SP’s Aviation (SP’s): As the new Chief of the Air Staff of one of the largest and the most professional Air Forces in the world, what will be your vision:
(a): Towards the build-up of combat power,
(b): Towards sustainability and boosting process of your human resource,
(c): Towards the overall role for the country and beyond?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS):
(a): Building up of combat power is directly proportional to self-reliance and increased production in defence manufacturing. The IAF is committed towards the vision of ‘VIKSIT BHARAT - 2047’ by supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat & Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing. The most preferred option for capital acquisition is Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) followed by Buy (Indian) category. In the last few years, IAF has signed numerous contracts with Indian DPSUs like HAL and BEL for procurement of major equipment like LCA Mk1A fighter aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Aslesha Radar, Low Level Tracking Radar, weapons etc. Contracts with Indian private industries have also been signed for procurement of Counter Drone Systems and other defence equipment. Additionally, production of 40 C295 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) conforms with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This is the first project of its kind and will help in developing an aerospace ecosystem in India. Its factory has recently been inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in Vadodara.

“MRFA would be crucial in bridging the capability gap arising due to phasing out of fighter aircraft and phased operationalisation of indigenous fighter aircraft”
—Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff

(b): Human resource determines the effectiveness and efficiency of any organisation. Towards this, policies related to Human Resources are formulated, reviewed and refined regularly so that we induct the best talent and provide them the best training through state of art training infrastructure. IAF lays emphasis on ‘Right Person for the Right Job at Right Time’. From realistic training, upskilling to carrying out workflow analysis to increase efficiency, we are focussing on HRM to boost our combat effectiveness. Use of modern technology for enhancing skills of human resources by utilising AR/VR in undertaking maintenance activities has been planned. For maintaining IAF’s combat edge, upskilling of human resource, who are operating and maintaining complex modern day aerospace systems, is an absolute necessity. Thus, human resource upskilling is a continuous process which includes various in-service courses and courses from other institutes of repute.

(c): The IAF is cognizant of the role it has to play towards national security and defence as well as towards Nation Building as a whole. As mentioned earlier we are fully committed to the vision of ‘VIKSIT BHARAT - 2047’ and Atmanirbharta while ensuring all steps to enhance our combat potential.

SP’s: We had recently conducted an exclusive interview with the Chief of German Air Force. He clearly stated and responded to one of our questions as follows:
“We can always develop and manufacture new programmes. However, we cannot wait for 10/15 years for that capability. Hence, we need to acquire the necessary and ready-made equipment to meet such capabilities (instead of allowing any undesirable waiting process and compromise on the build-up of capability) so that we are able to deploy where and when necessary – and today”.

(a): As we continue emphasising on Atmanirbharta, how would you like to perceive such an expression coming from the military leadership of one of the leading European countries which otherwise is well-renowned of being capable enough to develop and conclude any of the futuristic programmes.

(b): While we go strong on the Atmanirbharta, can we also ensure that there will be no compromise on National Security?

CAS:
(a): Atmanirbharta will assist in providing innovative solutions during peace and crisis situation. The indigenous manufacturing and supply chain of defence equipment will mean assured availability as per our requirement and hence ensure that the conflicts end on our terms. Dependency on imported equipment/weapons is being reduced in a phased manner.

(b): Indigenisation Push: The IAF is committed towards the vision of ‘VIKSIT BHARAT - 2047’ by supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat & Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing. The most preferred option of capital acquisition is Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category equipment followed by Buy (Indian) category. In the last few years, IAF has signed numerous contracts with Indian DPSUs like HAL and BEL for procurement of major equipment like LCA Mk1A fighter aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Aslesha Radar, Low Level Tracking Radar and Light Specialist Vehicle-Mobile Communication Terminal etc. Contracts with Indian private industries have also been signed for procurement of Counter Drone Systems and other defence equipment.

Additionally, production of 40 C295 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) conforms with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This is the first project of its kind and will help in developing aerospace ecosystem in India. All these plans in no way compromise on National Security which will always be paramount. Constant liaison is being maintained with DPSUs to ensure that the promised production rate is achieved.

“Use of modern technology for enhancing skills of human resources by utilising AR/VR in undertaking maintenance activities has been planned. For maintaining IAF’s combat edge, upskilling of human resource; who are operating and maintaining complex modern day aerospace systems, is an absolute necessity.”

SP’s: Please allow us to request for status update on MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) requirement of our Air Force. Will ‘Make in India’ be a mandatory requirement for this programme?

CAS: MRFA would be crucial in bridging the capability gap arising due to phasing out of fighter aircraft and phased operationalisation of indigenous fighter aircraft. The case is being progressed as per provisions of DAP 2020 and due impetus will be given to Atmanirbharta.

SP’s: Kindly indicate on the progress of Space Command. And please also give your perspective how (and why) this frontier will be crucial, in coming times?

CAS: Air and Space form a continuum, and this fact presents both opportunities and threats to air operations. Space applications are increasingly being used in military operations. Hence, it is essential to understand the nuances of space domain and the concept of operation. Our adversaries are pursuing niche space domain warfighting technologies which are considered as threats. Therefore, IAF has updated its doctrine, and recognised the importance of space domain in military operations. Measures are being taken to exploit the maximum potential of space domain into IAF operations. Considerable strides have been taken by us for inculcating ‘space culture’ in IAF. IAF has taken space domain training seriously, towards which space training syllabi at all levels has been formulated and implemented. The IAF has initiated necessary steps to coordinate with the established Defence Space Agency (DSA) for training of all defence personnel. This is the first step and we will move forward from here.