafts in the future without issues as SAAB has previous experience of making of making state of the art equipment such as SAAB 37 Viggen. I think this would be great deal for India.

F-16IN (a variant of Block 60/62):

Also another great option. The F-16IN is being offered to India with Make in India. This means India will again learn how to make aircrafts and engines. Plus, F-16IN is offered by Lockheed Martin with an additional benefit of upgrading to F-35 (if F-16IN is chosen). That’s a good deal. With China about to roll out J-20 and J-31, India having a F-35 will be a little benefit before (and IF) PAK FA is inducted. Also, some people worry that F-16 is also given to Pakistan so how can IAF buy it? Well, PAF gets Block 50/52 which is half as power as F-16IN. F-16IN has double the capabilities in terms of range, radars (AESA), engines, avionics (electronic warfare), additional weapon systems, and data-handling capability. F-16 IN is the most advanced F-16 to be ever made….and it can easily beat USAF F-16s as well. The only other F-16 that can deal with F-16IN is the UAE’s F-16 E/F Block 60.

F/A-18 IN (A varint of E/F Super Hornet):

A great option again because it has some of the stealth features of Beoing’s X-32. It is also very capable but I think of F/A-18 as more of a naval fighter and India already has MiG 29K/KUB and Naval Tejas. I think putting F/A-18 in the mix will increase logistical costs. I am not a huge fan of this aircraft, but that doesn’t mean it is bad. I think someone with more knowledge about this aircraft would be a better choice to justify F/A-18 acquisition.

What can India do?

OK all this is well and good, but what can India do for the future? Well we all are familiar with HAL. If they start working on a project, don’t expect it to be completed for at least 3 decades. If IAF thinks that is ok, then AMCA is your choice. I, on the other hand, would call HAL and tell them that they are a shit company and if they want a govt. order then they have to bloody well compete for it and win. So what can be done? I feel Indian government should give clearance to Indian private companies to partner up with foreign companies and make a joint venture. What do I have in mind?

Taneja Aerospace partners up with MiG bureau from Russia, Reliance partners up with Lockheed Martin, TATA partners with Beoing, HAL either does it’s own stuff or partners with SAAB (which won’t happen because they have different ideologies…..SAAB wants efficiency and HAL is the definition of inefficiency). They can make their own products for the AMCA competition and then give offers to Govt. of India and IAF. They can then decide on which company will win the contract and who will be the backup. That way if one company slacks off after the initial win, they will be shown the door and the second in line will win. That way, Indian companies will get rid of their “being late” culture and be efficient. Being lazy is a particular problem with Indian govt agencies, I have noticed. Indian private companies have generally been on time for the most part. HAL had a monopoly before because they were the only ones manufacturing so they could afford that poor work ethic, but now if Govt. offers all these private firms competition then that would eliminate those bad habits.

One thing to keep in mind is the practice of “bid-rigging” and cartel formation. That occurs when there are very few firms competing for a project. What happens is that companies agree that one firm will win a contract at a specific time. So when the govt. offers a procurement, the pre-decided firm will bid a little higher than what the govt wants. The govt will look to other companies and the other companies would bid significantly higher than the pre-selected firm. The pre-selected firm wins that tender and distributes parts of the profit to other firms and pay off other inspectors and enforcers so that the cartel runs smoothly. Next time, some other firm gets the nod and the whole process repeats. That is one issue that Indian govt. would have to keep in mind.

What should India choose?

Well, in my opinion, India will be best off with JAS-39 IN and F-16IN. They can buy buy quadruple the amount of those with the same money of Rafale, and they can also be of GREAT help in the future AMCA and present Tejas. As much I love MiG 35, Russia can be of real annoyance when it comes to parts, transferring technology and price of parts. Yes, they were great and friendly back in the day, but they were USSR and Putin wasn’t in charge. Looking at their recent history and treatment of India, I wouldn’t bother them with this competition. They conned India heavily with INS Vikramaditya, robbed India with their T-90 Bhisma ammunition rounds, AND with their current FGFA. Until India gets to use their FGFA they should hold on from going into bed with the Russians. That doesn’t mean India throws Russia out of the house– Keep giving Russians some biscuits like Helicopter deal or Submarine deal, but make sure your army isn’t reliant on one country alone. Invest in Russian economy and their oil company. This will ensure that they don’t start sleeping with Pakistan (because you can always pull the plug on their industries and hurt them hard) but at the same time they aren’t the only ones in the playing field.

These are my opinions, and one doesn’t have to agree with them. However, I hope I have raised some important points and I hope people look at this issue with a different viewpoint that to just say “Rafale was the winner, we should get it” or “Russia is our ally, we should just build more Su-30MKI”.