In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "IAF has already procured four simulators for Hawk AJT aircraft. Four more (AJT simulators) have been contracted. Further, eight simulators of IJT aircraft, have also been contracted for."
He told Parliament that acquisition of new platform is part of modernisation and upgradation of IAF's capabilities.
"The new combat aircraft (under various process of acquisition) would be manned by pilots of the existing older fleet, which are planned for replacement by the new aircraft," Antony said.
On steps taken by government to overcome shortage of pilots, he said, "Improvement of job profile of pilots is a continuous process in view the job specific requirements and operational necessity. Besides, the Short Service Commission for flying branch has been modified to make men eligible for induction in this branch."
He said, "Implementation of the recommendations of sixth Central Pay Commission shall also go a long way in attracting youth."
Replying to a question on number of officers inducted in the three services against those who took premature retirement, Antony said in 2011, 593 officers left the armed forces against the total number of 3057 who joined it.
He tabled a three-year report on officers taking premature retirement.
Against the total number of 8314 officers who joined the armed forces from 2009 to 2011, 1663 officers took premature retirement in the same period. (MORE)
