Indian Government Forms High-Level Committee to Assess IAF's Capability Development
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Indian government forms a committee for IAF's capability development | - High-level committee formed under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to assess IAF's future capability.- Focus on indigenous design, development, and acquisition projects.- Committee includes officials from Defence Ministry, DRDO, and IAF.- Report expected within 2-3 months. |
| Committee's purpose | - Assess IAF's need for fighter aircraft, missile systems, and long-term upgrades.- Evaluate plans to address fighter aircraft shortage and technological gaps. |
| Key members of the committee | - Rajesh Kumar Singh (Defence Secretary)- Sanjeev Kumar (Secretary, Defence Production)- Dr. Samir V Kamat (DRDO Chief)- Air Marshal T Singh (Deputy Chief of Air Staff) |
| IAF's current challenges | - Shortage of fighter aircraft, with only 36 Rafale aircraft inducted.- IAF's plans for 110+ 4.5-generation fighter aircraft still pending. |
| Regional Threats | - China's growing air power and support to Pakistan's Air Force.- Potential military cooperation between China and Bangladesh. |
| Indigenous development plans | - IAF favors future acquisitions through indigenous routes.- LCA Mark 1A project delayed due to supply chain issues.- Plans to manufacture 114 fighter aircraft in India with foreign collaboration. |
| Strategic Importance | - The committee's report will help address critical gaps in IAF's capability to tackle regional threats. |