‘Will Remain Deployed Till…’: Air Chief Marshal On IAF’s Operational Plans Amidst LAC Tension

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, addressed the media on Tuesday, providing insights into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational readiness, ongoing modernisation efforts, and the dynamic nature of their strategies along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). His statements come against the backdrop of the prolonged border tensions with China in eastern Ladakh. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari emphasised the IAF’s adaptability in dealing with challenges posed by the adversary.

He stated that the force’s operational plans are highly dynamic, and in situations where it cannot match the numerical or technological advantage of its adversaries, it relies on superior tactics and training, news agency PTI reported. 

The IAF, he noted, will maintain its deployment until complete disengagement occurs in the remaining contested areas in the region, as per PTI’s reported.

Regarding the modernisation efforts, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari announced that a contract to acquire 97 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft, costing approximately Rs 1.15 lakh crore, will soon be finalised. This follows the Defence Ministry’s earlier deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in February 2021, to procure 83 similar jets for Rs 48,000 crore.

Another significant project highlighted was the planned upgrade of 84 Sukhoi-30MKI jets, an investment amounting to Rs 60,000 crore. 

“The Chief of Air Staff said another project to upgrade 84 Sukhoi-30MKI jets at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore is being finalised. Also, the IAF is looking at inducting military platforms, equipment and defence hardware worth Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 lakh crore in the next seven-eight years,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said, as per PTI. 

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also underlined the IAF’s continuous monitoring of the military infrastructure and air assets deployment by China along the LAC. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mechanisms are utilised to assess the evolving situation, allowing the IAF to adjust its operational plans accordingly.

“We make note of the build-up of the resources and capabilities across the borders. Our operational plans are very dynamic and keep changing based on the situation that we perceive that is developing across any front,” he said, adding “So in places where we cannot really counter the numbers or the might of the adversary, we will counter it through better tactics and through better training.”

He emphasised that the IAF maintains a flexible and dynamic approach to asset deployment, avoiding fixed mindsets. The force continually revises its war plans based on ISR inputs to effectively counter threats.

Regarding the ground situation in eastern Ladakh, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari acknowledged that although some disengagement had occurred in contested areas over the past year, complete disengagement had yet to be achieved.

“We will continue to remain deployed till complete disengagement takes place,” he said. 

In terms of technological advancements, the Air Chief Marshal acknowledged the acquisition of three units of the S-400 missile systems from Russia, with the hope of obtaining the remaining two units by the next year.

He also noted the necessity of building a full spectrum capability to counter adversaries, drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Furthermore, he highlighted the IAF’s plan to replace all MiG-21 squadrons with the LCA Mark 1A by 2025.

The Chief of Air Staff described the Indo-Pacific region as the new global economic and strategic center of gravity, stressing the IAF’s pivotal role in facing the challenges and opportunities it presents. In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, having a strong and credible military is deemed imperative, PTI reported.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari revealed that the IAF is in the midst of a transformation journey, emphasising force multipliers like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare equipment, robust networks, and space and cyber capabilities. Simultaneously, the IAF is committed to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and contributing to indigenous defense production and aerospace projects.

In closing, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari reaffirmed the IAF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as it advances into its centenary decade.