Mission Mars

The IAF8217;s Agra-based 78 Squadron is working on a concept paper to show how mid-air refuelling needs to be doctrinally infused across al...

The IAF8217;s Agra-based 78 Squadron is working on a concept paper to show how mid-air refuelling needs to be doctrinally infused across all the three forces, to make all IAF fighter aircraft refuellable.

The squadron operates four massive IL-78M refuellers, which it purchased from Uzbekistan in 2002, and will add two more by October-end. It currently refuels Su-30, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 fighters. Harriers of the Navy and MiG-29s may also be brought on board for refuelling soon. The MiG-21 BIS upgradation is also under consideration.

Air-to-air refuelling allows longer and more penetrative combat missions, effectively making redundant the need for fighters to refuel on the ground.

8216;8216;We are currently working on the doctrinal aspects and will soon come out with a paper, which will be sent to the Directorate of Concept Studies at Air Headquarters,8217;8217; said 78 Squadron Commanding Officer Shouvik Roy. 8216;8216;The full potential of this force multiplier can only be realised if all fighters are able to make use of it. Air-to-air refuelling should become a natural part of the IAF8217;s operational profile,8217;8217; he told reporters, who were taken on a two-hour refuelling sortie between Agra and Lucknow.

The squadron8217;s IL-78Ms were fitted with three Israeli ARP-3 refuelling pods each 8212; one under each wing and one on the tail. The pods can inject fuel into fighters at the rate of 500-1,600 kg per minute, wrapping up the process in about five minutes. Israeli teams still help maintain the fleet at Agra.

The squadron is also working on arming its fleet with defence systems. 8216;8216;Our IL-78 fleet is a new asset. We are taking no chances with them,8217;8217; said Roy, adding: 8216;8216;Everything8217;s at the planning stage 8217;8217;.

IL-78Ms cannot be refuelled themselves, though Russia is said to have managed to refuel a IL-76 in flight. The 78 Squadron, codenamed Mars mid-air refuelling squadron, will participate in an air show over Mauritius on its way from the Golden Eagle 2004 air exercise currently on in South Africa.