Augmenting operational strength: IAF in the process of inducting more aircraft

NEW DELHI: Augmenting its operational strength, the IAF is in the process of inducting additional Su-30 MKI aircraft manufactured under licence by HAL and Light Combat Aircraft ( LCA), which is manufactured indigenously by HAL, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Lok Sabha.

He said that the requirement of fighter aircraft is periodically reviewed to ensure that the IAF meets its operational needs.

Speaking on the India-France joint statement issued by the two countries during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France, Parrikar said that India has informed France that it would like to acquire 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition as quickly as possible in view of critical operational necessity for Multirole Combat Aircraft for IAF.




In pic: Su-30 MKI aircraft


He further added that the terms of the inter-governmental agreement between the two countries for supply of the aircraft would be better than those conveyed by Dassault Aviation as part of a separate process underway.

The delivery time-frame of the aircraft would be compatible with the operational requirement of IAF. The aircraft and its associated systems and weapons would be delivered on the same configuration as had been tested and approved by IAF, and with a longer maintenance responsibility by France, said the Defence Minister.




In pic: Two French Air Force Rafale C fighter jets
Further, Parrikar added that the meetings of the Indian Negotiating team with the French side have commenced to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend a draft agreement.