60 Sqs for the IAF- is it feasible and attainable?

IAF plans expansion to 60 squadrons

PTI[ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2003 04:03:36 PM ]

NEW DELHI: To keep pace with the country’s move to become an economic super power, Indian Air Force is planning to expand its strength from the present 39 Squadrons to 60 squadrons over the next 10 years, the Air Chief S Krishnaswamy said here today and asserted that the Army and his force had worked out plans to meet perceived threats in Jammu and Kashmir.

Disclosing that IAF was in the process of phasing out ageing Mig-21, Mig 23 and Mig 27 fleet, Krishnaswamy said by the next ten years he visualised IAF attaining a strength of 60 squadrons to keep pace with India’s move to become a super economic power.

Briefing newsmen on the deliberations of the Western Air Command Commanders conference here, the Air Chief said even as the Mig fleet was being phased out, IAF efforts were to ensure timely replenishments so as not to affect the battle preparedness of the force.

Asserting that the first series of Israeli PHALCON Air early warning and control system would be inducted by 2006, Krishnaswamy said that the complete induction of upto five AWACS mounted on the Russian IL-76 plaform would be completed by 2008.

“This would be for the first time that airborne radars would be mounted on the IL-76 frame and we are confident that the system would be a success,” Krishnaswamy said, adding that the Russian A-50 Russian AWACS had been rejected after trials from Russia as they had limited utility.