IAF signs Rs 2,800-cr deal for Pilatus planes

The Indian Air Force's long pending requirement of basic trainer aircraft can now be met with the acquisition of 75 Pilatus planes starting later this year under a Rs 2,800-crore deal signed on Thursday with the Swiss company. The aircraft will help the IAF to replace its fleet of HPT-32 basic trainer aircraft which have been grounded for over two years now after a fatal air crash in 2009.