munir can u pls provide the link. because i tried to Google it but nothing as such came up
Mate... it is not so new news for those who are following the Phalcon acquisition date...the only thing that is new here is defence minister officially confirming it.
Here is the news article...
Sandeep Unnithan
New Delhi, October 20, 2008
Late delivery of the IL-76 aircraft and spares, from Russia, is the reason for delay in the Indian Air Force's acquisition of three 'Phalcon' Airbone Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) from Israel.
Responding to a question in parliament on Monday, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that the main reason for the delay was the late arrival of the first modified aircraft from Russia to Israel.
The progress on the flight trials has also been slow since the required spares have to be shipped from Russia, Antony said.
Under a unique tripartite deal worth $1.1 billion signed in 2004, India was to purchase three IL-76 transport aircraft from Russia and would send them to Israel which would then fit them with the 'Phalcon' airborne radars and deliver them to the IAF beginning this year.
Under the revised delivery schedule, the IAF will get its first Phalcon in February 2009, the second in September and the third by April 2010.
AWACS are aircrafts with powerful phased array radars mounted on them. They can scan targets nearly 400 km away and remain airborne for up to 14 hours.
These airborne radars are used to direct friendly aircraft on intercept courses and can also be used to detect missiles and ground targets.
The IAF has reportedly evinced interest in acquiring five more Phalcon AWACS.
And here is the official Press Release.......
DELAY IN ACQUISITION OF PHALCON AWACS
As per the current delivery schedule, the delivery of three AWACS to India is expected to be made in February 2009, September 2009 and April 2010.
The main reason for the delay is the late arrival of the first modified aircraft from Russia in Israel. The progress on the flight trials has also been slow since the required spares have to be shipped from Russia.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivajirao and Shri Ravi Prakash Verma in Lok Sabha today
PIB Press Release
