IAF Getting 40 SU-30s on 'Fast Track' to Cover Gaps in Aging Fleet

Bangalore, Feb 8 (UNI) The Indian Air Force, promised "a lot of goodies" by the Government, is acquiring immediately some 40 Russian Sukhoi-30 fighters on the "fast track" to fill "inevitable gaps" in its aging fleet, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi confirmed here today.

Already in the process of acquiring 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) much delayed due to the laborious Indian process of deciding on major defence deals despite a new Procurement Policy in place, the IAF was also acquiring through the "fast track purchase" route 80 Medium-lift multi-role Mi-17 1V helicopters and a dozen other choppers for VIP use as also the Advanced Light Helicopter 'Dhruv' number unspecified.

The Russian Sukhois, estimated to cost 40 Million US Dollars apiece, were expected to be in IAF service "within the next three years", the Air Chief said.

Besides, the first squadron strength of the British Hawk fighters would commence arriving shortly as also the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) later this year, the IAF Chief announced during a media interaction here on the sidelines of the ongoing Aero India 2007 Sixth International Aerospace& Defence Exhibition.

Air Chief Marshal Tyagi demitting office next month-end admitted his Force suffered paucity in numbers, an aging fleet and shortage in replacement. But all these issues, he assured, were being addressed by an equally concerned Government.

The IAF, he pointed out, had a three-pronged procurement strategy 'upgrade' older equipment to keep it as contemporary as was financially and practically viable; 'procure' what was needed; and resort to 'fast rack purchases' to fill the inevitable gaps.

Questioned about "delay" in preparing the Request For Proposal (RFP) for the 126 MRCA, the Air Chief said a lot of parameters had to be taken into consideration before reaching the RFP stage. "The numbers are important but equally important are the capabilities there is a requirement of technology and capabilities." ACM Tyagi made clear his Force hitherto having to operate and maintain multiple types of aircraft was keen to have "a single-type MRCA". There had to be "commonality", he observed.

Stressing the need for inculcating -- as a whole -- more "air-mindedness", the Air Chief said the Government could have a more clear vision of national interests and how it would ensure them; the Air Force should have a plan to convert that intent into wherewithal people, processes and equipment and deliver; Research and Development and the industry must develop the abilities and produce; and civil aviation, in synergy with military aviation, enhance national aerospace power.

In its Platinum Jubilee Year of Formation, the IAF, he said, was not only one of the largest but also "one of the most capable and professional Air Forces of the world".

"In exercises with leading Air Forces, IAF has earned respect and admiration and continuing this endeavour, in July later this year, some 6 to 8 Sukhoi-30s would be going to the United Kingdom for joint exercises with the RAF." From February 12 next week, the French were coming here. The IAF Air Warriors would go to the United States sometime next year to take part in exercises where they had already proved their mettle against the best of Air Forces of the World, ACM Tyagi said.

UNI