10-10-2007, 11:43 AM
IAF to look a new force within next five years
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->5 Oct 2007
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force expects to regain its optimum fighting capability of 39 fighter squadrons within the next five years, air force chief Fali Homi Major said on Friday.
In next five years, Major said the country's air force would have longer reach fighters in the shape of new Multi Role Combat Aircraft, new line of helicopters and transport planes, armed and anti-radiation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV) and new range of offensive and defensive missiles.
A major revamp is underway, which will see reduction of the variety of fighters in IAF's arsenal and a comprehensive tone up of its air defence with induction of AWACS, medium and high powered radars and new range of ground to air missiles.
Outlining measures to boost IAF's reach, Air Chief Marshal Major said global tenders had been floated for purchase of four more air to air refuellers.
"We are awaiting the response to these". IAF already has inducted six Uzbekistan made IL-78 mid air refullers. However, Major did not indicate whether IAF would go for the same aircraft or prefer purchasing American or French tankers.
He said India was close to inking the deal for joint development and manufacture of the fifth generation fighter and multi role transport aircraft with Russia.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->5 Oct 2007
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force expects to regain its optimum fighting capability of 39 fighter squadrons within the next five years, air force chief Fali Homi Major said on Friday.
In next five years, Major said the country's air force would have longer reach fighters in the shape of new Multi Role Combat Aircraft, new line of helicopters and transport planes, armed and anti-radiation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV) and new range of offensive and defensive missiles.
A major revamp is underway, which will see reduction of the variety of fighters in IAF's arsenal and a comprehensive tone up of its air defence with induction of AWACS, medium and high powered radars and new range of ground to air missiles.
Outlining measures to boost IAF's reach, Air Chief Marshal Major said global tenders had been floated for purchase of four more air to air refuellers.
"We are awaiting the response to these". IAF already has inducted six Uzbekistan made IL-78 mid air refullers. However, Major did not indicate whether IAF would go for the same aircraft or prefer purchasing American or French tankers.
He said India was close to inking the deal for joint development and manufacture of the fifth generation fighter and multi role transport aircraft with Russia.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->