New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is expected to consider a proposal worth over Rs 1,850 crore for procurement of 75 Pilatus trainer aircraft from Switzerland in its meeting scheduled later this week, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said on Tuesday.
"I am hopeful, because it is pending for clearance from the CCS. The moment the CCS clears, we should be able to sign the contract,” the IAF chief said in response to a question whether the CCS will take up the Pilatus procurement deal to give its final nod.
The aircraft are being procured by the Indian Air Force to provide training to its rookie pilots and replace the HPT-32 trainer aircraft which have been grounded for over two years after a fatal accident in 2009.
The deal is critical for IAF's training requirements as in the next two years, there will be a shortage of Kiran Mk II trainer aircraft which are being used to impart flying lessons to the new trainee cadets in the flying branch of the IAF.
If the contract is approved by the CCS, the delivery of the planes are expected to begin by the middle of 2013. Since 2009, the IAF has relied on Kiran Mk II aircraft for providing basic training to its young pilots. Advanced training to them is provided on the Hawk aircraft procured from the UK.
As the turboprop low-wing tandem-seat aircraft, Pilatus is capable of providing all basic training functions, including aerobatics, instrument, tactical and night flying. The air force also plans to send some of its young pilots to Switzerland for training till the delivery of initial batch of 12 aircraft commence in 2013.
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