India's air power is all set to get a huge boost as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is holding talks with various companies over the purchase of different types of aircraft in the near future.
On Friday, Union minister of state for defence Jitendra Singh went on a sortie in one of the newly inducted PC-7 MK-11 basic trainer aircraft flown by a pilot at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. "It was magical. We also did a few maneuvers. It reminded me of the days when I used to fly," Jitendra Singh said.
It cost Rs 3,500 crore for purchasing 75 PC-7 MK-11 aircraft from Switzerland, developing the required infrastructure and ground facilities.
As about a dozen of the basic trainer aircraft have arrived, they will be used for ab initio training of pilots by the IAF from July this year. The rest of the aircraft is expected to reach by August 2015. These aircraft have been purchased keeping in mind the needs of training up to the year 2060, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said. He, however, said the IAF actually needs 173 aircraft.
To the question whether the induction of the new trainer aircraft means there would be no more mishaps at Dundigal like before when the HPT-32 trainer aircraft was being used, the Air Chief said, "Military aviation, one must understand, has risks".
He said the earlier HPT-32 trainer aircraft had 'engine cuts' and this problem could not be understood or rectified. The Air Chief also pointed out that IAF had seen the best safety record in its entire history last year. He said the C-17 Globemaster III airlifters will arrive in India from the US on June 17. These aircraft, purchased from Boeing, will be used for 'strategic air lifting' by the IAF.
As part of the modernisation of the IAF, he said negotiations were being held for the purchase of the air-to-air refuelling tanker A330 MRTT from Airbus. He said negotiations had been completed for the purchasing of the C-130J aircraft. These aircraft reportedly will be used for the Special Forces.
Browne said the negotiations went off 'smoothly' for acquiring the Medium Multi Role Aircraft (MMRC) and the deal is expected to be finalised by September or October this year. He also said by the end of next year the IAF would have the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
Replying to a question, the air chief said the IAF had been sanctioned
20 more hawk aircraft which are expected to be delivered in three years time. "I am also missing the disbanded Surya Kiran team. When the hawk aircraft arrive, the aerobatics team will be revived," he said.
Jitendra Singh said there would be complete transparency in the new acquisitions being made by the defence ministry. "The Defence Procurement Policy-2013 will create a better environment for the Indian industry to be involved in defence production," the minister said.