(a) whether there is shortage of pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken steps to develop sufficient infrastructure for training of pilots to fill the shortage gap;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the steps taken by the Government to meet the shortage?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) & (b): The available strength of pilots in Air Force is sufficient to meet the current operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The strength of pilots as on 1st July, 2016 is 3874 against the sanctioned strength of 4062.
(c) to (e): A comprehensive roadmap to increase training capacity for ab-initio training in IAF is already in place. Development of infrastructure for training purpose based on the requirement of Indian Air Force is a continuous process.
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