Question : SHORTAGE OF LIGHT FIGHTER PLANES

(a) whether there is any shortage of light fighter planes in Air Force;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor alongwith the current status of the availability of light fighter planes in Air Force;

(c)whether the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has signed a joint venture agreement with aerospace major Pratt & Whitney Canada to set up an aircraft maintenance, repair and over haul (MRO) facility in Bangalore as reported in The Times of India dated November 28, 2006;

(d)if so, the facts thereof alongwith the salient features of the agreement; and

(e)the steps being taken by the Government to speed up the procurement of Light Combat Aircraft?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) & (b):Government constantly review the security environment and accordingly decide to induct appropriate equipment and to make other arrangements for adequate defence preparedness.

(c) & (d):Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pratt & Whitney, Canada, to explore feasibility of jointly setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for their aeroengines.

(e)A contract for procurement of 20 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration from HAL has been signed by Government in March, 2006.