IAF-CHINA 3LST

For hit capability, the IAF was working in collaboration
with the Russians for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft
that it hopes to induct by 2017, Naik said.

Other new acquisitions in the pipeline were multi role
transport aircraft, VVIP helicopters, 80 medium lift
helicopters, which would be delivered beginning next year.

On the air defence front, the IAF was working on joint
ventures for medium range and short range surface-to-air
missiles. It would start inducting three squadrons of the
Israeli Spyder missiles from 2011-12, he added.

For radars, there were a series of acquisitions planned,
including the indigenous Rohini radars from DRDO and BEL, low
and medium power radars, and low-level light weight radars for
mountainous terrains.

"We are looking at overall build up of capability and it
is not adversary-specific, but capability-specific. IAF is
looking at becoming a leaner and meaner force. The PM has
already described our area of responsibility to extend from
Hormuz to Malacca," Naik stressed when asked about the Chinese
air force, which was stated to be three times larger than IAF.

Regarding the deployment of Sukhoi air superiority
fighter jets in Tezpur, Assam, Naik said the infrastructure of
the airbase was being upgraded and once it was over, the
full strength of a Sukhoi squadron would be based there.

The IAF had earlier this year deployed four of its
Sukhois at Tezpur as a precursor to the full squadron
deployment. PTI