New Delhi, Nov 29: India is increasing its air power through a series of new inductions.This sends a clear message to China to not misjudge New Delhi’s resolve and to revive the relationship by restoring the status-quo ante in Ladakh. The whole 36 Rafale fighter planes will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), by early next year.According to the Hindustan Times, six Rafale multirole fighter jets will be upgraded with country-specific enhancements such as frequency jammers, long-range air-to-air missiles and advanced communications.
According to IAF officials, the daily reported that the first Rafales with India specific improvements will arrive from Istres Le Tube air base, north of Marseille, France, in December.In January 2022, the Ambala airbase will receive the last three multi-role jets.
Dassault Aviation has facilities at Istres to test India-specific enhancements on Rafale fighter aircrafts.
After the India-specific changes have been successfully tested under Indian conditions, the 30 remaining Rafales with India are also retrofitted with the same enhancements next Year.
This will result in a world-class fleet of fighters with high deterrence values.The Indian Rafales with Ambala as their base are equipped to deal with the two-front threat in western sector.
The eastern sector is under the control of those based at Hashimara.
Two other important developments are underway to increase India’s air power.
A new boost has been given to the project to build a combat-ready fleet Mirage 2000 jets.As part of a 24 aircraft contract, the IAF recently received two Mirage 2000 tactical fighter bombers from France.
“The Indian Air Force received two Mirage 2000 trainer versions aircraft from France.According to ANI news agency, the two aircraft arrived at Gwalior airbase in France recently after flying with their Air Force.
The IAF signed a contract in July 2011 with Dassault to modernise 51 Mirage 2000 multipurpose fighter jets.These aircraft were to be upgraded to Mirage 2000 I/TI standards, with new avionics & missiles, including MICA air to air missiles.
The Mirage 2000 planes were successfully tested during the Balakot counterterrorism strikes in Pakistan.
The Defence Ministry also announced the purchase of a GSAT-7C Communication Satellite for the IAF.The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has taken a significant step in establishing a secure communication network between the IAF and Army.
The satellite will link different aerial platforms, such as the Beriev A-50 Phalcon or the DRDO’s AEW&CS with stations.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) designed and manufactured the GSAT series of geosynchronous communication satellites.
Simultaneously with the deployment of the super-powerful S-400 missiles surface-to-air, India will also be doing so.This will remove a critical element of the India-China military equation.
India’s determination not to bow to military pressure means that it is now time for the Mandarins to realize that arm twisting New Delhi won’t work and will be counterproductive.If the status quo at the borders is not maintained soon, it can increase mistrust and further vitiate people to people ties.This will make it difficult to revive an economic and deeply rooted culture relationship even after calm has been restored.
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