Upgradation of MiG 27 in progress: Air Marshal Singh

Chandigarh, Nov 13 (UNI) To overcome the shortage of fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force has decided to upgrade the existing fleet of MiG 27 and MiG 29 aircraft, Western Air Command AOC-in-C Air Marshal A K Singh said today.

Air Marshal Singh while addressing the mediapersons at the Air Force Station Highgrounds near here said that both the variants of MiGs are being upgraded with the latest technology which would enhance the life span of the aircraft to one and half times.

The Air Marshal informed that the upgradation of MiG 27 is being done at the Hindustan Aeronauticals Limited at Nasik, whereas the upgradation of MiG 29 is in pipeline.

Highgrounds Station Commander Group Capt B K Sood informed that upgraded versions of MiG 27 have been tested successfully, whereas it would take nearly three years to upgrade the MiG 29 aircraft.

Also to enhance the capabilities of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, as per the requirements of the Air Force, the engine of Dhruv helicopter is being fitted in them, informed the Air Marshal.

Air Marshal Singh said for the Presidential Review, which will take place in Chandigarh after 35 years in March next year, more than 100 planes would participate in the function as part of the IAF's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Air Marshal, who was here on an inspection visit, was briefed about the training programmes being conducted at the station as well as various innovations and training aids developed here.

He visited various sections of the Station including X-ray model of MiG 27 as well as the newly set up MiG 29 training complex.

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