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Indian Air Force trainer jet deal in a limbo
Gautam Datt New Delhi, January 10, 2012
The Indian Air Force had hoped that the crucial contract to buy 75 new basic trainers, for which there is an urgent requirement, would be finalised last year.
But the Defence Ministry has not been able to clear the last hurdle of convincing the Finance Ministry about the costs involved. The IAF has selected Swiss Pilatus PC-7 trainers for its rookie pilots. A billion dollar deal is scheduled to be taken up by the cabinet committee on security "anytime" but sources said more clarifications have been sought.
The IAF's other major contract - a Rs.6,600 crore project to arm upgraded Mirage 2000 combat jets - was cleared last week but the deal for basic trainers will take more time before final approval.
But the delay is only adding to the IAF's training woes. In the absence of a basic trainer, rookie pilots are learning their first flying lessons on jet aircraft. In a normal flying training course, rookies are expected to learn on basic trainers before getting into the cockpits of more complex jets.
The IAF was forced to do away with this practice as its fleet of basic HPT-32 trainers was grounded after it was deemed unsafe in 2009. The government will spend an estimated Rs.3,000 crore on the 75 trainers. Some analysts had claimed that the lifecycle cost of the aircraft have not been factored in the current contract. It has led to some questions, as longevity of product support was a crucial aspect.
Maintenance of aircraft is a crucial aspect and the IAF expects manufacturers to support the product till they last in the service. Even if the deal is signed this month, it will still take at least two to three years for the first delivery of aircraft. This means that the training of young pilots will remain affected during this period.
Indian Air Force trainer jet deal in a limbo : North News - India Today
Gautam Datt New Delhi, January 10, 2012
The Indian Air Force had hoped that the crucial contract to buy 75 new basic trainers, for which there is an urgent requirement, would be finalised last year.
But the Defence Ministry has not been able to clear the last hurdle of convincing the Finance Ministry about the costs involved. The IAF has selected Swiss Pilatus PC-7 trainers for its rookie pilots. A billion dollar deal is scheduled to be taken up by the cabinet committee on security "anytime" but sources said more clarifications have been sought.
The IAF's other major contract - a Rs.6,600 crore project to arm upgraded Mirage 2000 combat jets - was cleared last week but the deal for basic trainers will take more time before final approval.
But the delay is only adding to the IAF's training woes. In the absence of a basic trainer, rookie pilots are learning their first flying lessons on jet aircraft. In a normal flying training course, rookies are expected to learn on basic trainers before getting into the cockpits of more complex jets.
The IAF was forced to do away with this practice as its fleet of basic HPT-32 trainers was grounded after it was deemed unsafe in 2009. The government will spend an estimated Rs.3,000 crore on the 75 trainers. Some analysts had claimed that the lifecycle cost of the aircraft have not been factored in the current contract. It has led to some questions, as longevity of product support was a crucial aspect.
Maintenance of aircraft is a crucial aspect and the IAF expects manufacturers to support the product till they last in the service. Even if the deal is signed this month, it will still take at least two to three years for the first delivery of aircraft. This means that the training of young pilots will remain affected during this period.
Indian Air Force trainer jet deal in a limbo : North News - India Today
