Air Chief hopes Govt. will take steps to rectify delays in various projects

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, has expressed concern over the delays in various projects of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and hoped that the new government will take steps to rectify the situation.

Addressing the media on Saturday ahead of the 82nd anniversary of Indian Air Force day to be celebrated on October 8, he said it is the government's responsibility to provide whatever is necessary for the force.

Air Chief Marshal Raha said there is a need for quick induction of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) as well as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

He said the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), which India is developing in collaboration with Russia are also caught up in the delays.

Air Chief Marshal Raha also said there is an urgent need to replace the vintage light helicopters of the Indian Army as well as the Indian Air Force as their flight safety record is not good.

Responding to a media query, he said the Indian Air Force is giving logistic support to help the central paramilitary forces engaged in dealing with the Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

Air Chief Marshal Raha further said the air defence capability of the IAF will be strengthened in the north eastern region.

The Air Force chief said that infrastructure is being developed and added that the government has allocated funds in this regard. He said the Indian Air Force's capability will increase in the next five years.