Category: Military Capability

Posted on

379: STRATEGIC EVOLUTION OF INDIAN AIR FORCE

 

 

A talk on

“Strategic evolution of IAF”

followed by an Interactive Q&A session.

 

 

For selective viewing, please click on the links below:-

  1. Introductions.
  2.  Historical Perspective.
  3. Doctrinal Evolution.
  4. Current Challenges.
  5. Future Trajectory.
  6. Q & A session.
  7. Vote of thanks.

 

Links to Q  & A Session:-

  1. Effect of space technologies on air warfare and is it time for a separate space force?
  2. Are we prepared for Cyber and Space warfare? and are we drawing military benefits from our space program?
  3. Public participation in cyber and electronic domains of warfare and combined command and control structures of three services.
  4. Women in IAF and suitability for combat role.
  5. Tejas and its combat capability. 
  6. Indigenous 5th generation aircraft programme and any chance of revival of FGFA joint development. 
  7. IAF ability to take on two front challenge in nuclear environment.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

Subscribe

 

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

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

 

Posted on

378: Q & A ON INDIA-CHINA STAND OFF

 

Pic courtesy: internet

 

Gist of replies to questions by a researcher on the subject.

 

Q1. How is the IAF acting as a force multiplier in the India-China military standoff in Ladakh?

 

  • The question needs rephrasing. IAF is an active participant and contributor towards dealing with the situation.

 

  • It is a national situation, requiring a whole of nation (i.e. all tools of statecraft) approach.

 

  • The defence services (Indian Air Force included) are doing the needful jointly and synergistically.

 

  • IAF undertakes missions to accomplish its roles and tasks (like any other defence force), including:-

 

    • Political and strategic signalling. By deploying and operating aircraft, weapons and systems at appropriate places. Also by carrying out exercises in these areas.

 

    • Rapid mobility, troop induction, and transfer. Rapid troop mobilisation undertaken by the IAF surprised everyone.

 

    • Sustenance and supply (equipment, ammunition, weapons, rations, etc.). All IAF resources including heavy-lift aircraft, medium-lift aircraft, and helicopters are used for this task.

 

    • Saving valuable lives by casualty evacuation and medical support as and when required.

 

    • Enhancement of situational awareness by reconnaissance and information sharing by using all the reconnaissance assets and sharing information rapidly through its networked communication systems.

 

    • Joint planning and monitoring by working synergistically with sister surface services.

 

    • Training and equipping to meet challenges by periodic review of immediate, mid-term, and long-term plans.

 

  • All the assets of IAF are always available and are used to deal with prevailing or emerging situations.

 

Q2. How will you assess the IAF’s preparedness in case there’s a hot war between India and China at the LAC?

 

  • IAF is always prepared for any eventuality. It is a capable, motivated and battle-hardened force.

 

  • Please refer to the Global Air Powers Ranking (2023) by WDMMA (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft, which provides the current ranking of the various air forces of the world. (https://www.wdmma.org/ranking.php)

 

  • It does not base its assessment purely on numerical strength but carries out a holistic analysis of numerous factors to ascertain warfighting capability.

 

  • According to the latest report, the IAF is a few points ahead in its war-waging capabilities, despite being short numerically.

 

  • Moreover, IAF always works on two plans. First plan to fight immediately with whatever it has. The second one is to enhance its potential (capability and capacity) in the short, mid and long term.

 

  • These plans are periodically reviewed, revised and activated.

 

  • This edge needs to be maintained. The warfighting capabilities have built up over the years however, it is the capacity (war endurance) that needs enhancement on priority. Appropriate actions have been initiated and they need to be executed speedily.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

Subscribe

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Disclaimer:

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

Posted on

376: WOMEN IN INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES: PERSONAL AND ORGANISATIONAL PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Pic Courtesy: Internet

 

(An abstract of a forthcoming detailed article on the subject)

 

“Not all women wear pearls and sensible shoes to work, some wear dog tags and combat boots”

– Author Unknown

 

Women’s participation in the military has evolved significantly over the years worldwide, with a growing recognition of their valuable contributions to the defence and security of the country. Many countries now allow women to serve in the armed forces in numerous roles. The extent of participation and roles vary from country to country, depending on cultural norms, legal frameworks, and military policies.

 

Traditionally, Indian defence services have been predominantly male-dominated, but the roles and opportunities for women have expanded as societal perceptions and military policies have changed over the years. The history of women in the Indian defence services is a story of gradual progress and increasing participation from support services and roles to combat and command roles. Utilisation pattern in the three services i.e. Army (including Paramilitary), Navy (including Coast Guard) and Air Force, varies depending upon their peculiarities.

 

While the inclusion of women in defence services brings several benefits, certain challenges and barriers still do exist. Aspects related to cultural and societal norms, career opportunities and progression, physical and psychological suitability for combat roles and leadership positions, gender integration, gender equality, gender bias, gender discrimination, harassment prevention and redressal mechanism, and judicial recourse etc. need to be reviewed periodically for mid-course corrections.

 

These existing challenges are being addressed by the implementation of policies and initiatives. It is a gradual, and evolutionary process, with a balance being maintained between personal and organizational aspirations, growth, necessities, and concerns.

 

Questions

 

Is gender integration progressing well in the Indian military with equality and no bias or discrimination?

 

Are the policies related to women in the military in India fair and serve their purpose?

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

Subscribe

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Disclaimer:

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

English हिंदी