Amid ongoing probe into the VVIP chopper deal controversy in which a former Indian Air Force chief is facing CBI action, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne today said the IAF has an unblemished record so far and it is taking measures to ensure there are no deviations.
"We have a well-defined procedure through which purchases are made. The IAF takes care to ensure that there are no deviations and our record has so far remained unblemished. This is not our subjective view. Even the Defence Ministry has said so in its white paper issued recently," he said.
The IAF chief is here on a two-day visit for the annual Commanders' Conference of the Central Air Command headquartered at Bamrauli on the outskirts of the city.
Referring to the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan 2005-06, Browne said there are capital contracts worth Rs 1.51 lakh crore to help in modernisation of the IAF, adding that "by 2022 the Indian Air Force will be a fully networked and modernised force capable of facing any type of challenge from any direction."
Replying to a query about the IAF's preparedness with regard to China and Pakistan, Browne said "we do not confine our preparedness with regard to challenges posed by just one or two countries. We brace ourselves to meet challenges posed arising from all sides."
The IAF chief said that a move was afoot to phase out the MIG 21 aircraft in view of a large number of crashes being reported in recent years, killing hundreds of pilots and other Air Force staff.
"Phasing out of MIG 21 aircraft is in process. Simultaneously, these are being replenished with better and more sophisticated fighter planes and the process is likely to be complete by 2019", Browne said.
On recruitment of pilots, the Air Chief Marshal said there was "a shortage of about 600 pilots in the Indian Air Force which will be overcome in the next 5-6 years as by that time we will be able to develop adequate training infrastructure required for the additional staff strength".
"We would, however, like to make it clear that the shortage of manpower is not a major one. Though we are addressing the issue, it is not a cause for grave concern", he asserted.
