In short, therefore, the best of the IAF’s operational plans to prepare for a “war on two fronts” is likely to emerge as a theory; and in its worst form, perhaps as a bad dream. Over 110 are still in service. The 250-plus Q-5 ground attack/strike fighters have been in use for 46 years, since 1970.It must be remembered that the IAF is only an operator/user of the imported flying machines, and can’t be expected to produce or manufacture aircraft on its own. Beijing was forced to transform from being an aircraft importer to an aircraft exporter.The writer is an alumnus of the National Defence College. Since a “two-front” situation could be more than a probability in the near future, it is more than necessary to delve into China’s air capability to understand its psyche.

Again, 37 years ago, Anglo-French (deep penetration) Jaguar IS ground attack/strike aircraft were delivered.Despite the deployment of these 36 advanced fighters three years from now, block obsolescence is unlikely to evaporate as a number of other obsolete aircraft, still in use with IAF squadrons, will definitely be retiring by then. This apart, various types of MiG-21 Bison and MiG-29 aircraft have also been upgraded from time to time.Second, let’s do a reality check.In comparison to the IAF, one is well aware of the strength and fleet age of the Pakistan Air Force.

Two squadrons of J-8B interceptor/air defence fighters are being operated for 28 years, since 1988. The transformation led to the Chinese induction of J-10A Meng Long multi-role fighters in 2001; J-7G and J-8F fighters in 2003; JH-7A ground attack/strike fighters in 2004 and J-10B multi-role fighters in 2009. That is the bottomline.Over 80 Soviet-origin MiG-29 (Fulcrum-A) are still going strong, serving India since their first induction 30 years ago, in 1986. Around 52 years later, this rock-solid Indian transporter still flies through the air turbulence of varying intensity and unpredictable velocity at remote airports across India. After 31 years, they are still the backbone of the IAF’s offensive operations. For this, as a conscientious citizen of India, I would like to hold successive rulers of our country culpable, for over the past two decades, for their inability to lead, give direction, take decisions, and look beyond horizon on what it takes a nation of 1.The sole point of “pride” of India’s indigenous aviation enterprise could be HAL’s Avro 748-M, first inducted into the IAF way back in 1964. The Chinese too, of course, have an obsolete fleet in their inventory.

A sustainable performance, and a fair-fight capability, needs at least a 30,000-pound static thrust engine. The views expressed here are personal. The first of 40-plus French Mirage-2000 interceptor and air defence planes came to India in 1985..Amid such a variety of vintage aircraft, the only “modern” multi-role IAF fighter continues to be the Sukhoi-30 MKI, first delivered in 2002. Yes, every conscientious Indian needs to know it. The only India-produced light combat aircraft, Tejas, is still going through trials and tests. It’s time to wake up and prepare to take on the Chinese by emulating their techniques.India will thus have to give top priority to the building of aircraft body (fuselage) and engines in its indigenisation programme to enhance the Air Force’s capabilities. Why Because 36 aircraft means only two squadrons, and these can’t be operational before 2019! It’s yet another case of “too little, too late”. Just imagine! 43 years on, it is still airborne Thanks to the IAF’s professionalism.