IAF's first Swiss Pilatus trainer aircraft arrives in India

[Skull and Bones]

Actually the Funny thing is that Once the Jaguars and Mig 27 are Retired from Service , it would be the Rafale that would be used for providing CAS

That would be uneconomical, reasons already stated in post #6.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

The IAF wanted a basic TRAINER a/c NOT a CAS turbo-prop platform. The Hawk and PC-7 will only be armed in IAF service to train IAF pilots in such techniques but not to be used in live operations, the sole purpose of these a/c in the IAF is TRAINING.


The IAF does not employ any fixed-wing a/c in CI CAS missions to date and has ruled out such missions for the most part. As such a system like the Super Tucano is not needed for India.

RIP HTT-40 then:
Had assumed this for some time but this is confirmation.

The IAF uses/will use the Hawk for weapons training as well, just as the Kiran Mk.2 has been/ is being used.

That statement about non-use of fixed wing aircraft by the IAF for CI ops is incorrect. The IAF used the Vampires in Nagaland in 1960s for a very short while. Then that operation was shut down because the GoI decided that IAF will not be used in lethal operations against its own citizens. That was a decision based on the philosophy of operations not on operational methodology.

If the need so arises; then the Hawk can be used in CI (or any ops) by the IAF. That option will remain open till it is exercised.

That would be uneconomical, reasons already stated in post #6.

Now think about why the IAF has upgraded the Jaguar's avionics and is re-engining that aircraft. Apart from that the IAF has another arrow in it s quiver the Hawk.

 

[Skull and Bones]

Now think about why the IAF has upgraded the Jaguar's avionics and is re-engining that aircraft. Apart from that the IAF has another arrow in it s quiver the Hawk.

But the problem persists, a jet engine having limited endurance and limited presence over combat zone. And it's exhaust fumes are an easy target for IR seeking MANPADS.

Requires proper runway for take off and refuel.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

But the problem persists, a jet engine having limited endurance and limited presence over combat zone. And it's exhaust fumes are an easy target for IR seeking MANPADS.

Requires proper runway for take off and refuel.

No, that is not quite the situation. On what basis did you jump to the conclusion that the Jaguar has "limited endurance and limited combat presence over combat zone"?? The Jag is a DPSA. Now mull over what that means.

The Jaguar (like the Mig-27) is capable of "Rough-Field" ops. That is what it was designed for as well.

 

[shree835]

der aaye durust aaye

 

[S-DUCT]

Livefist: IAF Receives First Lot Of Pilatus PC-7 Trainers

 

[Abingdonboy]

Livefist: IAF Receives First Lot Of Pilatus PC-7 Trainers

I don't know if these are actually the IAF's- they've got the Swiss flag on the tail.

Read this on Livefist:

IAF Statement: The Indian Air Force has received the first lot of the new basic trainer aircraft 'PC-7 Mk-II' produced by the Pilatus aircraft company of Switzerland, which arrived today at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal near Hyderabad. The first lot of aircraft were flown in by the Swiss pilots and received at Air Force Academy by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal Rajinder Singh PVSM AVSM VM and Commandant AFA, Air Marshal RG Burli VM. The aircraft 'PC-7 Mk-II' is a modern trainer aircraft, equipped with the latest navigation system and training aids, and is being used by many Air Forces around the world. The IAF is to get 75 such aircrafts in the coming months. With the induction of the 'PC-7 Mk-II' aircraft, the IAF will be able to meet the long standing need of having a basic trainer aircraft post grounding of HPT-32 in July 2009.

So I'm pretty confused. Why do IAF trainers have Swiss flags on them? The is something amiss with this.