Finally, the Migs are going, It's long overdue.
MiGs on way out, India looks at 120 Mirages as stopgap measure
Sunday February 15 2004 00:00 IST
NEW DELHI: With the IAF phasing out several MiG variants and delays in the Light Combat Aircraft project, India is holding talks with France to acquire over 120 Mirage-2000-5 as an interim measure.
The Mirage-2000-5 has emerged as the frontrunner for the IAF, edging out the Swedish JAS-Grippen fighter and the MiG-29. While the IAF maintains a couple of MiG-29 squadrons and the naval version has been ordered by the Navy as part of the Admiral Gorshkov package, it is understood that the Mirage-2000-5 has been favoured by the IAF top brass.
A single-engined multi-role combat aircraft, the Mirage-2000-5 is a more advanced version and has better avionics as well as weapon carrying capacity. Confirming that the IAF is looking to acquire new aircraft, IAF spokesman Sqn Ldr Mahesh Upasni said: ``The IAF has short-listed several combat aircraft to keep up its squadron strengths.''
According to South Block sources, the Mirage-2000-5 is also being considered to improve the recently set-up Strategic Command, in-charge of the country's nuclear assets. With the LCA programme delayed due to US sanctions after Pokhran-II as well as the phasing out of the MiG-21 FL, the MiG-23 BN, the MiG-25 and the MiG-27, the IAF needs a light combat aircraft with multi-role capabilities.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has been jointly developing the J-7 with China, which is expected to serve as the Pakistan Air Force's backbone in the coming years. While the IAF is looking at inducting nearly 200 SU-30 MKIs over the next five years, it has felt the need for a smaller aircraft that would serve in a multi-role capacity.
In its 10th perspective plan, that is yet to be approved by the Government, the IAF wants to increase its present squadron strength from 39.5 to 45. The proposed acquisition of 126 Mirage-2000-5, said sources, is expected to make up at least seven squadrons for the IAF.
MiGs on way out, India looks at 120 Mirages as stopgap measure
Sunday February 15 2004 00:00 IST
NEW DELHI: With the IAF phasing out several MiG variants and delays in the Light Combat Aircraft project, India is holding talks with France to acquire over 120 Mirage-2000-5 as an interim measure.
The Mirage-2000-5 has emerged as the frontrunner for the IAF, edging out the Swedish JAS-Grippen fighter and the MiG-29. While the IAF maintains a couple of MiG-29 squadrons and the naval version has been ordered by the Navy as part of the Admiral Gorshkov package, it is understood that the Mirage-2000-5 has been favoured by the IAF top brass.
A single-engined multi-role combat aircraft, the Mirage-2000-5 is a more advanced version and has better avionics as well as weapon carrying capacity. Confirming that the IAF is looking to acquire new aircraft, IAF spokesman Sqn Ldr Mahesh Upasni said: ``The IAF has short-listed several combat aircraft to keep up its squadron strengths.''
According to South Block sources, the Mirage-2000-5 is also being considered to improve the recently set-up Strategic Command, in-charge of the country's nuclear assets. With the LCA programme delayed due to US sanctions after Pokhran-II as well as the phasing out of the MiG-21 FL, the MiG-23 BN, the MiG-25 and the MiG-27, the IAF needs a light combat aircraft with multi-role capabilities.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has been jointly developing the J-7 with China, which is expected to serve as the Pakistan Air Force's backbone in the coming years. While the IAF is looking at inducting nearly 200 SU-30 MKIs over the next five years, it has felt the need for a smaller aircraft that would serve in a multi-role capacity.
In its 10th perspective plan, that is yet to be approved by the Government, the IAF wants to increase its present squadron strength from 39.5 to 45. The proposed acquisition of 126 Mirage-2000-5, said sources, is expected to make up at least seven squadrons for the IAF.
