NDA to get 5 more aircraft by June 2011

The addition will cater to the academy’s increased cadet strength that is expected to go up after NDA introduces a 16th squadron by 2012-13. The introduction of the squadron will increase the Air Force cadet strength from existing 65 per term to about 100 per term. The Indian Air Force is currently running short of 500 officers and 5,000 Personel Below Officer Ranks (PBOR).

“We expect the new fleet to join us by June 2011. Works related to infrastructure up gradation such as construction of a new hangar to accommodate the aircraft along with others is under way,” said Air Vice-Marshal Ajit S Bhonsle,AVSM,VSM,deputy commandant and chief instructor,NDA.

The new aircraft would be added to the academy’s existing fleet of six Super Dimona,light weight,fixed wing,powered aircraft. Air Vice-Marshal Bhonsle added,“The NDA and the finishing academies of the tri-services work in a close mesh and getting trained in powered aircraft gives the cadets better footage when they enter the air force finishing academy after passing out from here.”

“The approximate cost of the project is Rs 45 crore. Besides aircraft,we have been coming up with facilities such as classrooms,swimming pool,gymnasium,horses,grooms,cycles,thin clients and other such facilities which are part of a squadron. The introduction of the new squadron will increase the total strength of the Academy to 1920,” said the deputy commadant.

On the air force facing a shortage of pilots and PBOR,Air Vice Marshal Bhonsle said,“This does not mean that there is dearth of talent pool. For the last course for instance,of 750 selected candidates,only 320 could be admitted.”

Meanwhile,on the occasion of 78th anniversary of Indian Air Force on Friday,Vice-Admiral Satish Soni,AVSM,NM,Commandant,NDA,cut the traditional Air Force Day cake in presence of service personnel and civilians of the Academy.