Indian Air Force's Strategic Enhancements

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively enhancing its strategic capabilities through the acquisition and development of long-range missile systems. This is part of a broader effort to ensure India’s air dominance and strategic deterrence capabilities.

Recent Achievements and Operational Successes

• The IAF recently set a record by shooting down a surveillance aircraft at over 300 km.
• Operation Sindoor demonstrated successful use of long-range standoff weapons, such as the BrahMos, SCALP, Rampage, and Crystal Maze missiles.
• These weapons enabled the IAF to strike targets beyond 200 km, bypassing enemy air defenses like the Chinese HQ-9 systems.

Future Requirements and Developments

• There is a focus on acquiring air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles with strike ranges exceeding 200 km.
• The IAF has requested the DRDO to accelerate the development of longer-range variants of the Astra missile.
• Interest has been shown in the Russian R-37 missile, known for its range of over 200 km.
• Project Kusha, led by DRDO, aims to develop an indigenous long-range air defense missile system.
• The IAF plans to procure additional squadrons of the Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system.

Impact and Strategic Deterrence

• The deployment of S-400 systems has altered the operational tactics of adversaries, such as the Pakistani Air Force.
• Future plans include acquiring additional Rafale fighter jets and fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
• These steps are part of the IAF’s modernization efforts to maintain air superiority and strategic deterrence.