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Journalism of Courage
The much delayed decision on the advanced jet trainers (AJTs) will finally come up the agenda of the Cabinet Committee on Security tomorrow.
However, the CCS faces a tough decision on the matter since there is still a difference of Rs 300 crore between the British Aerospace’s offer and the Defence Ministry. The whole deal is expected to be in the range of Rs 6,000 crore for 66 aircrafts. Defence Minister George Fernandes indicated the predicament when he announced in Bangalore this week that the deal is before the CCS but refused to comment on whether the decision will be favourable or not.
Lack of an AJT has been slated as one of the major causes for rising MiG crashes, with fighter pilots being trained on the MiG-21, considered a difficult aircraft to fly. While several committees set up by the Government have recommended the acquisition of an AJT since 1982, the deal has faced several hiccups.
While the late entry of the Czech Republic’s L-159 trainer proved to be a hindrance, there were also allegations that British Aerospace had bribed officials in several countries as well as doubts whether the Royal Air Force would pick up the AJTs. Following these reports the Defence Ministry had sought further clearance from the British government. It is understood that the Ministry received the clarifications and has now forwarded the file to the CCS for a decision.
