Air Chief NAK Browne meets the press

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne spent generous time with the media to answer queries. He even tried his hand at answering a query in Hindi, which unveiled his hidden talent.

Some excerpts:

Mirage 2000- Negotiations on the upgradation of the Mirage-2000s are on, Browne said. “We have finished the negotiations for the MICA missile for the aircraft and the case is now with the Finance Ministry. If not this month, it should get cleared next month at least.”

LCA- The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has suffered a setback as the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the aircraft has been delayed by another year."As far as LCA is concerned, there was an initial IOC in January this year. We were supposed to get the IOC (final) by the end of this year. As we see it, there is a delay of almost another year in that."


C-130J- The Indian Air Force (IAF) will exercise options for another six C-130J transport aircraft in addition to the six already ordered. The 6^th and last of the aircraft will be delivered in the first half of November will be based in Hindon. The additional six will be based in the Eastern sector.

FGFA- By 2012, it will be decided who is doing what. The IAF is looking at 6 squadrons of 166 single seaters and 48 twin seaters. The twin seaters will have a HAL component to it.

Trainers- Training is an area of concern to us. India grounded 108 HPT 32 trainers in 2009. (India lost 3 pilots following accidents as a result of engine cuts). Confidence level is down in young pilots….Pilatus-7 is in the final stages of procurement. The contract will be signed by the end of October. ….This year the Surya Kiran team will not fly at the Fly past on Oct 8 as it had to be disbanded this year in Feb to be used as trainers.

Incursions by Chinese- This is happening because of lack of demarcation in boundaries. MEA is setting up a mechanism to address the management of borders.

MMRCA- The commercial bids of the MMRCA for the Rafale and Typhoon will be opened by the end of this month. MoD's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) will hold a final meeting on October 7. “They will sort out any final issues before the bids are opened". 

Nyoma and Kargil will be developed where all platforms can operate.

Force Levels- “We will maintain 34 squadrons till force builds up. By 2014-16, we are looking at a different capability.