TERMINAL DECLINE

IAF’S frontline fighter and trainer aircraft are beset with trouble

MIRAGE 2000

The fleet of 50 air fighters has been grounded for over 50 days after two crashes. Reasons for the crashes are still not known.

SUKHOI 30

IAF’S best aircraft. Accident at Lohegaon base in 2011 brought to fore problems with the aircraft.

HPT-32

Entire fleet of 70 piston-engined Stage I pilot trainers grounded after 2009 crash in Andhra Pradesh. IAF has no basic trainers.

KIRAN

Shortage of these Stage II aircraft used to train instructors.

IAF now has shortage of both trainee pilots and trainers.

MIG-27

Three squadrons of these Soviet-designed ground-attack jets in trouble for want of spares.