Opinion To Realize Full Potential of AMCA and Tejas Mk2, Indian Aerospace Requires Strong, Decisive Leadership Like Late Manohar Parrikar

India's aerospace industry is poised for a significant leap forward with ambitious projects like the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA-90), Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA), Tejas Mk2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program in development.

However, to successfully navigate the complexities and challenges of these endeavors, the industry needs strong, decisive leadership reminiscent of the late Manohar Parrikar, whose strategic vision revitalized indigenous defence projects, particularly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

When Parrikar assumed the role of Defence Minister in 2014, the LCA Tejas Mk1A faced considerable skepticism from the Indian Air Force (IAF). Concerns about delays, perceived shortcomings, and the allure of foreign acquisitions had dampened enthusiasm for the project. Parrikar, however, recognized the strategic importance of an indigenous fighter jet for India's long-term security and technological independence.

He played a crucial role in building consensus among stakeholders, including the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the IAF. His approach was pragmatic, focused on finding practical solutions to issues like engine selection, avionics upgrades, and operational capabilities that the IAF deemed critical.

One of Parrikar's key decisions was to push for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters as an interim measure while awaiting the more advanced Tejas Mk2. This not only provided a lifeline to the program but also sent a clear signal of the government's commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing. He successfully navigated the complex interplay between military demands, technological feasibility, and political will, ensuring the project's progress.

Parrikar facilitated the acceptance of numerous Enhancement Change Requests (ECRs) from the IAF, crucial for enhancing the Tejas's capabilities. These changes included integrating advanced weaponry, improved avionics, and addressing other operational requirements, making the aircraft more combat-ready and appealing to the IAF.

The current aerospace projects, like the RTA-90, MTA, Tejas Mk2, and AMCA, require this kind of visionary leadership. A leader like Parrikar would understand the need to balance technological innovation with practical military applications, ensuring these projects meet strategic needs while fostering industry growth.

Parrikar's legacy lies in his ability to cut through bureaucratic red tape, make swift decisions informed by expert advice, and foster closer ties between defence manufacturers and the military. This approach is vital for complex projects like the AMCA, which involve intricate technology transfers and international collaborations.

 

[bonito]

So, great Parrikar is to be blamed. The IAF's fear of HAL has come true now. He started it, but he is not there to execute it, and the current DM always does "kadi ninda."

 

[Sanatani Yodha]

Yes, definitely. Because of Parrikar ji, Tejas was saved from becoming another Arjun tank. He pushed Tejas down the throat of the IAF, literally by forcing them to accept 83 Mk1a orders (an old complaint by DPSUs that Indian forces don't place orders for desi-developed products, and that's why maximum programs lose viability). But what happened? After so many years, the IAF is still waiting for the first Mk1a. I think the government was fooled by HAL and DRDO as they made tall promises about making Tejas Mk2 in "few years," which will be equivalent to "Rafale," so the government only procured 36 Rafale at that time as a stopgap measure!

 

[sandy 007]

Make Nitin Gadkari as a defense minister everything will be solved for ever money, companies, Private sector everything will be OK. Nitin Gadkari is the only solution for overall solution for all our queries. HAL and Private sector will run automatically.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

Parrikar ji's treatment by the government also shows how non-serious the government is regarding defence. He was doing so well but was forced to become CM of a tiny city-state (Goa) to save their face in MLA horse trading happening in Goa.

Now Rajnath is serving his 2nd term, but the guy is basically a "career politician" with little interest and competency to lead the transformation in the defence sector.

 

[Rame1]

Parikar indeed was one of the outstanding Raksha Mantris this country had not to forget his stint as Chief Minister and it's sad to miss him.
AMCA has to start on war footing, first sort out the engine issue first. Atleast role out Tejas 1 and 2 with Kaveri engine because we have to place these birds immediately in West Bengal or Northern Command as that's the need of the hour. Don't delay if not this buy some 5th gen birds please. Worry and think about stopping Chinese who are very aggressive.

 

[Chinese eater]

I think the government was fooled by HAL and DRDO as they made tall promises about making Tejas Mk2 in "few years," which will be equivalent to "Rafale," so the government only procured 36 Rafale at that time as a stopgap measure!

Even airforce people were saying Tejas M2 would exceed Rafale

 

[Akshat]

Even airforce people were saying Tejas M2 would exceed Rafale

Nopes. In fact, to a specific query, IAF chief specifically said that Mk2 won't be better than Rafale or equivalent to it. He said it will be better for us only because it's an indigenous plane. His specific comment is in the public domain.

 

[Akshat]

Make Nitin Gadkari as a defense minister everything will be solved for ever money, companies, Private sector everything will be OK. Nitin Gadkari is the only solution for overall solution for all our queries. HAL and Private sector will run automatically.

No one in this world can make HAL work buddy. No one. They simply are not afraid of anything.

 

[Akshat]

Parrikar ji's treatment by the government also shows how non-serious the government is regarding defence. He was doing so well but was forced to become CM of a tiny city-state (Goa) to save their face in MLA horse trading happening in Goa.

Now Rajnath is serving his 2nd term, but the guy is basically a "career politician" with little interest and competency to lead the transformation in the defence sector.

It was Mr. Parrikar who himself requested to be relieved of his Union Minister role after he was diagnosed with cancer. As for Rajnath Singh, he has actually done a far better job than Mr. Parrikar ever managed to do. For all the hype, Mr. Parrikar's biggest achievement remains a non firm commitment from IAF to buy Mk1A. Plus maybe some localization of Su30 MKI spares, which was already signed with Russia far back. He basically had no firm deliverables to show in his 3 years or so of tenure. Can you name some? Rajnath on the other hand has a rich and enviable portfolio as a defense minister. Of course, failure to rein in HAL is his biggest failure. But he has worked on that too by creating competition, but that will take time to show full effect.

 

[Mango_Indian]

Make Nirmala Tai Defence Minister. HAL will still deliver 2 Aircraft / year only being a govt owned company.

But atleast salaried tax payers will be saved from tax terrorism.

Other option is sell HAL to private player like TATA/L&T etc. Atleast the employees will work 90 hrs/week as their CEO will not allow them to take Sunday off too...

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The criteria for posting civil service babus of the IAS in the MoD should be only those with degrees in BTech from IITs or NIITs with MBAs or other higher specializations abroad. History, veterinary sciences, Islamic studies, astronomy, and geography educated ones need not be posted to the MoD. The accountability of JS, additional secretary, defence secretary, and DG acquisitions must be clearly spelt out, and responsibility fixed for sloth, slow decisions, and inept performance.

 

[Sandeep]

There is a high number of crucial indigenous projects that were started and most of their work was done on paper only and not beyond that. They were largely neglected projects as they weren’t led by any highly educated, skilled, knowledgeable or people with any background experience in aerospace or with very little experience. Also they lacked the required funding, several test facilities, advanced machinery, IT equipment, software programs, advanced composite materials, modern manufacturing equipment etc. After a few decades later and after developing some prototypes they found out that they suffered from major problems, deficiencies and obsolete technology.

When the B J P thankfully came to power everything changed very quickly and every indigenous project was overhauled and told to fix the issues and problems. For Tejas they improved or developed new capabilities, technology, avionics, radar, jet computer, software and different type of weapons including indigenous weapons etc. So eventually they developed the Tejas MK1A variant which turned it in a front line success but now they need to sort out its manufacturing delays and issues.

At the same time in developing a larger jet it was obvious that we needed to develop a new jet which addressed some of the Tejas MK1A shortcomings. Eventually we developed the Tejas MK2 which mainly improved its range, increased our fire power, net centric capability and it can carry more missiles and bombs compared to the MK1A variant. Now we need to manufacture the jet and prove its capabilities and its technology works as per their design, capabilities and specifications that the IAF wanted.

For the AMCA they need to complete designing and start manufacturing the first few prototypes. This is the most important jet that we will need in large numbers and will be the backbone of our air force for the next 50+ years. We have designed the jet and the technology but only started making more progress in the last decade with the right people leading the project.

Also we managed to complete developing the HTT-40 and HJT Sitara basic and intermediate trainers which were dead with major problems. Eventually they managed to fix the minor crucial spin test flaws for the HTT-40. We managed to pass the tests and get it certified which led to a large order with more orders placed in the future. For the Sitara jet it had major issues with its multiple spin test recovery flaws. Eventually we had to make major structural changes and adjustments to the jets wings and we finally got it certified. Once it was certified then orders for the jet were placed and negotiations began.

In short there were many drones and fighter jet issues and problems but the B J P fixed the issue and problems as best as they could. The main problem was getting the next generation of technology and equipment ready was ideal.