How IAF looks to strengthen air defence with critical acquisitions this year | Details
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will expedite the he acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) from France under the 'Make in India' initiative. Apart from these, the Centre has also cleared the purchase of 36 more Meteor air-to-air missiles for Rafale fighters.
New Delhi: In a major boost for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Centre has paved way to buy six Boeing 767-based mid-air refuellers from Israel, as well as 2 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems from Brazil and France. The steps will strengthen India’s air strength by 2026.
According to reports published in Hindustan Times, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will expedite the he acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) from France under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Apart from these, the Centre has also cleared the purchase of 36 more Meteor air-to-air missiles for Rafale fighters. India will also buy 280 long- and short-range missiles for the S-400 system from Russia.
India to buy six refuellers from Israel
Looking to purchase the above items, the price of the six refuellers from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The project is expected to beat around Rs 10,000 crore. It may be noted that the Defence Acquisation Council (DAC) has awarded the acceptance of necessity (AoN). India has also started negotiations on the total project cost with the IAI. The proposal will soon be moved to abinet Committee on Security for clearance.
Six Embraer jets from Brazil
Also, since 2003, India operated six IL-76M Russian refuellers. The fleet, however, faces, maintenance related issues. The Centre will also issue Request For Proposal (RFP) to buy six Embraer jets from Brazil for Netra Mk II AESA radar which has been developed by the DRDO. The radar consist of an enhanced electronic warfare suite and network-centric warfare ability.
Centre signs contract to buy six Airbus A319 aircraft
Among other steps, the Centre also signed a contract to upgrade six Airbus A319 aircraft with France. With the installation of 360-degree rotodome radars, the IAF will convert them into AWACS platforms. The IAF has asked for refuellers and AWACS to further strengthened its air defence , which was felt during recent Operation Sindoor. Pakistan reportedly has higher number of AWACS as compared to India.