Date:21/11/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/11/21/stories/2002112104341300.htm

National

Govt. bid to reduce dependency on MiGs

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI NOV. 20. The Government is attempting to frame a long-term solution to frequent crashes of MiG aircraft but has not finalised the selection of an important ingredient, advanced jet trainers (AJTs), the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, indicated while replying to several questions relating to the issue in Rajya Sabha today.

According to the latest statistics, as many as 53 MiG fighter jets have crashed in the last five years, leading to the deaths of 30 pilots and 16 civilians. The estimated loss was over Rs. 143 crores, excluding the loss of 11 aircraft, four pilots and nine civilians during 2003.

The Minister said the induction of advanced multi-role Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters was being carried out and preliminary tests on the engine of the indigenously developed light combat aircraft (LCA) had been completed. The Sukhoi will to some extent bridge the gap between the use of large number of dated technology MiGs while the LCA, when developed, is expected to form the backbone of the IAF fleet in place of the MiGs. The Government has also taken steps to ascertain allegations whether purchase of substandard parts from breakaway republics of the former Soviet Union could have led to failure of R-25 engines in some MiGs.

Mr. Fernandes, however, was non-committal on plans to purchase AJTs to replace an ageing MiG variant which was being used for supersonic level-III training. "The Government has decided to induct AJTs but no deal has been finalised as yet,'' he observed. The IAF is also using simulators to enhance skill levels and practice emergency procedures in a safe environment.

However, they are complementary to, not equivalent to advanced jet trainers, he admitted.

Dwelling on the charges of faulty spares levelled by a Russian company, Mr. Fernandes said three Russian experts have arrived and are visiting three divisions of its Indian manufacturers (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and two major MiG Air Force bases to look into the matter regarding the failure of R-25 engines.

On the LCA, Mr. Fernandes said the Kaveri engine has completed its preliminary tests at the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, Bangalore.