HOME   
   NEWS   
   BUSINESS   
   CRICKET   
   SPORTS   
   MOVIES   
   NET GUIDE   
   SHOPPING   
   BLOGS  
   ASTROLOGY  
   MATCHMAKER  


Search:



The Web

Rediff








News
Capital Buzz
Commentary
Dear Rediff
Diary
Elections
Interviews
Rediff Poll
Specials
Gallery
The States



Home > News > PTI

IAF lost 31 pilots, 68 planes in three years: Fernandes

February 20, 2003 17:26 IST

The Indian Air Force lost as many as 31 pilots and 68 aircraft in crashes during the past three years, Defence Minister George Fernandes told the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Fifteen pilots were killed in 2000-01 and 27 aircraft lost in crashes, nine pilots were killed and 20 planes lost in 2001-02 and seven pilots killed and 21 planes lost in 2002-03 till February 17, Fernandes said in reply to a question.

He said the government was keen on early procurement of the Advanced Jet Trainers for the Indian Air Force though no contract had been finalised as yet. "There is no direct relationship between the aircraft crashes and the absence of an AJT," he said.

Fernandes said several measures had been taken to improve the quality of training to improve the skill and confidence of pilot trainees.

The effect of these measures could be assessed in the next two to three years when the pilots gain operational status at various squadrons, he said.



© Copyright 2003 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.






Article Tools

Email this Article

Printer-Friendly Format

Letter to the Editor



Related Stories


Aero India show begins on Wednesday

India, Israel to jointly market ALH

Aero India takes off spectacularly



People Who Read This Also Read


Pak air force chief killed in crash

'Sangma will be wiped out'

'Govt mulling ban on cow slaughter'







HOME   
   NEWS   
   BUSINESS   
   CRICKET   
   SPORTS   
   MOVIES   
   NET GUIDE   
   SHOPPING   
   BLOGS  
   ASTROLOGY  
   MATCHMAKER  
Copyright © 2003 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.