INTRODUCTION
A nation’s military aspirations have to be in consort with its socio economic condition and likely threats. Due to unique geographical location and geo-political environment India faces a collusive threat with significant chances of military conflict. Therefore her national interest dictate that the country be able to deter both her inimical neighbors from any military misadventure either singly or collusively.
Air power possesses significant offensive potential besides being the most responsive arm of military action. Indian Air Force must remain an adaptive and agile force to fight and win wars in a network centric battlefield with conflicts varying across the complete threat spectrum. Air Force is a technology intensive service and requires continuous infusion of modern cutting edge equipment and technology.
A straightjacket approach to military accretions with a purely force on force numeric calculus would not provide comprehensive answers to any military force buildup plan. It is imperative that focus areas be identified and assets, platforms, facilitators and infrastructure developed accordingly.