As tensions persist along the borders with some of its neighbouring nations, India has been stepping up vigilance and security there and is also reinforcing its defence forces to make them better prepared against enemy attacks. The Indian Army is already one of the most powerful in the world, but recent steps taken by the government will further bolster its military prowess and make any country – no matter how powerful it might be – think hard before challenging it.
After procuring the largest batch of advanced light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the defence ministry has now planned to procure MiG-29 and Sukhoi 30MKI from Russia to ramp up its aerial firepower. The Indian government will also be procuring upgraded version of the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of fighter aircraft.
The government will extend a Request for Proposal to the Russian state-run defence export division, Rosoboronexport, for the production and procurement of 21 MiG-29. The MiG-29 deal will be relatively less expensive and will give the IAF 21 more MiG fighter jets to be added to its existing portfolio of 59 such jets.
In addition to the MiG aircraft, the defence ministry will procure 12 Sukhoi-30MKIs which will be added to the existing fleet of 272 Sukhoi aircraft that were procured from Russia earlier at the cost of US$15 billion. Over the past few years, nine of the original Sukhoi jets have been lost to crashes. A total of 268 Sukhoi jets have been inducted into the IAF airbases.
Together, the MiG-29 aircraft, the Sukhoi jets and the 83 new Tejas will have boosted India’s air defence firepower considerably by the end of 2028.
With the older MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft being retired from the air squadrons in a phased manner, the fighter jet numbers of the air squadrons are down to only 30. That is one of the other main reasons the newer MiG-29, Sukhoi and Tejas are getting procured by the IAF. India needs to increase its squadron numbers to 42, with 16-18 fighter jets in each of the squadrons for necessary deterrence.
The Indian Army has been on high alert since the breach of ceasefire and consequent clashes at the Galwan Valley claimed the lives of many Indian soldiers. The steps taken in its aftermath indicate that the Indian defence ministry is more determined than ever to make the country impenetrable to foreign forces.
The Cabinet Committee on Security has recently given its final approval to these multi crore deals that will be instrumental in making the IAF more formidable than ever. With the activity of foreign troops increasing along the disputed borderlines of India, strengthening the air force will be crucial in keeping an eye on hostile elements and preventing future invasions by enemy forces.
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