Question : TRAINER FLEET OF IAF

(a) whether the entire fleet of HPT-32 trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) remains grounded;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor alongwith the action being taken/proposed to be taken for revival of the fleet;

(c) whether the Government has issued tender for the procurement of 75 basic trainer aircraft for the IAF;

(d) if so, the details thereof including the countries/companies which have submitted their responses and the aircraft finalized for procurement;

(e) whether the crash rate of the finally approved aircraft is high as reported recently and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the estimated cost of the deal and the time by which the procurement is likely to fructify?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)


(a) & (b): The fleet of HPT-32 aircraft has been grounded since August, 2009 after a crash of an aircraft on 28th July, 2009 due to engine failure. In order to improve the reliability of the engine, M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is implementing certain modifications on the engine and air frame including integrating a system called Aircraft Parachute Recovery System.

(c) & (d): The Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) for the Indian Air Force was issued on 16th December 2009. In response techno-commercial proposals were received from M/s Korean Aircraft Industries, South Korea; M/s GROB Aircraft, Germany; M/s EADS PZL, Poland; M/s Hawker Beechcraft, United States of America; M/s Alenia Aerammachi, Italy; M/s Aerostar of Romania; and M/s Pilatus, Switzerland. The proposal for procurement of the trainer aircraft is being progressed in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure-2008.

(e) No issues which are considered critical to flight safety had emerged during the technical evaluation of the aircraft.

(f) The estimated cost of the procurement is Rs.2900 crore. The proposal is expected to be finalized during the current financial year.