Topic– Security challenges and their management in border areas; Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
6) Discuss the issues being faced faced by IAF with respect to maintaining numerical adequacy?(250 words)
Why this question
The question expects us to discuss the problem of numbers being faced by Indian Air force and how they are trying to resolve the issue. The focus of the article is on explaining how the IAF is bolstering it’s numbers and examining the issues that it is facing.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the issues that the IAF is facing with respect to its numbers and how it is trying to resolve the issue. We need to discuss these issues, point out CAG’s observations and discuss the way forward.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain about the recent Rafale controversy and how the IAF is lagging behind in maintaining its fleet.
Body
- Discuss the issues faced by IAF with respect to acquisition of new aircrafts to maintain its fleet strength. The Indian Air Force’s problems with numbers is no secret, It has been plagued by poor decision-making, poor acquisition strategy and shoddy quality control and contract delivery.
- Highlight how IAF plans to acquire a squadron plus (21 aircraft) of MiG-29s that were lying unassembled and moth-balled in a Russian facility and thereafter discuss the CAG report with respect to capital acquisition by IAF and the issues inherent in the process.
- Discuss what needs to be done for the IAF to be prepared against any eventuality
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view and discuss the way forward.
