The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in India has recently allocated Rs 2.23 lakh crore for the acquisition of 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) and 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). This significant investment marks India’s determination to strengthen its armed forces’ battle capabilities. With the objective to source 98% of its total requirements from domestic manufacturers, this procurement plan plays a pivotal role in promoting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ or self-reliance in the Indian defence industry. The DAC also consented to an Indian Air Force proposal to enhance its Su-30 fighter fleet with aid from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a state-run aerospace giant.
The Genesis of the Tejas Jets
Initiated by the Government of India in 1984, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme led to the creation of the Tejas Jets. This programme, managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), resulted in aircraft designed to carry a wide array of weaponry, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided weapons, and possessing air to air refuelling capability. There are several variants of Tejas, including a 2-seater operational conversion trainer for training air force pilots, a twin-and-single-seat carrier-capable variant for the Indian Navy, and the LCA Tejas Mk-1A with a higher thrust engine.
Unveiling the Prachand Light Combat Helicopters
The Prachand Helicopters can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters with substantial weapon load and fuel. Its features include radar-absorbing material to reduce radar signature, crash-proof structure, landing gear, pressurised cabin for protection against Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) threats, and a countermeasure dispensing system to shield from enemy radars or missiles. Powering these helicopters are two French-origin Shakti engines built by HAL. The demand for these indigenous lightweight assault helicopters arose in the 1999 Kargil war for precision strikes in all Indian battlefield conditions.
India’s Existing Aircraft Fleet
India’s air force boasts a range of aircraft types, including multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA) capable of various missions from air-to-air combat to electronic warfare. They also operate the MiG-21, a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft widely used globally, though with plans to phase it out by 2024 due to its frequent mishaps. On the horizon is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a stealth 5th generation multirole combat aircraft under development. It’s expected to offer advanced features like stealth airframe, internal weapons bay, data fusion, supercruise capability, and swing-role performance.
Other Indian Military Aircrafts
Another notable aircraft is Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and manufactured under license by HAL for the IAF. This aircraft is designed for multiple missions including air superiority, ground attack, electronic warfare, and maritime strike missions. The Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is manufactured particularly for the Navy to replace the Navy’s MiG-29K. This is India’s first twin-engine aircraft project for dedicated carrier-based operations. Lastly, Rafale, a French twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft was procured by India in 2016. Equipped with a Meteor missile, Scalp cruise missile, and MICA missile system, this aircraft is intended for varied missions, from air supremacy to nuclear deterrence.
