Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced on Tuesday that the IAF is planning to enhance its capabilities along the India-China border with the deployment of locally manufactured military hardware. These measures include the acquisition of mountain radars, long-range surface-to-air missile systems, new fighter jets, upgraded combat planes, light combat helicopters, tactical ballistic missiles, trainer aircraft, and close-in weapon systems in the coming years.
The induction of indigenous military equipment into the IAF is expected to incur a total cost of up to ₹3 lakh crore, with ₹41,180 crore allocated for this year alone, as stated by Chaudhari during a media briefing.
Chaudhari emphasized that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China remains similar to last year, and therefore, the IAF will maintain its presence along the disputed border until complete disengagement is achieved.
The IAF chief highlighted the importance of persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations for monitoring the border situation. He acknowledged China’s deployment of radars along the northern border and emphasized the need for India to enhance its radar capabilities. Chaudhari mentioned the ongoing mountain radar project and the deployment of low-level lightweight radars, which can be repositioned based on evolving circumstances.
He stated, “In the long run, we are looking at deploying mountain radars at these strategic locations to be able to see equally deep into the adversary’s territory.”
Chaudhari underscored the significance of the Indo-Pacific region as the new economic and strategic center of gravity in the world. He emphasized that the IAF, with its ability to “see the farthest, reach the fastest, and hit the hardest,” plays a critical role in addressing challenges and projecting India’s strength in the region.
Regarding defense acquisitions, Chaudhari revealed that the contract for an additional 97 Mk-1A fighter jets is expected to be finalized soon. This follows a ₹48,000-crore contract awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited two years ago for 83 such fighter jets.
However, the delivery of the S-400 air defense system from Russia has been impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. While three of the five ordered systems have been inducted, the remaining two are expected to arrive next year.
In response to questions about a midair crash involving a Sukhoi-30 and a Mirage 2000 in Madhya Pradesh earlier this year, Chaudhari attributed the accident to human error. He stated that standard operating procedures have been revised to prevent such incidents in the future.
Chaudhari concluded by acknowledging the evolving nature of modern warfare due to rapid technological advancements. He highlighted the IAF’s focus on leveraging hidden force multipliers such as AI-based decision tools, electronic warfare equipment, robust networks, and the utilization of space and cyber capabilities to remain a technologically advanced and relevant force.
The IAF’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities along the China border underscores its dedication to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and security interests in the region.