kurup
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With HALs IJT-36 Project been stuck IAF has worries of a different kind, Grounding of Stage I HPT-32 trainers nearly 3 years ago meant that its Stage II trainer aircraft Kiran MK-I/II had to shoulder responsibility to train newbie pilots in Stage I and Stage II .
Youngest aircraft is 24 years old and been in service for over 42 years, most of the aircrafts are reaching their air frame lifes and additional flight training hours in recent years due to grounding of HPT-32 has made matters worse .
Induction of Pilatus PC-7 Mk 2 from Jan 2013 will ease pressure on the Kiran fleet, but for how long air force will be able to maintain the fleet with its replacement in not in sight? Sensing trouble with local project, Russia already has been Pitching YAK-130 Combat Trainer/Fighter for India.
Recent additional order for 20 Hawk ajt has been regarding expected delays in HAL HJT-36 Sitara jet trainer, Air force has requirements for over 200 Stage-II aircrafts, HAL needs to fix HJT-36 Sitara, India cannot afford to buy 200 Trainer aircrafts from abroad.
Current Scenario
Stage-I / II training on Kiran MK-I/II, Stage III on Baes Hawk AJT.
Scenario from 2013
Stage-1 Pilatus PC-7 Mk 2, Stage-2 Kiran MK-I/II, and Stage III on Baes Hawk AJT.
Scenario from 2015/16 onwards.
Stage-1 Pilatus PC-7 Mk 2, Stage-2 HJT-36 Sitara, and Stage III on Baes Hawk AJT.
IAF