To be headed by Defence Secretary RK Singh, the committee will look at current trends, requirements projected over the years and ongoing procurement cases for modernisation of the force. Sources said that the committee has been tasked to come out with a comprehensive report and suggestions for capability enhancement. It is likely to complete the study within the next four months. The air force has publicly stated that it is lagging behind China when it comes to technology and has been requesting for more combat jets to bridge the gap. Earlier this year, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that when it comes to the human element and the people behind the machine, India is way ahead but lags on technology and production. Records show that the current strength of 31 fighter jet squadrons is the lowest that India has had since 1965, when a war was fought with Pakistan.
This number steadily increased after the 1965 war and peaked at 41 squadrons in 1996. As the aircraft profile changed, the strength dipped to 35 in 2013 and since then has gone steadily down. Besides combat jets, several major capability enhancement programmes are in the works, including procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) that are to be Made in India. The MTA plan has been moving ahead and is also likely to fall under the purview of the committee.
Besides, it is expected to deliberate on training capability and equipment needed to counter new age threats like swarm drones, Man-Unmanned Teaming and Hypersonic weapons.
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- Source of information and images “economictimes.indiatimes”“
