Parl panel slams def min for shortage of figher jet squadrons

A parliamentary committee today slammed the defence ministry over the gap between the sanctioned strength of active fighter aircraft squadrons and their actual number, saying that "even the slight edge over rival neighbouring nation" would be lost if the "complacency" remains.
The Standing Committee on Defence said that while the sanctioned strength was 42, Indian Air Force at present has 35 active squadrons.
"With regard to this, representatives of air force deposed before the committee that a drawdown has already begun and, by 2022, air force will have around just 25 squadrons, thereby losing even the slight edge over rival neighbouring nation," the panel said in a report, adding that IAF would need 45 squadrons to counter "two front collusive threat".

The reference was likely to Pakistan and China.
The committee was informed that the gap in squadron strength was because the rate at which fighter aircraft are retiring exceeds that at which their replacements are being inducted into IAF.
It noted that there are plans for the induction of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, along with a Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft project with Russia.

If all the procurements fructify, IAF is likely to achieve the authorised strength of 42 squadrons only by the end of the 15th Plan, or in 2032, the panel said.
"However, despite all the efforts in this regard, the committee is perturbed to note that no concrete results have so far come from MMRCA negotiations and LCA has certain design/development issues that need a relook," the report said.

It also criticised the budgetary provision of Rs 18,866 crore for the procurement of aircraft and aero engines, which it said was much less than the actual expenditure incurred under this head over the last two years.
"At this point, the committee opines that there is a need for a paradigm shift from complacency to perfection," it said.