Kalam to take sortie on Su-30 MKI

New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam will take a sortie on the Indian Air Force's most recent and advanced acquisition the Sukhoi-30 MKI multi-role fighter on June Eight.

''The President had expressed a desire to know more about the operation and capabilities of this advanced fighter, accordingly a sortie has been arranged for him on June Eight,'' IAF spokesman Wing Commander Mahesh Upasani told UNI.

Dr Kalam will be piloted by 20 Squadron Chief Wg Cmdr Ajay Rahore, the spokesman added. Coincidentally, June Eight is also the 50th anniversary of the Lohegaon-based squadron.

Dr Kalam will be the first President to fly on an IAF fighter plane. The President, who was closely associated with the Indian arms programme, is known for his hands-on approach and has already spent a night aboard a nuclear submarine.

Former Defence Minister George Fernandes had flown on a MiG-21 in order to address fears about the aircraft's suitability.

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