Securing India’s Air Power: A Strategic Imperative Against China
Introduction
The role of air power in contemporary warfare has grown exponentially, with dominance in the aerial and space domains becoming decisive factors in military conflicts. China’s rapid advancements in air and space warfare, including stealth fighter development, hypersonic missiles, and space-based reconnaissance, pose a significant challenge to India’s strategic positioning. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has steadily increased its technological capabilities, reducing India’s historical edge in air operations.
In contrast, India faces pressing challenges, such as a declining fighter jet fleet, delays in indigenous aircraft production, and vulnerabilities in aerial surveillance and air defence networks. These shortcomings, if left unaddressed, could erode India’s ability to project power and deter aggression. The urgency of modernising India’s air power stems from the necessity of a structured and comprehensive response to counter China’s growing aerial superiority.
A well-rounded strategy is required—one that integrates air and space domains, boosts indigenous fighter jet production, bridges inventory gaps through foreign acquisitions, and strengthens the synergy between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the domestic aviation industry. The following analysis explores these critical areas and outlines a roadmap for ensuring India’s continued strategic dominance in the region.
Integration of Air and Space Domains for Future Warfare
Modern warfare increasingly demands a seamless integration of air and space operations. China has already demonstrated its ability to conduct anti-satellite (ASAT) attacks, disrupt adversary communications, and utilise space-based intelligence for military planning. This presents a direct threat to India’s surveillance, communication, and missile guidance systems.
India has made initial progress through the deployment of the GSAT-7A military communication satellite and the establishment of the Defence Space Agency. However, its capabilities remain limited in comparison to China’s expanding space dominance. Future conflicts will require real-time coordination of air, space, and cyber operations, necessitating significant investments in space surveillance, ASAT defence systems, and artificial intelligence-driven command and control.
Upgrading the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) into a more sophisticated aerospace command system is crucial for enhanced situational awareness. Additionally, the development of an Integrated Aerospace Defence Capability (IADC) would help counter China’s growing military activities in space. These measures will ensure that India does not lag in the increasingly contested air and space domains.
Indigenous Aerospace Technology Development and Self-Reliance
Achieving self-sufficiency in aerospace technology remains a critical long-term goal for India’s defence sector. Aero India 2025 showcased notable advancements in indigenous fighter jet programmes, including the Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, and the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. However, several key technological challenges persist, particularly in engine development, avionics, and production scalability.
India continues to rely on foreign engines, such as the GE F404/F414 used in the Tejas series, highlighting a crucial vulnerability. Addressing this gap through the accelerated development of the indigenous Kaveri engine or alternative propulsion technologies is imperative. Strengthening public-private partnerships, with companies like Tata, Mahindra, and Adani Defence playing larger roles, can boost production efficiency and innovation.
Furthermore, the integration of civil aviation expertise with military research can provide technological spin-offs beneficial to defence manufacturing. For instance, advanced materials, avionics, and AI-driven navigation systems developed for commercial aviation could be adapted for military use. Aligning national aerospace policies with long-term defence procurement strategies will ensure India’s self-reliance in air power capabilities.
Bridging Inventory Gaps Through Foreign Acquisitions
While self-reliance remains a long-term objective, India must address its immediate fighter jet shortfall through selective foreign acquisitions. The IAF’s current fleet—comprising Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Rafale aircraft—is inadequate against the PLAAF’s rapidly modernising air force.
The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 new fighters is a crucial step, with potential contenders including the Rafale (France), F-21 (United States), Gripen (Sweden), and Su-35 (Russia). Additional Rafale squadrons would enhance India’s strike capabilities in the short term, while upgrading the Su-30MKI fleet with advanced radars, electronic warfare suites, and next-generation weapons systems is equally important.
India’s approach to foreign acquisitions must emphasise technology transfers. The Sukhoi-30MKI programme demonstrated how foreign technology could be integrated into domestic production. Future fighter jet deals should follow a similar model, ensuring that India derives long-term technological benefits from its defence partnerships.
Strengthening Synergy Between the IAF and the Aviation Industry
A significant barrier to India’s air power modernisation has been the lack of effective collaboration between the IAF and the domestic aviation industry. Delays in aircraft development, misalignment between operational requirements and industry output, and bureaucratic inefficiencies have hampered progress.
To streamline aircraft production, Joint Working Groups (JWGs) should be established between the IAF, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and private aerospace firms. These JWGs can ensure that military needs are effectively translated into industrial output, reducing delays in defence acquisitions.
Investment in research and development is equally vital, particularly in advanced propulsion systems, stealth technology, and hypersonic weapons. International partnerships can be leveraged for joint development initiatives, allowing India to access cutting-edge technologies while simultaneously strengthening its domestic defence industry.
The newly established Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) role can play a pivotal part in integrating tri-service requirements, fostering coherence in aerospace planning, and ensuring that procurement policies align with India’s strategic objectives.
A Roadmap for India’s Air Power Strategy
With China’s rapid advancements in aerial and space warfare, modernising India’s air power is an urgent necessity. A well-rounded strategy must balance short-term acquisitions with long-term investments in indigenous aerospace development.
To strengthen India’s defence, integrating air and space operations is crucial. This includes upgrading aerospace command and control systems, enhancing space-based intelligence, and investing in anti-satellite (ASAT) defence capabilities. Simultaneously, indigenous fighter jet production must accelerate by advancing the Tejas and AMCA programs, fast-tracking the Kaveri engine, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Addressing immediate inventory gaps is also vital. Expanding Rafale squadrons, upgrading Su-30MKIs, and ensuring technology transfers in foreign acquisitions will bolster India’s combat readiness. Additionally, improving synergy between the IAF and domestic aviation industry through streamlined procurement, better collaboration with HAL and DRDO, and reducing bureaucratic delays will enhance efficiency.
A strong focus on research and development is imperative. Advancements in stealth technology, hypersonic missiles, and AI-driven avionics will secure India’s technological edge. By implementing these measures, India can strengthen its air power, maintain strategic superiority, and ensure long-term national security in an evolving threat landscape.
Conclusion
India’s ability to secure its airspace and maintain strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific hinges on decisive action. A proactive and well-structured air power strategy—integrating air and space capabilities, bolstering indigenous production, filling immediate gaps through smart procurement, and fostering industry-military collaboration—will ensure India remains a dominant air power in the region. The time for action is now. With the right policies and investments, India can secure its skies, deter aggression, and uphold its role as a key security provider in the Indo-Pacific.
