Dearth of aircraft don't pose threat: Rane

Gwalior, Apr 2 (UNI) Air Marshal Yashwantrao Rane today denied that the dearth of fighter aircraft in Indian Air Force fleet posed a threat and assured that aircraft such as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and Refueler aircraft would be included in the IAF by next year.

Mr Rane, who is also Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command (SAC), told reporters here today that it was true that Mig 21 and Mig 23 series of aircraft had been pulled off but it had not affected the IAF's capability.

''We are not only upgrading our fighter aircraft and weapons but also including aircraft such as AWACS and Refueler in the IAF by next year,'' he said, adding that the Centre was serious over the matter and was taking all possible steps to modernise the Air Force.

Mr Rane said India need not be frightened with Pakistan purchasing new fighter planes with the financial assistance from the US. Purchasing new fighter aircraft and upgrading existing ones was a slow process.

On declining interest among youths for recruitment in the IAF, Mr Rane said there was no dearth as only 3-5 per cent of aspirants succeed in receiving training.

He said economic condition of a country would be better only when its defence was strong.

UNI