SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Air Marshal A.P. Singh has been appointed as the new Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari. This leadership change has sparked speculation about potential shifts in IAF priorities, particularly concerning the long-stalled Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement program.
Air Marshal Singh’s close association with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program raises expectations for increased focus on this indigenous fighter jet. His prior experience as project director for flight testing of the Tejas Mk-1 at the National Flight Test Centre suggests a deep understanding of the program’s potential. This could lead to renewed efforts to expedite the Tejas’ integration into the IAF’s operational fleet.
Sources within the IAF hint to idrw.org that a possible compromise on the MRFA tender might happen. While the previous Chief, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari, reportedly favoured acquiring the full 114 jets under the program, Air Marshal Singh might be more receptive to an alternative solution. This solution might echo the proposal put forward by former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, which involved a smaller initial purchase.
Speculation suggests the IAF might consider a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal to procure a limited number of Rafale F4 fighters from France. This would bolster the existing fleet of 36 Rafale jets, potentially with an option to acquire another 36 at a later stage. This approach could provide an immediate boost to IAF capabilities while preserving room for indigenous programs like the Tejas MkII and AMCA to mature.
The IAF’s stance on the Navy’s Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program might also see a change under the new leadership. While Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari reportedly expressed reservations about joining the program, Air Marshal Singh’s approach remains to be seen.
The appointment of Air Marshal A.P. Singh as the new IAF Chief marks a new chapter for Indian fighter jet procurement. His experience with the Tejas program and potential openness to alternative solutions for the MRFA tender offer a glimmer of hope for expediting the acquisition process. Additionally, the possibility of IAF involvement in the TEDBF program signifies a potential shift towards greater collaboration between the Air Force and Navy.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.