PC’s ‘own little air force’ to take wing

New Delhi: P. Chidambaram’s “own little air force” is on course.
The Union home ministry has moved ahead with plans for an exclusive air wing that will boast an entire fleet of planes and choppers — except fighter jets of the kind used by the military.
The Rs 2,500-crore plan is said to be a brainchild of the home minister. It is seen as a key element of Chidambaram’s drive to boost the internal security apparatus, much like the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) that he is now fighting to keep on track in the face of opposition from several states.
Some of the groundwork for the air wing has been done. Tomorrow is the last date for companies to send in bids for being chosen as consultants who will advise the government on the “strategy” for the air wing, dubbed by officials as the ministry’s “own little air force”.
The wing will initially comprise eight planes and 16 choppers. These will include the C-130J and AN-32 transport planes, Embraer jets, advanced Mi-17 helicopters and smaller choppers, officials said.
They justified the need for such a wing, saying it was needed to reduce the time taken to respond to exigencies and save money spent on hiring planes.
20/02/12 Nishit Dholabhai/Telegraph

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Feb 2012