145;MiGs not technically unsound146;

I am deeply shocked and terribly upset by the recent tragedies of the air force. The repeated loss of Mig 21 and our priceless fighter pilot...

I am deeply shocked and terribly upset by the recent tragedies of the air force. The repeated loss of Mig 21 and our priceless fighter pilots is becoming a regular phenomenon. Why?Vikram Aditya

A lot has been written on the accident rate of MiGs. In the IAF, we have four varieties of MiG-21 and two of MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27 and MiG- 29. The largest size is that of the MiG-21 fleet. The number of accidents we have had on Mig-21 is larger as compared to other aircraft in the fleet.

Accidents were mainly due to human error and technical failure. But it is totally incorrect to say that aircraft are technically unsound. The aircraft are periodically overhauled and systems updated. Aircraft that have completed technical life are retired from service. This year we will be retiring some of the Mig-21 FL aircraft.

Are we capable of destroying terrorist camps across the border?Wasu

IAF has the capability to strike, to achieve specific objectives, whether it is on the top of a hill or in camps or heavily fortified targets. It is a matter of operational environment that prevails at the stage of decision-making that will dictate tactics and strategy if air strikes are to be launched against such targets. Decision-making is a complex matrix that cannot be simplified.

NEXT WEEK : MIRWAIZ
UMER FAROOQ

Polling almost over, Jammu and Kashmir will soon have a new government in place. Crowding the new Assembly will be men and women who will want to put behind them threats, boycott calls, gunfire and get on with the work ahead. Many believe the All Party Hurriyat Conference, by boycotting the electoral process, missed the bus. With the world backing New Delhi on successful conduct of the poll process in the state, how much say will individuals and bodies, who have consistently contested New Delhi8217;s stand on the Kashmir issue, be allowed in the future? The one man who will argue for more talking space is the young Mirwaiz, Umer Farooq. Send in your queries to the Mirwaiz at firinglineexpressindia.com

Countries like the US, UK and Pakistan provide more flying hours to young pilots than the IAF. Why can8217;t we do so too?Ajai Mani

Our pilots fly as much as pilots in Europe or elsewhere. Our combat aircraft endurance, such as Mig-21s, is half that of American combat aircraft. While we may fly as many missions as the American pilots, the number of hours flown would be less by approx 10-15. We find in our interaction with Western air forces pilots with similar years of service seem to have similar experience.

As the Chief of Air Staff, which three emerging technologies do you feel will be absolutely critical to enable the IAF maintain superiority in the South Asian region?Deepak Kharbanda

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a Sensors, specifically those that can be employed for target acquisition by night and bad weather.

b A data link to enhance situational awareness, real time communication and decision-making. This is about networking intelligence systems such as space-borne, weapon systems like combat aircraft, surveillance system such as AWACS and decision-making centre on ground.

c Stand-off short/long range precision guided weapons that could be launched from multiple types of carriers like helicopter and combat aircraft.

Why has the IAF selected the Sukhoi-30 MKI? Why not invest in a more advanced aircraft like the Swedish aircraft JAS 39 Gripen?Jon Wallentin

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The SU-30 MKI, in our analysis, is far more advanced and capable in all facets such as manoeuvrability, range, pay-load and defensive systems.

Has IAF dropped its plan on the LCA?
Muthu

Certainly not! The LCA is a promising aircraft with a very advanced design in concepts and capabilities. We need patience and also must be realistic. I believe that the aircraft should be operationalised in phases. We need to gain experience as the machine develops. No short cuts are possible.

What is the status of AWACS acquisition?Debashish

AWACS IS a highly complex and expensive system. There is no readily made system available to meet our requirements. We recently completed the definition of the system we would be needing. The next step would be acceptance by the suppliers, price negotiation and contracting.