(a) whether the pilots of the Indian Air Force have been using some alertness / performance boosting drugs;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any extensive study regarding the side effects / negative effects of these drugs; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Certain performance enhancing drugs are used during sustained operations / long duration flying and exercises when all non-pharmacological means have either been exhausted or are unavailable.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. Extensive studies were conducted by Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Indian Air Force which included ground trials, simulator trials and during actual fight conditions. These studies have proven that these drugs improve the performance of the pilots in the cockpit during sustained operations and have no side effects.
Based on these studies, instructions are already in place on Pharmacological Management of Alertness and Sleep in Aircrew which lays down the guidelines for usage of these drugs.
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