Why are Pakistan and China afraid of India’s 4.5 generation fighter, is Tejas giving tension to America?

New Delhi: The biggest threats facing India are China and Pakistan. In view of this, preparations are being made to upgrade the war planes of the Indian Air Force and increase its stock. The Narendra Modi government has constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, which will prepare a roadmap to plug the loopholes. This committee will also report on several indigenous designs and developments as well as on enhancing the capability of the Air Force through direct acquisition projects. In this series, ways will also be suggested to overcome the ongoing challenges related to the creation of 114 new 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. Do you know what are the challenges facing 4.5 generation warplanes? What are their specialties and will it be able to deal with threats like Pakistan and China.

Is there a need for these guards in view of China-Pakistan?

The Chinese Air Force has augmented new runways, strengthened shelters, fuel and ammunition storage facilities at all its airbases facing India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) such as Hotan, Kashgar, Gargunsa, Shigatse, Bangda, Nyingchi and Hoping. In addition, China has deployed additional fighter aircraft, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and drones. In such a situation, the need for the Indian Air Force to complete its stalled projects quickly has increased. At the same time, efforts for infiltration on the border are also going on from Pakistan side.

The big challenge will be to reduce the deadlock on 4.5 generation fighter planes.

The biggest challenge before the committee will be to break the impasse on the long-pending project to build 114 new 4.5 generation fighter aircraft with foreign collaboration with an initial estimate of Rs 1.25 lakh crore. It is believed that some of the jets will be purchased directly, while most will be produced in India.

What is 4.5 generation fighter, know its features

The biggest feature among the distinctive capabilities of ‘4.5 generation’ fighter aircraft is that they cannot be detected by radar. These aircraft can fly at supersonic speed without using afterburner. Such aircraft are equipped with powerful sensors within visual range and are extremely effective in combat capability. They specialize in aerial combat at high altitudes using long-range missiles. These can also be equipped with munitions.

4.5 generation aircraft are equipped with integrated IRST system

4.5 generation warplanes are equipped with integrated Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. Like Dassault Rafale features Optical Sector Frontal Integrated IRST. The term 4.5 generation is often used for new or advanced fighter aircraft. These also have some characteristics of the fifth generation. 4.5 generation combat aircraft are generally less expensive, less complex. These can be made in less time. These feature advanced sensor integration, AESA radar, supercruise capability, supermaneuverability, multifunctional role as well as stealth stealth.

Why indigenous Tejas Mark-1A is not getting American engines?

Besides, the indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft is also being inducted, which has been hit mainly by persistent delays in the supply of engines by US major General Electric. Actually, there were some technical obstacles in this regard, which have been delayed in being resolved. Delivery of the contracted 99 GE-F404 turbofan jet engines is scheduled to begin in March 2025, nearly two years behind schedule.

Indian Army has a fleet of war aircraft

The Indian Army has an impressive fleet of fighter aircraft, surveillance drones, helicopters, trainers and Indian military aircraft. It plays an important role in protecting national interests, surveillance, transportation, combat missions etc. There are approximately 2,000 aircraft deployed in service in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, which speaks to India’s significant technological prowess and strategic capabilities.

India made Sukhoi 4.5 generation aircraft

Russia’s Sukhoi Su-30, Su-35 and Su-37 are based on Russia’s Su-27 platform. These have been upgraded to 4.5 generation. Su-35S is the most updated right now. India has updated the Su-30. All these Russian aircraft have fought many wars and have proved their mettle in the world. Even planes with stealth technology get scared in front of them. Due to stealth technology, war planes are not caught by radar.

Su-30MKI adept at thwarting infiltration from Pakistan

India’s fastest fighter jet involved in the operation to retaliate against Pakistani fighter planes entering India was Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which is an air-to-air and air-to-ground fighter aircraft. It is also known as Flanker. It is manufactured through a license agreement with Sukhoi of Russia and this jet is used only by India. Its speed is Mach 2 i.e. 2,120 kilometers per hour and its maximum weight at the time of takeoff can be up to 38,800 kg. This warship is capable of carrying radar, rockets, bombs and even missiles.

French Mirage had achieved extraordinary victory in Kargil

Mirage-2000 and Vajra, commissioned in 1985, are considered the most dangerous aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Seeing its successful use during the Kargil war, India increased its number from 40 to 50 in 2004. When Mirage-2000 is targeting its target areas through laser-guided cannon, at that time it is protected by MiG-29.

Jaguar or Shamsher also included in IAF’s war fleet

SEPECAT Jaguar or Shamsher, made up of the British Royal Air Force and the French Air Force, is also included in India’s war fleet. Indian Air Force (IAF) has updated 91 Jaguars. These aircraft are used in ground attacks. Due to high altitude and weight, it is difficult for these aircraft to fly, hence they are deployed for low targets.

MiG-29 once came into conflict with America

In 1970, India used MiG-29 aircraft to compete with American aircraft like F-15 and F-16. They are also called eagles. These create a second level security wall after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. This aircraft was sold by Russia to 30 countries but India is its first and largest importing country.

The Hercules played an important role after the Pathankot attack

Indian-made light combat aircraft Tejas is replacing the Soviet MiG-21. Of the 40 Indian-made Tejas aircraft, 32 are single seater and 8 are double seater aircraft.
Cargo warplanes like the Hercules C-130J played a key role in airlifting paramilitary forces to Srinagar after the attack on the Air Force station in Pathankot. The Air Force had included 6 such aircraft with the facility of night vision goggles.