The purchase of 36 Rafale jets won’t help the Indian Air Force cover the gap between its needs (42-45 squadrons) and current fighter strength (32-34 squadrons), but it will hugely enhance its capabilities. This is the first baby step to bring the IAF up to scratch in the number of squadrons, that will take time as India has just decided on upgrading its air power after nearly two decades. The IAF’s diversity will only increase with an acquisition that is on a different scale from its ageing MIGs. The Rafales, said to be close to the Mirage in operational efficiency, including in costs, will take India on a quantum leap technologically and offensive nuclear capabilities with its Meteor and Storm Shadow missiles and space to integrate smaller Brahmos NG missiles and Israeli helmet-mounted displays, that will allow deep strikes into enemy territory without having to cross borders.
Former defence minister A.K. Antony has asked searching questions on the deal, which must be addressed by the government if the air is to be cleared on why so few jets are being ordered and why no decision has been taken yet on Dassault making the aircraft in India in the near future. Will more planes be ordered, as India must fortify itself as our Air Force needs the capacity to guard two fronts. The integration of types of aircraft is not as much a logistical compulsion as having the required squadrons. This deal offers relief rather than being a definitive capacity-booster.
