India gets new VVIP business jets armed with special suites

India today upgraded the flight security of its VVIPs to stringent levels prevalent for US president and other western nation leaders with the induction of first new long-haul business jets that can ward off missile strikes.         

A new wide-bodied Boeing business jet fitted with self-protection suites arrived at the capital's airport in a hush-hush flight on Saturday night to join the IAF VVIP communication squadron.  

The aircraft with a range of 3,000 to 4,000 nautical miles will be used to fly the country's top dignataries including the President, the Prime Minister and senior cabinet ministers.  

The Boeing business jet is the first of three ordered by the Indian government in October 2005 in a deal worth more than Rs 937 crore.  

"The other two jets will fly here in next 45 to 60 days," sources said here. The jets will become operational straightaway as IAF VVIP squadron has already trained three sets of flight crew to operate the aircraft.  

The jets come with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids to enable the Prime Minister on board to be in constant touch with the ground command in complete secrecy.