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INTERVIEW |
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The IAF is Funding up to 30 Per Cent of the Design and
Development Cost of LCA MK II’
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Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik PVSM,
AVSM, ADC |
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What key acquisitions are likely to fructify into contracts by Air Force
Day 2011?
The Indian Air Force is proceeding as per the laid down norms enunciated in the
Defence Procurement Policy and various acquisitions programmes are at different
stages of the procurement. As you are already aware, the C-130J will be inducted
during the first week of February this year, as also a variety of new-generation
radars. The MMRCA report is being examined by the MoD and we expect the contract
to be signed this year. We also expect to finalise the contracts for a few other
acquisitions this year.
What is going on regarding modernisation of ADGES?
Some of the existing sensors of the Air Defence Ground Environment System are
planned to be phased out and replaced with newer generation radars in a phased
manner. IAF is planning to induct Medium Power Radar (MPRs) which will replace
existing radars. Delivery of these radars is expected to start soon. IAF is also
inducting the indigenous Rohini radars. Additionally, Low Level Transportable
Radars (LLTRs) are being procured to cover the gaps in the air defence cover.
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We expect to induct the indigenous versions of MPRs and LLTRs by 2014-15. Some
Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLWRs) have been procured for deployment in
hilly terrains. IAF is also planning to procure additional Aerostat radars
before the end of the 12th plan. All these ground-based and airborne sensors
will be complemented by AWACS and AEW&C aircraft. Networking of all the sensors
is already underway and would provide uninterrupted and integrated air situation
picture at the command posts. Our Surface to Air Ground Weapons (SAGW)
capabilities are also being bolstered with the procurement of very short range
missiles as well as extended range surface to air missiles.
When are you expecting the Mirage 2000 upgrade contract to be signed and
what will it involve? What is the update regarding the issue of RFP to two
short-listed vendors for Jaguar engine upgrade?
The Mirage-2000 upgrade has been planned to incorporate advanced avionics and to
bring the aircraft’s weapons capability at par with other advanced fighter
aircrafts of today. The initial upgrade would be undertaken by the OEM, after
which series production would be handled by HAL. The upgrade project includes
NVG compatible glass cockpit, advanced navigational systems, advanced IFF,
multi-mode multi-target radar, a fully integrated EW suite and an advanced BVR
missile. Certain indigenous weapons and nav-attack systems would also be
integrated by HAL. The upgrade programme will enhance the combat potential of
the Mirage-2000 for its residual life. We have successfully completed the
process of contract negotiations and are in the process of ensuring requisite
approvals before finalising the contract. As far as the Jaguar engine upgrade is
concerned, the RFP was issued to the two short-listed vendors in November 2010
and their response is due in March 2011.
What is the update on the MMRCA including a possible down–sizing of the
six vendors, and when do you expect the contract to be signed?
As you know, all the contenders in the fray are proven combat platforms.
However, we need to make the right choice and look at what suits our
requirements the best. The MMRCA procurement is on schedule and presently staff
evaluation report is being progressed with MoD. Offset evaluations are also
being progressed in parallel. These processes will be followed by the Contract
Negotiation Committee proceedings. We are hopeful that the process will be
completed during this year
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January 2012
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