Pratik Das, Pune
On Tuesday, Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal V.R. Chaudhuri announced plans to enhance the Indian Air Force’s capabilities through the acquisition of domestically produced military equipment including the deployment of mounted radars along the disputed border with China.
In his annual media briefing prior to the Indian Air Force Day on October 8, Air Marshal V.R. Choudhury revealed that the induction of indigenous equipment into the Indian Air Force is anticipated to incur costs of up to Rs. 3 lakh crore over the coming years. This year alone, the IAF is set to allocate Rs. 41,180 crore for these acquisitions.
The Indian Air Force will continue its deployment along the disputed border until a complete disengagement occurs. India and China have been locked in a military standoff, and resolution to the border crisis remains elusive despite negotiations. Chaudhuri highlighted China’s extensive air defence infrastructure along the border, noting the significant presence of radars and surface-to-air guided weapons.
China has positioned radar systems across the entire northern border, and the Indian Air Force is well-informed about the extent to which China can observe into Indian territory and the IAF has initiated its own mountain radar project as a counteract. In light of the volatile and unpredictable geopolitical situation in the region, Chaudhuri emphasized the pressing necessity for a robust and trustworthy military.
The Indian Air Force, with its unique ability to maintain extensive situational awareness, rapid deployment capabilities, and significant firepower, plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and serves as a central force in projecting India’s influence and strength within the region.
He also noted that the delivery of the S-400 air defence system has been impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Chaudhuri highlighted the ongoing transformation of modern warfare driven by rapid technological advancements.
The IAF’s primary emphasis is on leveraging hidden force multipliers, including AI-based decision tools, electronic warfare systems, robust communication networks, and harnessing capabilities in space and cyber domains.
The IAF is engaged in development and deployment of indigenous aerospace projects, executing long-range precision strikes, and cultivating multi-domain capabilities as key focus areas.