SHILLONG: After the phasing out of MIG 21, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will now induct the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas in its ranks.
Informing this here on Thursday, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said that the IAF will induct 40 Tejas (first two squadron/Mark I) aircrafts by next year.
Stating that the MIG 21 has served the IAF well he termed its phasing out as a watershed moment as it trained generations of pilots.
He also informed that work has already started to develop Mark II type aircrafts which will have GE engine and better radar systems.
“It will have more fuel, a more powerful engine and will be the future for Air force in terms of replacement for MIG 21,” he told media persons.
In addition, the IAF is working to induct the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Rafale fighter.
“Negotiation is on with regard to the Rafale fighter aircraft. We have a bit of set back as you know the JSO who was handling the case passed away two months back,” Browne said.
Browne expects that the clearance for the delivery of the French MMRCA Rafale fighter aircraft would take place before by 2017.
The Air Chief Marshal who was on a two-day farewell visit here and also attended the Eastern Air Command Commanders’ Conference was presented with the guard of honour and given a send off by Air Marshal RK Sharma, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Eastern Air Command.
