NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force is focusing on ‘cannibalisation’ to keep the serviceability rates of its dwindling number of jets at a high level. ‘Cannibalisation’ or ‘Christmas tree’ are terms used by the Air Force in which parts of one aircraft are used as spare parts to keep the another running.
The IAF is facing a crunch situation as three squadrons, 18 aircraft each, of IAF’s aging MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighter jets, bought from Russia in the 60s and 70s, are set to be phased out this year. An additional squadron of the Su-30 fighter aircraft is expected to follow them.
The IAF strength is currently limited to 35 squadron when the sanctioned strength for a possible two way fight - Pakistan and China combined - is 45. Senior Air Force officials are hopeful that the government will quickly wrap up the ongoing negotiations for 36 Rafale jets with France even as they await the Mark 2 version of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Though the deal to procure 36 Rafale fighters will not be sufficient to meet IAF’s requirement, the Air Force is hopeful that the government might go in for more. Talking about serviceability (aircraft available for operation), the sources said the even ‘cannibalisation’ wasn’t enough to keep the jets flying.
“Different parts of each aircraft have their own life cycle and service requirements. It is not as simple as one would imagine,” the sources said.