Centre to order more jet trainers in future

Bidar, Karnataka, Feb 23 (UNI) The Centre would order 40 more Hawk-132 jet trainers and many more intermediate jet trainers in coming years, Defence Minister A K Antony said today.

Speaking to reporters after the formal induction of Hawk-132 advanced jet trainers (AJTs) into the IAF, at the Air Station in Bidar, he said decision making was a problem for a long time which had delayed defence procurement, apart from money being a constraint.

''But now everything is done at a fast pace. The defence forces will get modern equipment including UAVs and aircraft in the coming years,'' he said.

The government focussed on social factors and was also giving equal priority to economic growth, defence and security of the nation, he added.

UNI RS MSP VD AS1827