Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari emphasises vital role of private sector in boosting IAF’s capability
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari emphasized the crucial role that private industries can play in bolstering the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and enhancing the productivity of defense public sector units. Speaking at the Synergia Conclave 2023, he highlighted the need for private industries to align their production capabilities with the requirements of the Air Force to ensure timely delivery of ordered fighter aircraft.
The Air Chief Marshal acknowledged the significant role that private industry can play in supporting lead integrators in the rollout of aircraft, underscoring their importance in both augmenting the IAF’s capabilities and improving the production efficiency of defense public sector units. He emphasized the collaborative effort needed between the public and private sectors to meet the evolving needs of the Air Force and the broader defense landscape.
This statement reflects a recognition of the increasing importance of private enterprises in the defense sector and signals a move toward leveraging their expertise, innovation, and production capabilities to enhance the overall defense capabilities of the country. The collaboration between the public and private sectors in defense production is expected to contribute to the modernization and strengthening of the Indian Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari highlighted the intricate collaboration between defense public sector units (PSUs) and the private sector in the production of defense equipment. While defense PSUs receive orders for equipment, private industries primarily serve as lead integrators, playing a crucial role in assembling various components and spare parts that contribute to the creation of the final aircraft. The private sector’s involvement extends beyond integration, encompassing the manufacturing of numerous components required for the overall assembly.
Addressing a question about India’s indigenous capacity, the Air Chief Marshal emphasized substantial efforts to promote indigenization, particularly in critical components. Key areas of focus for indigenization initiatives include radars, avionics systems, and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. These endeavors align with the broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defense capabilities, reducing dependency on external sources, and fostering a robust indigenous defense industry.
This strategic approach underscores the importance of a collaborative ecosystem, where defense PSUs and private industries work together to strengthen India’s defense capabilities. The emphasis on indigenization reflects a commitment to technological self-sufficiency and the development of a resilient defense infrastructure in the country.
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari acknowledged the existing reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for certain technologies, stating that this dependence is likely to persist for a few more years. However, he expressed optimism that India aims to achieve complete independence from foreign OEMs, even for niche technologies, in the future.
Chaudhari highlighted the diverse nature of the Indian Air Force’s fleet, ranging from vintage to cutting-edge aircraft. Notably, some fleets are over 60 years old. To address this diversity, the Air Force has adopted a strategic approach of integration, aiming to keep older technology platforms relevant alongside newer ones. The integration efforts include incorporating advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) systems onto older generation platforms to enhance their capabilities.
The Air Chief Marshal outlined the Air Force’s overarching strategy using the ABCD framework: Acquire, Boost capabilities of existing systems, Conserve current assets, and Develop new technologies. This comprehensive approach reflects the need to balance the modernization of the Air Force with the conservation and integration of existing assets to ensure a versatile and effective defense capability.
This strategy underscores the pragmatic approach of the Indian Air Force in navigating the complexities of its fleet composition and technological advancements, aiming for self-sufficiency and a seamless integration of old and new platforms.
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari provided insights into the strategic vision of the Indian Air Force, emphasizing the continuous cycle of acquiring, enhancing, preserving, and innovating technologies. He described this framework as the intrinsic DNA of the Air Force, reflecting a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Chaudhari outlined the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in shaping the future of military capabilities. He emphasized that these technologies will be indispensable, describing them as an “absolute must” and asserting that their infusion into technology is crucial. The adoption of AI and machine learning is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, decision-making capabilities, and overall effectiveness of military operations.
In the context of advanced weaponry, Chaudhari singled out hypersonic weapons as game-changers. Hypersonic weapons, with their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are highlighted for their capability to evade traditional ballistic missile defenses. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of staying ahead in technological innovation to address emerging threats and challenges in modern warfare.
The Air Chief Marshal’s remarks signal the Indian Air Force’s forward-looking approach, recognizing the transformative potential of emerging technologies and their strategic importance in shaping the future landscape of military capabilities.
