IAF, George speak in different voices

All is not fine with the Indian Air Force’s frontline SU-30 MKI. Less that a week after the force had denied it, Defence Minister Georg...

All is not fine with the Indian Air Force’s frontline SU-30 MKI. Less that a week after the force had denied it, Defence Minister George Fernandes today confirmed The Sunday Express story that there were ‘‘problems with the aircraft’s engine’’. In a reply to Shiv Sena MP Suresh Ramrao Jadhav, Fernandes pointed out that there were problems in both batches of the Sukhoi which the IAF has procured from Russia so far as a part of over Rs 10,000 crore deal.

The Sunday Express had reported on December 14 that the IAF had refused to accept the latest batch of SU-30MKI which had arrived at Air Force Station, Lohegaon, Pune recently. The IAF had also suggested to the Ministry of Defence to stop further payment installments to ensure that the Russians accept the IAF’s demands.

Following the report, the IAF issued a statement stating: ‘‘The IAF denies what has been stated to the effect that it is having some problem with the SU-30 aircraft.’’ It also stated that ‘‘the programme is going as per schedule’’ and ‘‘the IAF is satisfied with the progress of the project and performance of the aircraft.’’

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However, today in Parliament, Fernandes said: ‘‘Pehli kisht mein jo Sukhoi vimaan aaye the, usmein uske engine ko lekar kuch samasya zaroor hui thi (The aircraft which came in the first installment had developed some problems in their engine).’’ He also stated that ‘‘Doosri kisht mein jo aaye hain, wahan bhi kuchh nuks dikhayi diya tha (The aircraft which came in the second installment also had some defects).’’

According to the Defence Minister, a Russian team from the original manufacturers had arrived in India to rectify the problem in the aircraft. He also mentioned that a 140 SU-30 MKI would be manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

The crux of the problem lies in the interpretation of the SU-30MKI contract. The Russian interpretation was that the plane engine would last for the stipulated number of hours ‘‘under normal flying conditions’’.

As India bids adieu to MiG-21s, what lies ahead for Air Force?

As India bids farewell to MiG-21, what lies ahead for the Air Force?

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has retired its long-serving MiG-21 fighter jets, reducing its already low number of fighter squadrons. Despite its successful track record since 1963, the MiG-21 has faced challenges with its engines, leading to crashes and deaths. To replenish its squadrons, the IAF intends to introduce a mix of domestic and foreign fighter jets.

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