Aircraft – Page 2 – Air Marshal's Perspective

December 6, 2024December 9, 2024

550: Brief Inputs to EurasianTimes on Jaguar aircraft and Relevance of Bombers

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JAGUAR AIRCRAFT IN IAF

Induction. In the late 1970s, the Indian Air Force acquired the SEPECAT Jaguar (Shamsher) to enhance its strike capabilities. The aircraft was selected for its deep penetration and all-weather ground attack capabilities. Initially, the aircraft were imported from the UK, followed by licensed production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Jaguar program began India’s long-standing defence collaboration with Western countries, particularly in licensed production and technology transfer.

Operational Deployments. Over four decades, Jaguars have been reliable, versatile workhorses for the IAF, excelling in deep-penetration missions and complex strike operations.

- Operation Meghdoot (1984). Jaguars used their altitude-adapted navigation and strike systems to play a critical role in securing India’s position in the Siachen Glacier conflict.

- Operation Poomalai (1987). Deployed in the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission over Sri Lanka, showcasing their capability in maritime strikes.

- Kargil War (1999). Jaguar aircraft played a significant role in reconnaissance and high-altitude precision targeting support.

Modernisation

- Avionics. The DARIN (Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation) system was progressively upgraded to DARIN II and later to DARIN III, transforming the aircraft into a modern combat platform with digital cockpit systems, advanced navigation, and precision-guided weapon integration.

- Weapons. The aircraft has been equipped with smart weapons, Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs), anti-ship missiles, and cluster bombs to adapt to diverse combat scenarios.

Future Prospects. The IAF has extended the operational life of the Jaguars with mid-life upgrades, including modern EW suites, radar warning receivers (RWRs), smart weapons, and avionics and survivability systems. Despite ageing, modernisation has ensured that Jaguars remain a cost-effective strike option, complementing newer fighter jets in India’s inventory.

The Jaguar’s journey in the IAF showcases a story of adaptation, resilience, and strategic significance, making it one of the most enduring aircraft in Indian service.

Link to the article written by Ritu Sharma on the EuraisianTimes Website.

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/45-years-of-jaguar-bluffed-f-16s-supported/

Relevance of Bomber Aircraft In Contemporary Air Warfare

Despite the evolution of air combat with advanced fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and precision-guided munitions (PGMs), bomber aircraft remain highly relevant in modern air warfare due to their unique capabilities and strategic significance.

Strategic Deterrence. Bombers provide unmatched range and payload, enabling deep strikes into enemy territory without refuelling.

Nuclear Capability. Bombers are a critical component of a country’s nuclear triad, capable of delivering nuclear weapons with high flexibility.

Conventional Warfare Versatility. Bombers can carry large quantities of ordnance, including precision-guided weapons stand-off, cluster munitions, and hypersonic weapons, making them effective in large-scale operations. Bombers can perform various tasks like strategic bombing, long-range strikes, anti-ship roles, and maritime patrol, which adds to their operational versatility.

Power Projection. Bombers are instrumental in power projection, allowing countries to demonstrate military strength without ground troop deployment. Regular flyovers and patrol missions in contested areas deter adversaries and reassure allies.

Psychological Impact. Bombers’ presence in conflict zones is a psychological weapon, demoralising enemy forces due to their destructive potential.

Hypersonic Weapons Carriers. Future bombers are designed to carry hypersonic missiles, offering a rapid, hard-to-intercept strike option against time-sensitive targets.

Limitations and Challenges

High Operational Costs. Maintenance and operational costs are significant.

Vulnerability in High-Threat Environments. Despite advancements in stealth and electronic warfare, bombers remain vulnerable to advanced air defence systems if not supported by escort fighters and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) missions.

While the battlefield is evolving with drones and fighters, bomber aircraft retain their strategic importance due to their ability to deliver overwhelming firepower, conduct long-range precision strikes, and serve as critical deterrents. Integrating stealth, hypersonic weapons, and network-centric operations ensures their continued relevance in modern warfare for decades.

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Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024

546: RUSSIA’S SU-57 OFFER TO INDIA: BALANCING NEEDS AND STRATEGIC INTERESTS

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My Article published on the EurasianTimes Website on 04 Dec 24

Russia has recently renewed its offer to supply India with fifth-generation SU-57 stealth fighter jets. Russia’s latest pitch emphasises improvements in the Su-57’s stealth, avionics, and combat capabilities, including integrating hypersonic weapons. To make the deal more attractive, Russia has reduced the aircraft’s cost and may accept a unique payment mechanism in Indian rupees. While evaluating the offer alongside other options, India remains cautious due to concerns about production delays, technology reliability, and geopolitical implications.

India’s Need for Fifth-generation Fighter Aircraft. India’s need for fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) arises from its evolving security environment, technological aspirations, and the need to modernise its ageing fleet. India faces potential simultaneous conflicts with China and Pakistan. China’s J-20 stealth fighter and Pakistan’s growing air power (with possible Chinese or Turkish support) have created a pressing need for India to counterbalance these developments with comparable technology. Many Indian Air Force fighter aircraft, including Jaguar, Mirage 2000s and Mig-29s, will be nearing the end of their operational life, prompting the need for replacements with superior capabilities. India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project aims to develop an Indigenous fifth-generation fighter, promoting self-reliance in defence technology. However, this is a long-term project, and interim solutions may be required. Given these factors, India would need to induct the latest technology fighter aircraft. The decision will depend on balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic and technological goals.

Key Features and Capabilities. The Su-57’s airframe is designed with stealth in mind, incorporating features like composite material with an angular design and internal weapon bays. While these features enhance stealth, other fifth-generation aircraft are reportedly considered superior in radar evasion, raising concerns about the Su-57’s ability to operate undetected in highly contested environments. The Su-57 claims state-of-the-art avionics, including AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar, IRST (Infrared Search and Track), and electronic warfare systems, enhancing its survivability and situational awareness. The Su-57 currently relies on AL-41F1 engines, with a planned transition to Izdeliye 30 engines, promising super cruise ability, increased thrust, and thrust vectoring. Despite these advancements, delays in the Izdeliye 30 engine raise questions about the Su-57’s operational readiness, a significant concern for India if it opts for procurement.

India-Russia Defence Cooperation. The defence partnership between India and Russia dates back to the early 1960s, with Russia (then the Soviet Union) emerging as India’s primary arms supplier during the Cold War. India and Russia have maintained robust and long-standing defence cooperation over several decades, driven mainly by strategic interests and mutual goals in regional and global security. Russia has been a significant supplier of military aircraft to India, with notable contributions including the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI fighter jets. India and Russia have a history of collaboration on joint military projects.

FGFA Program: Joint Fifth-Generation Fighter Development. In 2007, India and Russia embarked on the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, aiming to co-develop a customised version of the Su-57 (then known as the PAK FA). India’s contribution included financial support and the integration of indigenous avionics and systems. However, by 2018, India withdrew from the FGFA program due to issues related to technology transfer and software access, performance, delays and cost overruns, and disagreement over production and financial terms. These factors combined made the FGFA program untenable for India, prompting its decision to withdraw and seek other alternatives, including developing indigenous solutions and considering other foreign aircraft.

Effect on the AMCA Development. India’s procurement of the Su-57 fighter aircraft could positively and negatively affect the development of its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. If India procures the Su-57, it could gain valuable insights into the design and technology of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and engine performance. This could accelerate the learning curve for Indian engineers and help improve AMCA’s design. On the other hand, procuring Su-57s could divert attention and resources from the AMCA project, as both programs require significant investment and focus. This could delay AMCA’s development as funding and manpower may be reallocated. While the Su-57 might provide a short-term solution, procuring it would reinforce India’s dependency on foreign technology, which contradicts the AMCA’s goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defence technology. It might also delay the domestic innovation necessary to produce the AMCA independently.

Strategic Autonomy. While the Su-57 procurement could strengthen defence ties with Russia, the conditions imposed in the deal might impact India’s strategic autonomy. These conditions may restrict customising the aircraft according to its specific needs. Moreover, India would remain dependent on Russia for software updates, maintenance, and future upgrades, potentially limiting its strategic flexibility. This could hinder India’s desire for greater control over its air assets, a key reason for pursuing the AMCA program in the first place. The decision will depend on balancing the desire for immediate operational capabilities with long-term strategic goals of self-reliance and technological independence.

Geopolitical Considerations. Acquiring the Su-57 would reinforce India’s defence partnership with Russia, counterbalancing its growing ties with Western defence suppliers like France (Dassault Rafale) and the U.S. (Lockheed Martin and Boeing). This move could also foster deeper technological collaboration between the two nations. India’s procurement of Russian defence equipment also risks triggering sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Challenges and Concerns. The Su-57 is a high-cost platform with significant acquisition and lifecycle expenses. Cost and affordability will be essential factors in the decision-making process. The claimed performance characteristics would have to be evaluated and compared to other existing platforms, especially with the adversaries. India’s insistence on full technology transfer is critical in defence acquisitions. Russia’s willingness to share key technologies will significantly influence India’s decision-making process, especially given India’s focus on enhancing its domestic defence industry through initiatives like “Make in India.”

India’s potential acquisition of the Su-57 is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. It involves technical assessments, strategic considerations, and geopolitical implications. While the Su-57 offers significant capabilities that could bolster India’s air force, unresolved concerns about stealth, engine performance, and technology transfer remain critical barriers. Moreover, the geopolitical landscape, particularly the risk of U.S. sanctions, adds a layer of complexity to the decision. Ultimately, India’s choice will reflect its broader defence strategy, balancing immediate security needs with its long-term vision for technological autonomy and regional influence.

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

Link to the article:

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/russias-renewed-su-57-pitch-to-india-is/

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References and credits

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References:-

The Diplomat. “Russia Offers India Its Su-57 Stealth Fighter (Again).” The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com. 2024.

India Today. “Russia Offers Su-57 Stealth Fighter to India, But IAF Has Concerns.” India Today, https://www.indiatoday.in. 2024.

Defense News. “Russia’s Su-57 Offers India Another Opportunity to Upgrade its Air Force.” Defense News, https://www.defensenews.com. 2024.

Financial Express. “Russia’s Su-57 Stealth Fighter to India: Here’s Why It May Not Happen Soon.” Financial Express, https://www.financialexpress.com. 2024.