FGFA program hits a Road block

FGFA program hits a Road block

       During the Initial days of Fifth generation fighter program development, the government and IAF agrees to induct some 300 new fifth gen fighters from abroad. under this Plan, IAF gets some 150 single seat PAK FA from Russia, and another 150 improved PAK FA under the code name of FGFA, FGFA is a Indian designation of multiple improved characteristics in the imported Russian PAK FA, and Built in Indian state owned company HAL. but days passed the Government slowly sabotaged the IAF's plan, initially those Fifth gen fighters meant to deployed in new bases near China, and helps the HAL to develop the medium Fighter code named AMCA.

     For Future IAF plans to use some 300 Fifth Generation fighters ( PAK FA and FGFA) another 150 Medium combat aircraft, and Keeps some 300 advanced Sukhoi Su 30 MKI's and some 100 of Rafales for Deep strike and Combat patrolling and quick redeployment, thus makes the IAF suggested 40+ Squadrons of good fighters to pose a concrete middle finger towards Chinese Air force,

But the major strategic project hits many delays, from Numbers, design changes and delivery periods

Design Changes

     As per initial plan IAF and HAL jointly discussed and evaluated some 80+ changes in the existing PAK FA platform, and they will start working with the prototypes provided by the Russian, the HAL receives three T 50 prototypes in 2017, 2019, and 2021. the IAF team evaluates and suggest the changes, the major structural changes is the Twin seat configuration, Computer integrations and IFF systems along with missile integrations, also its believed that minor improvements also added to increase the stealth characteristics.

     But due to the late arrival of the Jets and lacks of Technological expertise from HAL, The ministry cut down almost 40 design changes in the FGFA, means most of the suggested changes will not happen, and the phenomenal difference between FGFA and PAK FA is just 40 improvements, the time lines also planned to decrease by three years, previously planned it took some eight years to deliver a single FGFA to India once all improvements are completed.

     both countries agreed to manufacture the first batch of aircraft in Russia and for subsequent batches to be manufactured by HAL under transfer of technology.

Numbers

     The Initial plans stated some 150 PAK FA and another 150 FGFA, means India starts receiving the T 50 from Russian Serial production plant by 2018, meantime Russia gives three prototype variants to the HAL to inspect and evaluate the plan to improve the T 50 into FGFA,

    Later Reports verified, that India go for some 144 FGFA and another 50 numbers of PAK FA from Russia, and it's scheduled that Russia could provide a squadron of PAK FA before 2020, the Government cut more than 100's of PAK FA orders,

    But recent reports mentions IAF might buy only 65 fifth generation Aircraft, But it's not clear While India just increased the PAK FA order numbers to current 50 to 65, or IAF cuts down the FGFA numbers from 144 to just 65, the reports merely confusing without stating the Status of the T 50 program,

    Another reports mentions, India may opt out from the FGFA and all other fifth generation program with Russia, and directly purchase just 65 PAK FA under government to government contract, just like how Make in India Rafale cancelled and only the 36 Rafales will be bought,

So it looks like either the Government cut down the numbers or increased the PAK FA orders,

Delivery Periods

    At first, The HAL is to get three Russian prototypes for re-design and testing in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and is scheduled to hand over the first series produced aircraft to the IAF in 2019, Which is the FGFA, But the same can be moved to two years cap and delivery, the timeline Changes into 2017, 2019, 2021, and IAF starts receive the FGFA by 2025, almost six years of delay, 

     Because of the delay the New government planned to buy a squadron of PAK FA as stop cap measure, and It's believed that India may receive the first squadron of T 50 before 2020, to face the Chinese fifth generation threats, 

    Because of cutting down the design changes, The government informs in the Parliament that, Once the Research and development contract signed, the Russia and HAL delivers the FGFA within three years, and Government almost near to complete the draft of the Contract, but no sign of Signing the contract by this year. 

   So if Government moves towards the FGFA by the new timeline It's good to we have some Fifth generation fighters before the 2020, to show off with the Chinese.  

SU T 50 Fighter Project gets a thrust

 SU T 50 Fighter Project gets a thrust

       With the number of operational fighter squadrons dipping to an alarming 25 as against the required 42 squadrons the Government of India has felt a strong need for new fighter jets and in a rapid induction phase. Keeping the future moves of the hostile countries GOI has accelerated the process to induct the best in class 5th gen Fighters for the Indian Air Force. The project has been slated as the SU T50 being jointly developed with the Russians .With the last government showing very less progress in this regard it’s a uphill task for the present government to induct these jets in a rapid succession. Though the deal was discussed with the Russian counterpart during the last government’s tenure no head way was made in the talks and a formal agreement in this regard remained a dream to be realized. 

     From the day the new government took over office the modernization of the armed forces and ramming up the capabilities of the forces has been the top priority. With China running ahead with its very own Fifth generation fighter project the government is surely concerned. China has always been waiting to strike back at India. The present government seems to have realized the real threat to India if any is not “Pakistan “but the “China”. Chinese having established two entirely different projects have joined the elite club of having access to two entirely different Stealth aircrafts platforms and its only after The United States of America. 

     With increased co-operation between China and Pakistan fears of these sophisticated aircrafts being operated in a two front attack against India seems to be a real possibility. And the depleting operational fighter squadron’s numbers of the air force has surely alarmed the government. With no new induction on chart to the air force and faced with only retirement schedules of the 60's era fighters the government has been forced to fast track the “FGFA project”.

 With the new government finalising the contract with the Russian counterpart the long waited Fifth Generation aircrafts can soon be seen patrolling the Indian skies with a IAF tag on them. The Indian and Russian government have now officially signed contracts to produce the first test models for the 5th gen fighters benefiting for both Russian and Indian Air force.

     The Indian delegation has demanded for minute modifications than to the model being developed for the Russian forces. The Russian Variant has been formally named as PAK FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation), and the Indian variant being named as PMF (Perspective Multi-role Fighter). The main developing parties for the Fighter have been finalised with Russian based Sukhoi being theajor investor and developer for Russia and the Indian side’s development and manufacturing process being headed by HAL. 

    With both the state owned companies having a good rap out and past experiences in the SU 30 project the companies have made significant steps to materialize the long pending projects. Finally the disputes in regard to various issues regarding the “Technology sharing” and financial worries with Sukhoi and HAL has crossed the turbulent waters and has finally sailed in to a calmer portion promising a bright future for both the forces.

   Even though the first T 50 made its first public appearance in Jan 2010 very less has been know of the aircraft’s capabilities and with just the test models ready it’s a very long way for the induction of these force multiplying fighters into the respective forces. The FGFA project now stands for a testing time where the capabilities the role of the aircraft is time and again tested. With various demands to be met the Russians are sticking to field their first Squadron of SU T 50 by 2017 even though it’s really asking. 

    The first fully fledged prototype model to be handed over to HAL is being awaited in a year to follow. HAL would then be charged with the responsibilities to fine tune the capabilities of the aircraft and to start the process of modifications for Indian conditions. The first Indian version is scheduled to be delivered and inducted by 2019. Indian Air Force has scheduled to field at least a few squadrons of these sophisticated fighters by the year 2021. But with very less ground work being completed it’s a very demanding schedule the IAF has set-up for the HAL. With the time frame being too tight the Indian Government may opt for various other options. To stick to the demanding nature India is facing the government may end up with a totally new contract to procure a few squadrons of  T 50 directly from Russia.

   Though rumors have been for quite some time nothing has been officially confirmed till date. IAF has time and again felt the need to operate these stealth capable fighters for quite some time if the present government does sign a deal for a direct procurement IAF may boost of these ultra-tech fighters which will surely serve as a mega force multiplier for the IAF. Sources close to Russian agencies said have deferred the dates for these T 50 to around the planned induction time of 2020.

    The major modifications being demanded by the IAF is to have capacities for the fighter to operate with a two manned stations. The present and under development fifth gen fighters of other nations actually have been developed around a one manned station. Starting from F 22, J 31 to the F 35 all have been provided and developed for a single operating crew. The mother design T 50 itself is being developed around a single manned station. The only ones who seem to be following the IAF path are the Israeli's who have had plans to modify their F 35 to be manned by two operating crews. And the change in this very basic design demands a very skilled team to work for flawless perfection to be mastered.

   To boost the dipping squadron numbers and the need for deep strike operations increasing  IAF initially planned to procure some 250 FGFA but faced with short runs in various fields the final number was trimmed to 150 FGFA’s. Former IAF chief Browne was quoted saying to have initially went for 150 two manned FGFA and 50 T 50 from Russia but later to be trimmed down to 150.

     If the fact is to be believed IAF can boost of 6-7 operational FGFA squadrons by 2021. And if the government does go ahead with the plans to procure a few T 50 directly from Russia in fly away condition IAF can boost of stealth capable fighters joining their forces by 2020. Hope the all crucial FGFA project rolls in the top gear and the expected deadlines are met and the IAF is given a major booster for strategic deep penetrating bombing missions in the near future.

Editor Karthik Kakoor