Vineet R asked: Does India need/have dedicated Close Air Support (CAS) platforms such as the A-10 Warthog or Su-25?

Kishore Kumar Khera replies: Close Air Support (CAS) is one of the important facets of combat air operations in which air support is provided to surface combatants in close combat. With greater battlespace transparency and enhanced range and accuracy of surface and air-delivered munitions, the surface combat sphere has expanded. This has resulted in a larger distance between opposing surface combatants as a rule. Consequently, there is a lower need for classic close air support missions.

Air power shapes the battlespace by providing protective air cover and eroding enemy combat potential. Besides CAS, the air power supports the surface forces to thwart the enemy offensive, breach the enemy defences, or impede the enemy logistical supplies. Accordingly, the expected share of CAS in Counter Surface Force Operations is minuscule.

Rather than acquiring a mission-specific capability, it is more pertinent to develop a capability that can be exploited in various phases of conflict and for multiple purposes. Accordingly, all new generation aircraft are conceptualised, designed, and developed as multirole aircraft.

India does not have a dedicated CAS aircraft. However, besides other combat missions, all combat aircraft on the Indian inventory can undertake CAS missions, should the need arise.

Views expressed are of the expert and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or the Government of India.