Skip to main content

Fighter Jets, Submarines, Carbines : The wish list of IAF, Navy and Army


Indian defence forces need a range of latest weaponry to ensure a strong deterrence capability against China and Pakistan. They are awaiting the formation of the new Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government following Lok Sabha election 2019. While the Indian Navy needs lethal submarines and fighters for its aircraft carriers, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expecting 114 jets to make up for the depleting squadron strength. Now, their hope hinges on the new government under the leadership of Narendra Modi. 

Indian Army needs new and technologically advanced Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) i.e. armoured vehicles to ensure faster transportation of troops in the event of a war. The Indian Army now uses approximately 1200 Russian BMP armoured vehicles bought more than three decades ago in 1987. The Indian Army is waiting for the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) for the last decade. Hopefully, the new government will speed up the acquisition of the much-needed FICV. 

Similarly, the Army needs more than 3.5 lakh carbines and about 36,000 light machine guns for. These weapons are expected to arrive soon after the new government is formed. The Army is facing a severe shortage of rifles for the last two years. The IAF is in need of 114 fighters in order to handle the situation of a two-front war. The IAF needs 42 fighter squadrons but currently, it is down to only 31. 


A squadron consists of 16 to 18 fighter jets. The IAF had started the process of buying 126 fighter jets during the Congress-UPA government but it never culminated. The 36 Rafale jets ordered by the previous Narendra Modi government under direct purchases will be of help to some extent. While the IAF is already scouting for 114 more jets, it is important to complete the purchase fast. 

The Indian Navy has got many modern warships in the last few years. But the most important requirement of the Indian Navy is of a nuclear submarine. The Navy currently has a nuclear submarine INS Chakra, taken on lease from Russia, and the indigenously developed nuclear submarine INS Arihant. Besides it also has 9 Sindhu and Shishumar class submarines each. The indigenously developed first submarine INS Kalvari, of the Kalwari class, was recently inducted into the Navy. 

But Indian Navy needs to increase it's submarine strength fast as both China and Pakistan are adding similar warships at a great pace. Navy had set a target of 24 new submarines by 2030, but only INS Kalvari has been commissioned. In addition to the 6 Kalvari Class submarines, there were six modern diesel-electric, 6 nuclear attack submarines and 6 ballistic nuclear submarines planned in collaboration with foreign companies i.e. Strategic Partnership Model. 

The entire plan to have more submarines has been going on for quite some time now. Apart from this, the Indian Navy needs fighter jets for the first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. There is a possibility of INS Vikrant joining the Navy in the next two years but the force is waiting for fighter jets for the same.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Explained: What is Army Aviation Corps, the youngest Corps of the Indian Army

A look at the Army Aviation Corps’ history and its relevance in modern day battlefields, including in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism (CI-CT) operations. Representative Image The Army Aviation Corps (AAC), the youngest Corps of the Indian Army, celebrated its 35th Corps Day on November 1. We take a look at the arm that adds an air dimension to the Army’s capabilities, its history, and its relevance in modern day battlefields, including Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism (CI-CT) operations. The roots of Army Aviation Corps The origin of the AAC can be traced back to the raising of the Army Aviation wing of the Royal Air Force in India in 1942, and the subsequent formation of the first Indian Air Observation Post in August 1947. The Air Observation Post units primarily acted as artillery spotters – which are the elements that help the artillery in directing the fire and also giving air support to ground forces. In the wars of 1965 and 1971, the Air Observation Post helicop...

India's S-400, Nuke Subs, Rafales pose a serious threat to Pak - FM Qureshi

India’s purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems, via a deal signed last year and worth $5.43 billion, has unnerved Pakistan, with Foreign Minister Shah Mohammed Qureshi describing the S-400s as destabilising weapon systems which could affect the region's strategic stability. Delivery of the first S-400 system is likely to take place in 2020. Expressing his apprehension about the arms purchase by India, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mohammed Qureshi has called on global powers to be "mindful" of their responsibility in terms of arms supplies to the region. "The introduction of new destabilising weapon systems, such as the S-400 anti-ballistic missile system, could further accentuate challenges to strategic stability. They can encourage a misadventure by an adversary, under a false sense of security," FM Shah Mohammed Qureshi said on Wednesday in Islamabad. Last October, India inked a $5.43 billion defence contract with Russia to purchase of five S-400 air...

Explained: India-US defence deals - BECA, LEMOA & COMCASA

At 2+2 meeting next week, the two countries will look to push intelligence sharing pact BECA . With key deals LEMOA and COMCASA already signed, what does it mean for defence, particularly in light of LAC standoff? India and US have signed the LEMOA in 2016, COMCASA in 2018 and BECA is scheduled for the third 2+2 ministerial meeting (on November 3rd) India and the US are preparing for the third 2+2 ministerial meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark T Esper in New Delhi on October 26-27. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E Biegun visited India last week to lay the groundwork for the high-level visits 2+2 in 2018. One of the items on the agenda will be the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) — a pact with deep military implications. In the last two meetings, agreements known as LEMOA and COMCASA were signed; now, with BECA, these have been dubbed the ...