ACIG Special Reports
IAF FIGHTERS-I
While one would actually expect the IAF to show its brand-new Su-30MKIs, this conventional Su-30K (SB-015) was nevertheless a welcome sight since these aircraft are to be sent to Russia for overhaul and upgradation to Su-30MKI standards very soon. The Su-30K/MK has a powerful air-to-air datalink and is the only aircraft in the IAF apart from the Su-30MKI to boast such a system. The IAF also confirms that these aircraft are fully multirole and have full compatibility with Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs) though the latter are seldom displayed.?
For display purposes, the SB-015 depicted here was armed with four R-27R1s, two R-27ET1s, and four R-73E training rounds. The pilots of the same machine as well as others confirmed that the claim of the aircraft not being maneuverable at full fuel load is "just a myth".
Interesting to notice was, that - unlike the MiG-29s of the IAF - the Su-30s have an anti-FOD grill inside their intakes.?
Three Su-30Ks during the Sept.6 fly past over Marina - the world's second longest natural beach. The leader pulled up for a vertical Charlie and was later joined by a second Flanker. They proceed to simulate a CAP over an Indian Navy Khukri class corvette that patroled the area. When a lone MiG-29 came in to act as "aggressor" it was quickly outturned and defeated!
Jaguar-IS (JS-175) from the No.5 'Tuskers' squadron. The IAF has ordered an additional 17 'enhanced' Jaguar-IB (two-seater) and 20 Jaguar-IS from HAL.?
Close up of the Paveway-II Mk.13/18 LGB (US-made guidance system mated on a British 454kg bomb) on the Jaguar's centerline. The weapon, which proved to have superior penetration capabilities to LGBs based on the US Mk.80-series of warheads - was not frequently shown so far in the public by the IAF, despite being used in combat and playing an important role already during the Kargil War, in May 1999.
A single Jaguar-IB, a Jaguar-IS and four maritime Jaguar-IMs from the No.6 'Dragons' squadron, passed by in a tight formation. The latter are now equipped with the Elta EL/M-2032 multimode radar.?
MiG-21 Bison (CU-2126) of the No.3 'Cobras' squadron. Despite their severe design limitations, the avionics, self-protection suite and armament package on the aircraft ensure a lethal tactical capability. No.21 'Ankush' has become the second squadron to convert to the Bison. HAL hopes to complete upgrades on 36 more aircraft during the current year.?
The mention of the aircraft's name often brings up the safety issues surrounding it. While the type's attrition is high, the actual number of losses is often subject to exaggeration by the media and eventually, sensationalization followed by various uneducated accusations. When questioned about the matter, the IAF responded by noting the media's notoriety and lack of expertise. Asked if they would consider suing the latter, the response was 'If we do that, that's all we would end up doing!' Nevertheless, there remain some issues at the basic level that need to be addressed.??
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