Govt. to purchase tanker planes soon

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 25. Recognising the importance of air power, the Government today said it was committed to expanding the strategic reach and punch of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by inducting sophisticated equipment.

At the bi-annual Air Force Commanders' conference, the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, declared that funds would be released for the acquisition of tanker planes which could fuel aircraft in mid-air. Flight refueling tankers are the key to extending the reach of long-range transport and fighter jets by making them fly longer distances. For instance, the reach of fighters such as SU-30 and Mirage-2000 will expand dramatically if they are refueled in mid-air.

Mr. Fernandes pointed out that funding would not come in the way of procuring Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). Essentially eyes in the sky, AWACS can spot hostile targets at long ranges. For instance, AWACS can ``see'' detailed combat preparations in an enemy airfield so that pre-emptive air strikes can be launched against them.

``The combined impact of AWACS and mid-air refuelers is that the IAF can launch pin-pointed surprise attacks against high-value targets deep within enemy territory. This is necessary for seizing initiative in battle,'' an analyst said.

Provision had also been made for the acquisition of Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs), Mr. Fernandes said. Efforts were underway to restructure the Defence Ministry by integrating defence forces in the decision-making loop. An inter-ministerial group, which would also look into the possibility of implementing the other recommendations of the Kargil review committee, had been set up for this purpose.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.Y. Tipnis, said that air power, in order to be effective, should be placed under a single command authority. The Air Force should be treated as national asset and should be used selectively to achieve clearly- defined strategic goals.

The Air Chief's remarks assume importance in the light of internal debate in the services over dividing and controlling the use of aviation equipment. The Army, for instance, is asking for an expansion of its aviation arm for meeting its requirements. With expansion of the naval aviation wing, the command and control of aircraft which can influence a naval battle is also being hotly debated.

According to the Air Force chief, the sweep of the IAF should be expanded as it could be flexibly deployed not only against aerial threats but also targets on land and sea.

Advocating a ``leaner and meaner force'', he said it was the quality of equipment and the training standards of personnel, rather than numerical strength which would determine its effectiveness.

He also appraised the Defence Minister of the state of operational readiness in the IAF.

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