Question : Modernisation Plan of IAF

(a) whether the Indian Air Force (IAF) has prepared a ten years modernisation plan, if so, the details and the objectives thereof;

(b) whether the Government has prepared any indigenization roadmap for encouraging domestic manufacturers for the purpose, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether due to low serviceability of various fighter aircraft, the IAF is not able to use them;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) the other steps being taken for encouraging aeronautical research for development of new aircraft, sensors, weapons, signature reduction advances, etc.?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)


(a) & (b): The modernisation of the armed forces is an ongoing process and is executed in consonance with the roadmap laid down in the Long

Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) which specifies the capabilities that the armed forces need to acquire over a 15 year period (2012-27) considering the current capabilities of the armed forces, the emerging threats in the region and the prevailing technological environment.
The modernisation is carried out by continuously upgrading the existing systems to maintain their operational relevance and replace old system with state of art modern systems.
In order to achieve self-reliance thereby reducing dependency on foreign vendors and to encourage domestic manufacturing through indigenous vendors [(Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)] by giving them opportunities to establish manufacturing lines, the IAF has unveiled its Ten Year Indigenisation Plan. The Plan gives out a roadmap of indigenisation in terms of equipment, rotables, expendables, spares etc. to provide opportunity for the industry to partner in such technology development.

(c) & (d): IAF is adopting multipronged approaches to address serviceability related issues. All the serviceable aircraft are utilised optimally to achieve operational and training task.

(e) In an effort to strengthen the indigenous defence production base, the Government has put in place a Defence Production Policy which endeavours to enhance defence Research and Development base of the country. Enhancement of technological capabilities of Indian industry is being achieved through the ‘offset’ route. Joint Development Projects are also being conceived with an aim to obtain key technologies with respect to aircraft manufacturing, sensor fusion, advance weapon integration etc.

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