HAL not looking after aircraft: IAF

The Indian Air Force has complained to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) about the low levels of maintenance of its aircraft, making a significant portion of its fleet not airworthy.

According to top sources, the IAF has accused HAL of not maintaining properly at least 90 Jaguar deep penetration strike fighters and have said that a similar problem exists with at least 100 MiG-27.

While a formal complaint has not been made, IAF sources said that the advanced 'Bison' aircraft were also grounded due to low maintenance by the public sector company.

"The situation with spare parts availability is also poor," said a source in the Air Force.

While various aviation companies have been engaged to improve the supply of spares, a large number of aircraft remain grounded. The HAL has, in its response, said that a long term repair and overhaul facility for Russian spare parts is being set up at HAL as per an agreement with the Original Equipment Manufacturers.

The Comptroller and Auditor General's report on defence has also come down heavily on both the Indian Air Force and HAL for what it states is a "sub optimal maintenance of the aircraft," which "led to serviceability of all aircraft, affecting flying."

The CAG report, in fact, homed in on the poor maintenance of the MiG aircraft saying that between 1998-2005, "serviceability status fluctuated between 43 per cent and 62 per cent."

"Despite executing appropriate agreements with OEM, establishment of adequate repair and maintenance facilities lagged way behind," said the report.

With its complaint to HAL, the Indian Air Force, it seems, is no longer prepared to shoulder all the blame.