{"id":6169,"date":"2023-07-19T12:37:22","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T07:07:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/?p=6169"},"modified":"2025-01-04T14:18:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-04T08:48:53","slug":"interaction-with-an-international-news-channel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/2023\/07\/19\/interaction-with-an-international-news-channel\/","title":{"rendered":"368: INTERACTION WITH AN INTERNATIONAL NEWS CHANNEL"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">(It was clarified that the views expressed are my own and have nothing to do with IAF or GOI)<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #800080;\">The questions addressed and the essence of communicated opinions are as follows:-<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Q1. What&#8217;s your take on the IAF&#8217;s modernization plan? Is it going as per schedule?<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">Instead of modernisation, I would call it a capability development plan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">IAF is quite modern.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">Over the years its capabilities have increased manifold (e.g. \u2013 capabilities like precision, standoff, airlift, high altitude operations, all-weather 24 X 7 ops, network centricity, etc).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">However, the capacity in terms of quantity (war endurance) needs enhancement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">The capability and capacity combined determine the deterrence value.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">The deterrence value required depends on threat perception (number of enemies, their capabilities, and their attitude and intentions).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">India faces a collusive threat with aggressive behaviour.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">Capability development and capacity enhancement is a continuous process.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">The process was a bit slow earlier but now has picked up pace.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Q2. How do depleting squadron numbers pose a challenge to the IAF?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">Yes, it definitely is a challenge, considering the threats and prevailing environment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">The drawdown has taken place to about 30 odd squadrons much below the authorised strength.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">The actual numbers needed in order to have the requisite deterrence value would be much higher.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">A drawdown mitigation plan exists and is reviewed periodically.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">Self-reliance is one of the important factors in the plan (also a major lesson learned from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">India is trying the \u201cLeap Frog\u201d method.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">There have been slippages and delays in the past.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">The pace has picked up in the last few years due to the recent initiatives and the multi-pronged approach.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">IAF has always supported self-reliance and would continue to do so.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;\">However, the minimum deterrence value and a balance between quality and quantity need to be maintained at all times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Q3. The IAF plans to acquire more jets under its ambitious plan to purchase 114 foreign fighter planes &#8211; will India go for Sukhois or stick to Rafales?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #333399;\">First of all, I would replace the word ambitious with needed, urgent, or crucial in the question.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #333399;\">Keeping in mind what I said earlier about self-reliance, minimum deterrence value, and maintaining of balance between quantity and quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #333399;\">The Indigenous fighter aircraft development plan consists of Tejas MK IA, 4.5 generation Tejas MK II, and 5<sup>th<\/sup> generation AMCA.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #333399;\">The project was slow earlier but has picked up pace now. However, newer versions are some time away and the existing gap needs to be filled up on priority.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #333399;\">The acquisition of 114 fighter jets is crucial.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #333399;\">In view of India\u2019s priorities and focus, the deal needs to be \u201cmake in India\u201d with a high content of technology transfer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">As far as which one to buy, would depend on the selection process, which is quite exhaustive and transparent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Some of the factors for consideration would be:-<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Capabilities Vis-\u00e0-vis Qualitative requirements.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Price \u2013 maximum \u201cbang for the buck\u201d.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Support to \u201cMake in India\u201d.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Transfer of technology.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Ability to deliver and sustain.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\">Geo-Political and Geo-Strategic aspects (Including past and present relations).<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Q4. How the IAF is helping the Indian Army in its current stand-off with China?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">The question needs rephrasing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">It is a national situation, requiring a whole of nation (all tools of statecraft) approach.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">The defence services are doing the needful jointly and synergistically.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">IAF undertakes missions to accomplish its roles and tasks (like any other defence force), including:-<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Political and strategic signaling.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Rapid mobility, troop induction, and transfer.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Sustenance and supply (equipment, ammunition, weapons, rations, etc).<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Casualty evacuation and medical support.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Enhancement of situational awareness by reconnaissance and information sharing.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Joint planning and monitoring.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">Training and equipping to meet challenges.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff6600;\">All the assets of IAF are always available to deal with prevailing or emerging situations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Q5. How do you view the induction of LCA Tejas in the IAF and Navy, and can the homegrown aircraft become the lynchpin of India&#8217;s security apparatus?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #800080;\">The LCA Navy had been converted into a technology demonstration program.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #800080;\">The experienced gained would be utilised to develop a TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">IAF has already inducted two squadrons of Tejas aircraft.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">83 Tejas Mk I aircraft are on order.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">Tejas Mk II and AMCA are under development.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">The teething problems have been addressed and the indigenous fighter aircraft program is evolving and maturing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">It is essential because of aspects related to cost, self-reliance, the latest technology, availability, integration, and modifications.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Q6. In recent years, the Indian Air Force has been focusing on indigenous helicopters and there have been reports that New Delhi&#8217;s deal for Russian-built Kamov helicopters has been put on the backburner. What&#8217;s your take on this?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #ff0000;\"><strong><em>Cannot comment on this issue as I am not privy to IAF or government thinking and decisions.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #993300;\">My personal views are that given a choice, it is always advantageous to go in for indigenous products due to reasons enumerated earlier.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;\"><u>Suggestions and value additions are most welcome<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000080;\">For regular updates, please register here<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"OmLTz7Nfs4\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/subscribe\/\">Subscribe<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Subscribe&#8221; &#8212; Air Marshal&#039;s Perspective\" src=\"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/subscribe\/embed\/#?secret=SktT75j6df#?secret=OmLTz7Nfs4\" data-secret=\"OmLTz7Nfs4\" width=\"525\" height=\"296\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><u>References and credits<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">To all the online sites and channels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><u>Disclaimer<\/u>:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Information and data included in the blog are for educational &amp; 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; (It was clarified that the views expressed are my own and have nothing to do with IAF or GOI) &nbsp; The questions addressed and the essence of communicated opinions are as follows:- &nbsp; Q1. What&#8217;s your take on the IAF&#8217;s modernization plan? Is it going as per schedule? &nbsp; Instead of modernisation, I would &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/2023\/07\/19\/interaction-with-an-international-news-channel\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;368: INTERACTION WITH AN INTERNATIONAL NEWS CHANNEL&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77,5,19,139,75,138,13,78,28],"tags":[109,6,24,47,8,38,79,30,60],"class_list":["post-6169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aircraft","category-airpower","category-article","category-atmanirbharta","category-iaf","category-indigenisation","category-interview","category-military-capability","category-technology","tag-aircraft","tag-airpower","tag-china","tag-defence-services","tag-iaf","tag-indian-air-force","tag-military-capability","tag-technology","tag-warfare"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6169"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9034,"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169\/revisions\/9034"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}