Fleet upgradation in 5 years: IAF vice-chief

Keeping in view the uncertainty over arms procurements and the dismal record of the successive governments in taking quick decisions, the IA...

Keeping in view the uncertainty over arms procurements and the dismal record of the successive governments in taking quick decisions, the IAF has decided to upgrade its almost every single aircraft over the next five years.

With the process to buy 126 new fighters likely to start in a month, the Air Headquarters, concerned over the rapidly dwindling force levels, is keen to make do with what it has and depend less on anticipated purchases.

“We are looking at how we can manage in the interim. Almost every single aircraft in our inventory will be upgraded in the next five years so that we don’t have to constantly look for new aircraft. Upgradation is the best option we have,” IAF Vice-Chief Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani said today.

Story continues below this ad

The decision, taken at the recently-concluded IAF Commanders’ Conference, is also a result of delay in the LCA Tejas programme.

“But compulsions to upgrade are by no means a dilution of the need for fresh inductions,” the Vice-Chief said. Under the plan, the IAF plans to shortly start the upgrade of MiG-29 Fulcrum, Mirage-2000H, Mi-17 medium lift and Chetak high altitude choppers, and Antonov-32 light transporters. It will also initiate another phase of upgrades for its mainstay, the MiG-21, 100 of which would be upgraded to the Bison standard.

The Jaguars and MiG-27 Floggers are already in the process of being upgraded. The MiG-23 ground attack fighter would be phased out in the next few years

“We are dwindling but hope to get back up there. Squadron levels are low, but after upgrades and purchases, they will be high again,” Bhavnani, the IAF’s seniormost Mirage pilot, said.

Story continues below this ad

Working on a leaner force as aircraft and systems take on more operational tasks, the IAF is keen to develop enhanced strategic reach that will make it an expeditionary force by 2015.