IAF’s unending fighter conundrum, Pg 10.

Key Highlights:

• MiG-21 jets, in service since 1963, to be retired in September 2025 with a formal ceremony at Chandigarh.
• With their phase-out, IAF’s fighter strength dips to 29 squadrons, far below the sanctioned 42 squadrons.
• The IAF awaits 83 LCA-Mk1A fighters under a ₹48,000 crore contract, with zero deliveries so far due to engine delays.
• China has deployed ~1,900 fighter aircraft, including 1,300+ fourth-gen jets, raising regional security concerns.
• MiG-21s have served in major conflicts – 1965, 1971, 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot aerial engagement.
• Indigenous development of LCA-Mk2, AMCA, and procurement under MRFA are planned to address capability gaps.
• IAF requires 35–40 new aircraft annually to recover combat strength in the next 10–15 years.

Detailed Insights:

• Legacy of the MiG-21:
  • Introduced post-1962 war; first supersonic and non-Western aircraft in the IAF.
  • Played a pivotal combat role for six decades; 872 inducted, many via HAL license production.
  • Associated with over 450 accidents, but also legendary feats like Abhinandan Varthaman’s 2019 F-16 shootdown.
• Current Challenges:
  • Delays in Tejas Mk1A due to late F-404 engine deliveries from GE Aerospace; only two engines received so far.
  • LCA-Mk2, meant to replace ageing Mirages and Jaguars, to have its first flight in 2026.
  • Indigenous AMCA fifth-gen fighter remains under development; prototype expected within 10 years.
• Strategic Procurement and Upgrades:
  • Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet (260 in service) to be upgraded in phases; 12 new aircraft ordered to replace losses.
  • MRFA deal for 114 multi-role fighters is still pending since 2019.
  • India may import a small batch of 5th-gen fighters (SU-57 or F-35) as a stopgap until AMCA readiness.
• Way Forward:
  • Plan to induct 600+ new fighters in two decades:
    • 180 LCA-Mk1A
    • 120+ LCA-Mk2
    • 114 MRFA
    • 120 AMCA
  • Private sector participation being invited for AMCA production; HAL must bid competitively, not by nomination.
  • Local manufacturing of F414 engines under negotiation with GE for LCA-Mk2.

Concepts Involved:

• LCA (Light Combat Aircraft): Indigenous multi-role combat aircraft developed under the Tejas programme; Mk1A is an upgraded variant with advanced avionics and radar.
• AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): India’s 5th-generation stealth fighter project, featuring low-observable technologies, supercruise, and AI-based systems.
• MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft): A global acquisition programme for 114 fighters to bridge India’s medium-role capability gap.
• F404/F414 Engines: Jet engines developed by GE; F404 powers the LCA-Mk1A, while the more powerful F414 is planned for the Mk2 and early AMCA versions.