Tata Power to build modern airfields for IAF

Tata Power has been awarded the contract to modernise airfield Infrastructure of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for an undisclosed amount. The modernisation which may include 30 IAF airfields is seen as allowing large scale private sector participation in the defence sector.

Tata Power got the order from the Ministry of Defence through a competitive global tender. The Programme,known as Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure Phase I (MAFI-I) is of strategic importance and aims to improve capability of the Airfields to handle the modern combat air fleet being inducted by the IAF, it said. Analysts estimate the contract to be worth over Rs 1,000 crore.

Tata Power Strategic Electronics Division (SED) CEO Rahul Chaudhry said the contract won against a global defence tender of MoD,is a watershed moment not only for us but also for increasing private sector participation in Indian defence sector. The company has been working closely working with MoD and DRDO to provide state-of-the-art solutions to IAF for the past four decades.

Tata Power MD Anil Sardana said this deal signifies recognition of the firms capability to support Indias defence establishment.