CCS approves acquisition of 75 basic trainer aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) moved a step closer to acquire 75 Swiss Pilatus basic trainers– absence of which have been affecting the training of its pilots – as the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Thursday gave its nod to the long-pending deal. 

The approval by the Prime Minister-led committee has come as a respite for the IAF, grappling with the lack of a basic trainer since June 2009 when its entire fleet of initial trainer HPT-32s was grounded following over 100 engine failures and crashes.

The nearly $ 1 billion contract has been awaiting CCS nod for over five months now and was running into rough patches repeatedly, even after the IAF zeroed in on the Swiss Pilatus P-7 Mk-II basic trainer by mid 2011.

The acquisition of the 75 Pilatus aircraft has become “critical” for the IAF that has been facing flak from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for its faulty training process resulting in shortage of pilots. The first of the aircraft will be delivered 24 months after signing of the contract.