'Air Dominance Not Possible Without...': Defence Expert On India's Stealth Jet Search
India's ongoing quest for next-generation fighter jets and stealth aircraft highlights the pivotal importance of air power in today's complex warfare scenarios. Defence Expert Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.) has articulated that achieving air dominance has become an existential necessity for national security, drawing insights from recent military operations and global conflicts.
Lessons from Op Sindoor and Ukraine Conflicts
Shukla points to critical lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where air superiority has proven decisive. He emphasizes that stealth aircraft, when integrated with wraparound technologies, form the backbone of modern air combat strategies.
The essential components for controlling the skies include:
- Advanced stealth capabilities in fighter jets
- Sophisticated electronic warfare systems
- Space-based surveillance and communication networks
- Cybersecurity measures for air defense systems
Beyond Piloted Aircraft: The New Frontier of Air Power
While traditional piloted aircraft remain indispensable, Shukla notes that they face operational limitations in certain combat scenarios. The future of air warfare extends beyond manned platforms to include:
- Unmanned aerial vehicles and drone swarms
- Artificial intelligence-enabled combat systems
- 3D printing for rapid equipment manufacturing
- Advanced command and control networks
These technological advancements create what Shukla describes as "lethal frontiers" that can dramatically alter battlefield outcomes and strategic advantages.
India's Defence Imperatives for Future Warfare
The defence expert outlines several critical areas where India must focus its investments and strategic planning:
Key investment priorities include:
- Development and deployment of advanced unmanned systems
- Enhancement of integrated air defense networks
- Implementation of combined arms operations utilizing AI and robotics
- Acceleration of military transformation through Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs)
Shukla stresses that while piloted platforms will continue to play a vital role, the future of air power is inherently multifaceted. The integration of various technological domains creates a comprehensive approach to air superiority that no single system can achieve independently.
The Urgency of Military Modernization
With evolving global threats and changing warfare dynamics, Shukla emphasizes the imperative for India to accelerate its military transformation. This includes not only technological upgrades but also doctrinal shifts and capability enhancements across all branches of the armed forces.
The development of lethal capabilities through advanced technologies, coupled with strategic organizational changes like IBGs, represents a crucial pathway for India to maintain credible deterrence and operational effectiveness in future conflicts.
