First batch of AJT will be inducted to IAF in Two Weeks: Major

Bangalore, Oct 30 (UNI) The first batch of the Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft HAWKS will join the Indian Air Force (IAF) within two weeks and would be placed at IAF base Bidar in Karnataka, Chief of Air Staff F H Major said today.

Speaking to newspersons, after inaugurating Seminar on 'Helicopter Technology' organised by Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI) here, he said that the state-of-the-art multi-role trainer aircraft would replace Kiran aircraft.

He said that IAF would receive first four AJT's among the 66 new Hawks and rest would be inducted in phased manner. The delivery of the first batch of AJT's to IAF would help to enhance the capability of the Indian Air Force, in meeting advanced jet training requirements, he added.

The first batch of 24 aircraft will be built at BAE Systems, facilities in Brough and remaining 42 aircraft will be manufactured under license in India through a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Replying to a question, Mr Major also informed that the induction of Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for which global tenders were placed recently was expected to induct into force by 2012. The proposal for MMRCA was placed to induct 5th generation fighter aircraft and phasing out MIG version fighter aircraft, he said.

"Acquisition of new version of combat aircraft was nothing but a global phenomena and IAF was not an exception to it" he added.

Stating that establishment of Joint Aerospace Command comprising all the three wings of the forces was needed as Aerospace power covers both sea, surface and air defences, he added.

UNI