Came across this article on BR
Aug 2018 vintage
Red are important points. Blue are my views. Rest of the article mentions aircraft acquisitions and LCA which I have not posted.
https://sldinfo.com/2018/08/the-per...-of-the-indian-air-force-shaping-a-way-ahead/
India Strategic.
AD Weapons: The indigenous Akash SAM System reportedly worked well during the Gagan Shakti Exercise and is shaping up well. Will the IAF be inducting more of these systems? In this context, what is the latest on the Israeli Spyder systems which were expected to join operational service in the IAF and the Indo-Israeli joint venture of MR-SAM? Also, what is the latest on acquisition of S-400 Triumf systems from Russia?
Air Chief.
Akash Missile System performed well during exercise Gagan Shakti. A case has been initiated to procure seven more squadrons of Akash Missile Systems (AMS) from BEL.
The first Squadron of SPYDER missile was raised on February 16, 2018. Delivery of equipment for the other three squadrons is under way.[So total 4 squadrons. Post Balakot news reports of Spyder SAM being used in Srinagar and Gujarat]
The system was also successfully utilised during Exercise Gagan Shakti. The MRSAM programme involves joint development and delivery of Firing Units (FUs) by DRDO in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI), Israel.
The contract for joint development and supply of MRSAM was signed between DRDO and IAI, Israel on February 16, 2009.
There has been delay in inducting the system, while the first MRSAM Squadron has already been resurrected in 2015, the equipment should be delivered in 2019. [So no functional MRSAM unit as of now.]
The S-400 is in use by the Russian Armed Forces since the year 2007. It is a long range anti aircraft missile system capable of intercepting Ballistic missile and low RCS targets like UAVs and cruise missiles. This system would be a game changer in our context and would provide us the much needed layered Air Defence at long ranges. The acquisition process for the system is under way.
India Strategic.
IAF is reportedly in the process of revamping its AD surveillance systems with DAC having cleared acquisition of High Powered Radars. How is IAF moving forward in terms of modernising its entire inventory of high, medium and LL Radars? Your comments please.
Air Chief.
The AD framework of the IAF is indeed being revamped. This is on two counts namely, induction of new state-of-the-art systems, and their integration into a completely networked AD system. As far as the induction of new systems is concerned, the process is proceeding smoothly.
There has been a concerted effort to induct cutting edge technology & follow up with indigenous manufacture. The Medium Powered Radar (MPR),
Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR), Low Level Lightweight Radar (LLLWR) categories have all seen infusion of large numbers of indigenously developed and produced radars.
[Still no photo of Thales GS 100 LLTR radar]
This has increased the sensor density manifold in all sectors, including the mountainous regions in the North and East. Acquisition of
HPRs, Aerostats and mountain radars will further reinforce this.
The integration of these increased numbers of systems into a highly automated system was undertaken indigenously with BEL being the lead agency. I am happy to state that the system was tested extensively in the exercise and proved itself as a robust force multiplier. IAF has graduated from a
point defence, to area defence and is now moving towards layered defence.
[How? MRSAM was meant for Area Defence. Its not even inducted leave alone large scale deployment. Spyder and Akash are point defence]
India Strategic.
Did the IAF feel the inadequacy in terms of sheer numbers where its vital force multipliers such as AWACS and Mid-air refuellers are concerned during the recent Pan-India Exercise? If, so what actions are being initiated by the IAF to augment their numbers?
Air Chief.
The deployment of AWACS during the exercise was as per the exercise setting. To overcome the inadequacy, one DRDO developed AEW&C aircraft on Embraer platform has been inducted and the second aircraft is likely to be developed in FoC configuration by the end of 2018.
The procurement case for two additional IL-76 based AWACS is presently with MoD and is at CFA approval stage. Indigenous AWACS (I) programme for up to six aircraft is being progressed by DRDO. As an immediate measure, to meet the urgent operational requirements, IAF is also exploring latest technology aircraft available globally which are operational and in use.
For reference: 1 Spyder Squadron has 6 Mobile Firing Units (MFUs). 1 Squadron will usually protect 1 air base. So total 4 air bases to be protected. Perhaps Spyder is only a gapfiller till our own QRSAM built.