Rafale deal fine; scale up fighter strength

The signing of the $8 billion Rafale deal is a major event for the Indian Air Force and for the country which badly needs to raise its air power to meet present and future challenges. It is the country’s biggest defence acquisition and the most important one in the last two decades, and gives the IAF the best medium multi-role combat aircraft it has been looking for in the last many years. The MiG aircraft which formed the mainstay of the IAF needed to be replaced as they were ageing and had serious safety problems. Dassault’s Rafale is among the best and will be more than a worthy replacement for its speed, combat power and endurance, technology and other factors. Only 36 aircraft are being bought now, in contrast to the original plan to buy 126 planes with arrangements to produce them within the country. The high cost of acquisition was the main reason to cut down the number. While the Rafale deal has made the IAF stronger, it has also shown up many problems and challenges in India’s defence acquisition programme.  

It has taken about 10 years to complete the acquisi-tion as the process was marked by delays involving technical evaluation, bidding, bargaining and final negotiations. This is far too long a process, especially when the acquisition is of vital importance to the defence forces. Finally, when the deal has been signed, there are doubts whether 36 aircraft are viable enough for operational requirements. India only has 30-32 squadrons of fighter aircraft whereas the requirement is for 40-42 squadrons. The Rafale aircraft will make only two squadrons, and with the expected decommissioning of more MiG fighters, the shortage and handicap will keep increasing in the coming years. There is a view that the IAF needs 200 aircraft of the Rafale class for full operational self-sufficiency. Though the present acquisition may take care of the operational needs on the western border, it is inadequate to deal with any likely challenge from China.It has been reported that the deal involves some technology transfer which may help in further development of the indigenous Tejas aircraft and, perhaps, of the dropped Kaveri engine programme. But there will not be any production line in India. This is a major disadvantage in view of the plans to develop defence manufacturing capabilities within the country and reduce the dependence on imports. With too few Rafale aircraft joining the fleet, India will have to look for other options to scale up its fighter strength. One important message is that no option is as good as indigenous development of capabilities in all areas of defence production. Private sector has a vital role to play in this regard and the government needs to encourage the same fully.