New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) may have successfully conducted a daring air raid against terrorist camps in Pakistan’s Balakot in February, but when it comes to a key metric, the IAF doesn’t compare well with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Whether it is pilot to aircraft ratio, or target practice and an ever-depleting squadron strength, the situation is a matter of serious concern.
The IAF currently has a ratio of 1.5 pilots per aircraft as against 2.5 pilots per aircraft for the PAF, top sources in the defence establishment told ThePrint.
Effectively, this implies that the PAF can carry out day and night operations more efficiently than the IAF in case of a full-scale war. The reason behind this is that aircraft can be made to carry out even six sorties a day, but the pilots have to deal with the limits of human endurance.
The IAF also depends a lot on simulation instead of preferred actual bombing practice.
The all-important Western Air Command, which looks after the entire air space with Pakistan and parts of China, does not have a single firing range to drop larger calibre bombs.
Not only this, the IAF does not have a single range to carry out high altitude bombing — a shocking fact given that India shares its borders with China at high altitudes, both in the north and the east.
Also read: 2 months after Balakot, Pakistan changes nuclear weapons tune – they’re for deterrence only
Sanctioned strength
The IAF has a sanctioned fighter squadron strength of 42 and officers strength of about 12,500. Each squadron consists of 16-20 fighter aircraft.
While the shortfall in terms of sanctioned officer’s strength is only at about 2 per cent every year on an average, it’s important to note that the sanction was given in the 1970s.
“The sanctioned strength, which includes fighter pilots, has increased marginally all these years. The pilot strength cleared when India was flying the MiGs. Now we have about 270-odd Su30 MKI, which are twin seats, meaning more pilots are consumed,” said a source.
“Also, as against the sanctioned squadron strength of 42, the IAF currently has only 30, and hence the force has a pilot to aircraft ratio of 1.5. If the squadron strength increases, the ratio will come down,” said the source.
The IAF is looking at increasing the pilot to aircraft ratio to about 2.2, said sources.
Gagan Shakti
Last year, the IAF carried out a massive all-air exercise, Gagan Shakti, spanning the entire length and breadth of the country, which saw months of planning. The aim behind the exercise was to put to test the IAF’s war strategy.
In a bid to stretch and ensure maximum number of sorties, especially keeping day and night operations in mind along with a two-front war scenario, the IAF enlisted all serving and medically fit officers below the age of 48 for Gagan Shakti.
Usually, pilots above the rank of a Wing Commander don’t usually fly as they get tied down to more desk-oriented jobs. Despite enlisting such pilots, the pilot to aircraft ratio rose only to 2.
“But this increase of 0.5 in ratio was a huge boost to flying operations as we were able to do record number of sorties and were also able to stretch the endurance level of aircraft to the maximum,” said a source said.
The exercise, held from 8-22 April 2018, saw over 11,000 sorties, including approximately 9,000 sorties by fighter aircraft.
Over 1,400 officers and 14,000 men were pulled out of training establishments and deployed for the exercise, to augment existing resources.
Also read: Untold story of an IAF Canberra & its crew, 60 years before Wing Commander Abhinandan’s MiG
Firing ranges
At present, the IAF fighter pilots practice their bomb-dropping skills on simulators because of the non-availability of firing ranges.
“No matter how much simulation one might do, there is a huge difference between actual dropping of bombs from the aircraft to hit a target and the one fired from the joystick in front of a large computer,” a source said.
The main issue is with high altitude ranges. The IAF does not have high altitude ranges and the only one available — the Tosa Maidan range in Jammu and Kashmir — was taken over by the state government.
“The IAF has asked the government for two high altitude ranges — one each in Ladakh area and in Arunachal Pradesh. The force is waiting for the decision since 2015,” a second source said.
The Western Air Command currently practices firing at the SK Range near Halwara in Punjab. However, heavy calibre bombs cannot be dropped there because of the size of the range.
“The IAF had identified a place in Thukrana in Rajasthan for creating a range for heavy calibre. But the new Land Acquisition Bill increased the prices phenomenally and it became out of budget for the IAF,” said the second source.
The IAF has to depend on Pokhran range for heavy calibre practice. However, sources said it’s done on a bare need basis because it’s a logistics nightmare to bring in aircraft from across the country.
Also read: Balakot shows India needs to take its technological military edge beyond Pakistan’s reach
Indian arm forces are way too politized. Lots of emotions, but seriously deficient in caliber and readiness. This is where Pakistanis looks far more professional and sophisticated, even with a smaller force in numbers. India is not ready for a full scale war with Pakistan, let alone a two front war with China and Pakistan together. Resolve the Kashmir issue and make Pakistan your best friend in the region.
So they were that much good enough then why
Pair kaamph rahi thi… Maathe pe paseena tha…
You think you will throw these fake statistics at us and scare us off. You say that PAF is one of the leading airforces of the world. If your PAF was even half as good as you say, things would have been different. And mind you, please leave that rosy world of yours and start paying attention to finer details such as logic and common sense!
The Print is quoting article of times of Pakistan news, even the language is same. Cmon yr,
The Print is day dreaming…marijuana effect. Never had PAF dared to enter indian region… Its not the numbers…its the quality of Pilots.. India has proved with video footage how it has made PAF looked like a whore
IAF is the laughing stock of all air forces in the world.
WIth so many blunders and losses in combat (most to the Pakistan air force), this pathetic excuse for an air force has done nothing but wasted the money of Indian tax-payers since its inception.
Numbers alone don’t win wars. It takes a certain quality of training and nerves of steel, all of which the Indian air force lack.
The Pakistan air force is a HUNDRED times better than the Indian air force in those two departments (and now, even in tech). Let’s get one thing straight: Comparing the two would be a disgrace for the PAF
Some of the recent lows for the Indian air force (in case you forgot):
1) The Indian air force lost a MiG-21 and an SU-30, both shot down by the Pakistani air force (using BVR weapons launched from F-16s) – February 2019
2) After getting their hineys kicked by the PAF, the IAF, in a fit of panic, shot their own Mi-17 helicopter, killing six Indian air force personnel. – February 2019
3) The Indian air force pilot, Abhinandan, whose MiG-21 was shot by the PAF, was beaten bloody by average Pakistani citizens and had to be “SAVED” by the Pakistani army. This tells a lot about the fitness levels and training of the average Indian air force pilot (they don’t even deserve to be called “soldiers” in my opinion). I don’t think their incompetency in flying needs any further description, but it’s safe to say that the Indian air force is ages behind in survival training as well. -February 2019
4) The Indian air force lost a total of 12 aircraft from January 2019 to September 2019 (source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-air-force-planes-crashes-personnel-killed-in-2019-1603033-2019-09-25). The reasons included technical issues and the incompetency of their pilots, among others.
The Pakistan air force is AGES ahead of the Indian air force. There’s no comparison here. Period.
My comment is purely based on evidence and facts. The PAF isn’t perfect, but it’s easily one of the best air forces in the world. IAF doesn’t even come close. Now, the Indians reading this comment can either cry about it and spew fake news, or they can accept the fact, raise awareness, and work towards saving their tax money.
Are you from Pakistan?, that bullshit nation. Don’t mind India will make you poop in your own land again.
Talking about those cheap third class F16, which you people have are good for nothing. The only thing they can do is shit…
half of your civilian pilots are unqualified to fly PIA. Even if IAF lost pilots during sortie training, still they managed to eject or if not they crashed the jets outside populated areas hence saving civilian lives. PAF is ages ahead on one thing, losing wars. Even with the shittiest equipment Indian armed forces can still inflict damage. your so called fit soldiers lost 3 wars in 1965, 1971 and 1999. btw Balakot did happen and you lost 300 terrorists keep denying like u did when Bin laden was caught in ur country. Mig21 can still down your superior F16. IAF are the most professional and second to none. even better than USAF not because of tech but by skill. They have such good aircraft like su30 and Mig29 in their inventory that they can do the pugachev cobra a very difficult dogfight maneuver. ur pilots are a bunch of fat cad losers. no matter how many times you boast that PAF is way better you are still in the habit of losing wars. No doubt PAF is a formidable force but IAF is better because it flies the skies with Indians not pigs.
Stupid we made you pregnant in 1948,1965,1971,1999 and in balakot. You are just like a prose… Forget to write…. Other wise……… Wanhi aa kar marunga……. We have all hero’s like WC Aabhinandan……… Be prepared for pre-mature delivery this time……..
Stupid Do you have roti to eat ? We have all hero Pilots like WC Aabhinandan. Remember 1948,1965,1971,1999 balakot and current at border…. What entire world says about you…… Shame… Shame… Stop writing about us other wise…… Wanhi aa kar maroonga…….
very truly said dear pakistani citilzen, PAF is the best in the world and Pakistan is the best country in the world. One day pakistan will rule the world. And pakistaan is siting at the top of chane ka jhaad. thank you
You think you will throw these fake statistics at us and scare us off. You idiot! You say that PAF is one of the leading airforces of the world. If your PAF was even half as good as you say, things would have been different. And mind you, please leave that rosy world of yours and start paying attention to finer details such as logic and common sense!
The print = Bullshit
True
PAF has experience in bombing areas of North Wazristhan using F 16s during operation zarb e zarb. IAF never bombs its own villages.
Pakistan is the only country in this world which barter in lies …from top to bottom …& then they are happy with that… living in illusion…they don’t care about truth & nor they want to hear it…this is not my opinion…this is what world says & so many other sources…even Hassan nisar Pakistan journalist scholar says it exactly in his words that pakistan is the only com in this world which has been raised up on lies from very starting & is still
living up on it ..see his video
Pakistani people have always been told by their leaders & military that they were winner in all the wars with India…but the fact is they lost all the 4 wars…check out on internet…they have always fooled their people about economy, politics & People take pride in that…loll
Yes… You can visit Bengal… You are invited…
writer unaware of the reality. from the comments such as WAC doesnt have a firing range speaks enough of his lack of in depth knowledge about the subject he is discussing.. about the usage of simulator, again he fails to realise that all modern forces use maximum of Similator rather than real flying and still IAF is the one which was criticized for making maximum real time flying efforts.
Mostly people commenting here on air forces do not have a toilet available to them to poo….. the shit gets to brain and for few it comes out from all output slots including comments. Just relax and keep remembering MM. Alam, Balakot & 27 Feb 2019 that is the comparison
The writer should be unbiased, he should write only truth by ignoring all the consquences.
India must realize that they cannot pressurize the pakistani army. There is a lesson for india in 27 dog fight.
India faced a shamless defeat on this day. They lost thier Two fighter aircrafts,
Shooted their own halicopter by fear of pakistani army and lost many soliders and officers as a result.
Pakistan showed all the evidences but india nothing.
One thing you must understand that you are unable to fight with excellent pakistani army.
How many cents army pays you for posting these facts. Excellent pakistani army my foot. Lost every war they fought. When couldn’t gather strength to fight more wars then resorted to proxy. There also we defeated you. Entered balakot unchallenged,bombed target successfully eliminated 130-170 insects and returned unscratched. So much so your PM was afraid of full scale war. Shut up and know your place and stop spamming our pages. We are better off without you.
skull cap forgot 90000 duffers pakistani soldiers kneel on knees along with Gen . Zia begging for mercy you dumbo check history India has never invaded any country only you in name of desert uneducated camel rider who fooled you duffers and m today suffering being killed like wild pigs everywhere in world
Excellent Pakistan army???.
One minute silence for people like Nasir.
Lost 4 wars and still remains EXCELLENT.
A formation of F 16s was swayed away by much interior MiG 21 but PAF remains EXCELLENT.
Soldiers and terrorists train together in same camps but Pakistan army remains EXCELLENT.
Refuses to pick up dead bodies of it’s martyred Soldier but it still remains EXCELLENT.
Cannot prevent surgical strike and air strike by INDIAN FORCES but Pakistan army remains EXCELLENT.
How proficient are you in lying?
Have you been trained by Pakistan army??
Excellent Pakistan army???.
One minute silence for people like Nasir.
Lost 4 wars and still remains EXCELLENT.
A formation of F 16s was swayed away by much interior MiG 21 but PAF remains EXCELLENT.
Soldiers and terrorists train together in same camps but Pakistan army remains EXCELLENT.
Refuses to pick up dead bodies of it’s martyred Soldier but it still remains EXCELLENT.
Cannot prevent surgical strike and air strike by INDIAN FORCES but Pakistan army remains EXCELLENT.
How proficient are you in lying??
Have you been trained by Pakistan army??
Even your freedom to press doesn’t allow you to humiliate the strength of India. Dare you print such articles from next time. May the hormone of patriotism rise in ur blood. Jai Hind!!
The critic should be taken in good spirit. Gen Manekshaw once said Yes men around ate more dangerous. While all of us love our country, those in power should take the critic seriously. On positive side, it is good to see that some retired armed forces personnel who served more than twe years have said we are in good shape proves that the claim that nothing has happened over last seventy years when different government were in power has been proved wrong
When The print says that Army or CPOs are in trouble then I only laugh loudly…
Only one target to defame india.
On the outset..let me compliment the writer on penning an readable article.. albeit based on absolutely incorrect figures and slipshod analysis.
1. Pilot to aircraft ratio is not a standard measure. It is different for fighters, helicopters and transport. So unless you do a comparison uniquely for all types..the ratios stated are useless for any conclusion. Moreover, IAF has a huge fleet of twin cockpit fighters…the ratios to make them effective is grossly different. So, Mr writer..pl wisen up before deducing efficacy of any armed forces.
2. Fighters in all air forces have limited by periodic servicings…thus, nowhere any air force can fly them non stop forever. Thus, your deductions of less pilot ratio preventing continued deployment of fighter is way off the mark.
3. You cited that WAC of IAF do not have a range…pl take a guess on how far is Pokhran from any operational base in WAC..max 70 min of flying time for any fighter…a minor step for these flying beasts buddy.
4. You claimed that fighters are not moved due to logistical hassles… Must share that your informer is terrible…IAF has a well oiled mechanism of fighter deployment away from bases…thus us exercised regularly and without breaking sweat…so relax.
PAF is a capable adversary..a group of well trained personnel doing their job well…IAF is an extremely potent force with the best mix of man and machine. Do draw out your statistics right and let them decide who is best when the time comes..will urge you not to deduce based on predecided judgement.
Hope to read a wiser article next time
Excellent analysis of a BS article. The author has conveniently ignored that India has one of the largest and most diverse military transportation… to provide service operations and missions like over sea, coastal, desert, high altitude, counter insurgency and covert. Crew numbers for various aircraft and helicopter ranges from 1 to many… like in case of AWACS or payload drops.
As they say, empty vessels make more noise.
This news agency isn’t a news agency its just a fucked up group of people getting paid by some foreign group for propoganda purpose. Not accepting comments. Writing this for third time.
It’s interesting to see people who have not flown anything beyond their folding paper planes as kids write so eloquently about real life fighter jets and real pilots.
Do pray tell, how many aircraft does Pakistan have with respect to India?
How many of those aircraft are flightworthy and how many of those flight worthy aircraft are combat ready?
I’m not a blind bhakt like many of my fellow Indians here, and I willingly accept the limitations of our armed forces, however this article and it’s claims are borderline absurd.
By reading the article it’s well understood that this propoganda was spread by our enemy country. IAF is well capable of handling the task allotted to them. Moreover every organisation have their own issues which is sorted out in their own way. Upgradation is continuing process in every country. This will effect the efficiency of the organisation. Let me assure that we are enough capable to face our enemies.
I fail to understand all those Pakistanis boasting their strengths and mighty in this article don’t even looking their real situations. No hospitals, 0 economy, country run by both Army and terrorists nigal vandi even need india starting from tomatoes to hospitals, cannot have even capacity to build train engines, bogies etc come with mentioning their jf17 pak painting on chinese planes. Pls first stop begging and don’t shame the region. Dont sell ur minorities girls to chinease.Make atleast few hospitals and schools. If these basic things come then will discuss rest. Good luck next time.
What is the purpose of this article ?I know this newspaper is run a group of anti nationals. Even if what you are saying is true, is it justified publish such an article.
You urban naxala are testing the.endurance limit of this country . What is your qualification to write this article ? When no one knew about Balakot , til it actually happened. This is the secrecy maintained by our forces. Don’t believe they will divulge such secrets to a paper run by you.
To demean the government, you are trying to bring down the country.
I know , you will not publish my comment.
The rebuttal isn’t easy on this forum.
US F18 colonel said, after a dogfight against Pakistani F16s, we were like a ping-pong ball against you guys. Wasn’t the same case against Indian warplanes on the morning of 27th Feb this year?
I don’t understand how can someone even such article. Senseless article. No country would allow it . Its height of stupidity. He should be investigated and tried out
Thanks to congress. Congress main interest to rob and rape India. If they spend money to strengthen Indian Army and air force, then, lee money to rob. Also it upset the religion buddies in Pakistan. So any effort to strengthen Indian air force will be very strongly oppose by congress.