MIG 23 aircraft being phased out

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) The Indian Force has progressively phased out MIG 23 aircraft from its service upon completion of assigned technical life, the Lok Sabha was told today.

Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written answer that some variants of MIG aircraft were manufactured by M/S Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). However, no MIG aircraft are being manufactured by HAL now.

Repair and overhaul facilities of certain type of aircraft have been set up HAL and IAF, he said adding the Indian Air Force was continuously updating itself with advanced technologies .

The Defence Minister denied any Swing Wing aircraft had been inducted in its place. The question did not arise ,he said.

The MIG 23 aircraft had become controvusial following a number of mishaps having occured involving the aircraft in the country.

UNI