How IAF's Decades-Long Reliance on Russian Fighter Jets Reaches a Gradual End with Rise of Indigenous Tejas and AMCA

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gradually transitioning away from its decades-long dependence on Russian fighter jets, marking a significant shift towards self-reliance in defence production.

This change is being driven by the increasing capabilities of domestically produced aircraft like the Tejas and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The IAF's relationship with Russian (and previously, Soviet) military aviation dates back to the late 1960s, with the introduction of the MiG-21. Over the years, the IAF has operated a variety of Russian-made aircraft, including the Su-7, MiG-23, MiG-29, and the powerful Su-30MKI. However, the Su-30MKI is likely to be the last major Russian fighter jet acquisition by the IAF.

The Su-30MKI, a multi-role combat aircraft customized to meet India's specific needs, has served as the cornerstone of the IAF's fleet since the late 1990s. Its long-range strike capabilities and adaptability in various combat situations have been crucial to India's air defence. Despite its continued importance, it represents the closing of a chapter in India's reliance on Russian fighters.

The IAF's initial embrace of Russian aircraft began with the MiG-21, a jet that played a key role in conflicts such as the 1971 war with Pakistan. The fleet expanded over time to incorporate planes like the Su-7, MiG-23, MiG-25, and MiG-27, fulfilling roles ranging from ground attacks to reconnaissance. The later additions of the MiG-29 and Su-30MKI further strengthened the IAF's air superiority and strategic reach.

This long-standing partnership, however, has not been without its difficulties. The MiG-21's high accident rate, earning it the unfortunate nickname "Flying Coffin," highlighted the need for safer alternatives. According to data from the Ministry of Defence, over 400 MiG-21s have crashed in the last six decades, leading to the deaths of over 200 pilots.

Additionally, challenges related to maintenance, the availability of spare parts, and the evolving complexities of international relations have all contributed to India's strategic shift.

India's commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in defence has resulted in substantial investment in domestic projects. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, especially the Mk1A version, is at the forefront of this new era.

The Tejas Mk1A features upgraded avionics, radar, and weapons systems, making it a modern and cost-effective replacement for older aircraft. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of Tejas, has received orders for over 80 Tejas Mk1A aircraft from the IAF.

Looking ahead, the development of the Tejas Mk2 is underway, promising improved range, payload capacity, and avionics. Furthermore, the ambitious AMCA project aims to provide the IAF with fifth-generation stealth capabilities.

While the Su-30MKI will remain in service, its operational significance is expected to decrease as new, domestically produced aircraft become available. The transition will be gradual, acknowledging the significant investment and operational experience with Russian platforms. However, India's strategic goal is clear: to achieve technological independence, reduce reliance on foreign arms suppliers, and bolster its domestic defence industry.

This evolving strategy doesn't signify an end to all military collaboration with Russia. Instead, it reflects a shift towards maintaining strategic relationships while prioritizing co-development, local manufacturing, and potentially, partnerships with other international defence companies.

 

[R. Singh]

Once we start making own engines in collaboration with GE and Rolls Royce we should make 205 Tejas-1A, 205 AF-MK-II ,169+ Internal weapon bay variant as MWF and 169+ ORCA as replacement of Mig-21, Mig-23, Mig-27 and Mig-29 ! AMCA MK-I and AMCA-II will say bid adieu to Jaguar and SU-30s ! We hope this nationalist NDA govt will fulfill the dream !

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

While it is true MiG-21 had autorotation problems and MiG-23 engines reportedly shut down abruptly, those were big innovations in their times. Many countries have developed much more stable systems based on models like Su-27 and MiG-21 after license-building those fighters. Every fighter is a limited system with its own drawbacks.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Indian independence from foreign technology will nowhere cease before 2050 for the IAF. The SU-30 MKI will fly in the Indian skies till 2045-60, and in case the SU-57M and SU-75 are acquired, the airforce will see them flying beyond 2070. Till 2036, the IAF will see 50% foreign fighters: F-35, Rafales, Mirages, Jaguars of western origin and MiG-29 and Su-30 of Russian origin flying in IAF colours. The other 50% will be Indian aircraft like LCA MK1, 1A, 2 and AMCA, which will fill the squadron strength.

 

[Vivek Singh]

Russians may have an edge in engines, but in everything else, India has surpassed them. Our radars are better, our missiles are better, and our bombs are better. After the Super Sukhoi upgrade program, the only things Russian on these aircraft will be the airframe (physical parts plus flight control system), which we can make on our own without any inputs from Russia with some R&D, and engines, which are a pain point. In another decade, we wouldn't need the Russians for NEW hardware anymore.

India MUST work on engines, but sadly, our government can't see what I, a normal person, and others like me, can see clearly. Unless we work on engines, we are bound to be kicked around by everyone. I think that sometime in the 2040s, when Tejas Mk1As will need new engines, GE will tell us that they have stopped the production of GE F404s and would require $50 million per engine to restart production.

Let's work on engines. Let's not make "Sunset of Russians be the Sunrise of Americans."

 

[Kira]

A realistic article, as the MKI would be the last of its kind, with all future jets of the IAF having Western origins in some form or the other.

 

[Phantom]

A realistic article, as the MKI would be the last of its kind, with all future jets of the IAF having Western origins in some form or the other.

That is not realistic, given the only 55% capability we have in making just a 4th-gen aircraft. We are not yet up to the point of ignoring any help or antagonizing any country, especially the one in this article, not for at least another 30-40 years.

 

[Raakbas]

Avoid F-35 like the plague. Our advantage lies only in buying Su-57E, setting up a production line, customizing the jet, getting complete ToT, and joining Russia in the production of civilian planes with a separate production line, as President Putin offered. The days of Boeing are numbered due to greed; we have a very good opportunity there!

 

[sujith sudhakaran]

Russians may have an edge in engines, but in everything else, India has surpassed them. Our radars are better, our missiles are better, and our bombs are better. After the Super Sukhoi upgrade program, the only things Russian on these aircraft will be the airframe (physical parts plus flight control system), which we can make on our own without any inputs from Russia with some R&D, and engines, which are a pain point. In another decade, we wouldn't need the Russians for NEW hardware anymore.

India MUST work on engines, but sadly, our government can't see what I, a normal person, and others like me, can see clearly. Unless we work on engines, we are bound to be kicked around by everyone. I think that sometime in the 2040s, when Tejas Mk1As will need new engines, GE will tell us that they have stopped the production of GE F404s and would require $50 million per engine to restart production.

Let's work on engines. Let's not make "Sunset of Russians be the Sunrise of Americans."

LOL Russia is the world leader when it comes to missiles and air defence. The BrahMos we all rave about is just a rebranded Onyx missile. We still use Russian GA missiles. Russia still holds the advantage in AA missiles.