Page 4 - Lesson 11.xps

Module - IV Modernisation of The Indian Armed Forces

Indian Armed Forces :
Weapons and War Equip- submarines will be armed with the Exocet anti-ship missile system. Among
ment and Modernisation indigenous missiles, a ship-launched version of Prithvi-II, called the Dhanush,
which has a range of 350 kilometres (220 mi), can carry a nuclear warhead.

• The Indian Navy is inducting the indigenous HAL Dhruv as a multi-role utility
platform. In the long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) role, the navy
uses Boeing P-8I Neptune and has issued a global tender for nine medium-
Note
range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft for coastal defence.
• Attack submarine INS Chakra and the development of INS Arihant make the
Indian Navy one of six navies worldwide, capable of building and operating
nuclear-powered submarines.

11.1.3 Air Force

The IAF is authorised 42 squadrons of Aircrafts. Each Squadron is authorised 18
aircrafts. Today it has a strength of 32 squadrons only. It also had to phase out its
vintage MiG 21 and MiG 27 fleet that together form 11 squadrons. With threats looming
large on two fronts i,e China and Pakistan, the IAF is in dire need of upgradation and
modernisation. To augment the fighting potential of the IAF, the steps being taken are
highlighted as under:

• 36 Rafale Fighter aircrafts, the state-of-the-art fighter aircrafts, are being
purchased from France. The delivery is to begin soon.
• The other deal that has started rolling are the 83 Tejas 1A aircraft. Tejas is a
single engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed and built by India.

• A deal for 22 Apache AH 64 attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift
helicopters was signed in September 2015 when Prime Minister visited US.
Both the helicopters are manufactured by Boeing. The Apaches will replace the
aging MI 35E attack helicopters while the Chinooks will serve as a replacement
for the MI 8 Russian helicopters.
• IAFs acquisition of the C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globe master III has
increases the needs of special missions also of the strategic military lift capability.
• IAF has started upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the last few years in

order to enhance its operational capability and maintain its aircraft as modern
weapon platforms, capable of meeting the present challenges posed by the security
scenario in our region. It is also considering to upgrade its medium lift helicopters
comprising MI-8, MI-17 and MI-17-IVs, as also the AN - 32 transport aircraft,
with the aim of improving their overall capability.
• There are also plans to induct very many advanced aircrafts in the field of Mid
Air Refuelling, Trainer jets, Airborne Warning systems, Unmanned Combat Aerial
Vehicle, Cruise and Surface to Air Missile Systems.

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MILITARY STUDIES