New Delhi: The Navy is all set to double its aviation fleet from the existing 200-odd planes to over 400 planes in the next decade, when it will have at least three combat air squadrons flying the newly-inducted Russian-origin MiG-29Ks.
“The number of Indian Navy’s aircraft will almost double in the next decade. The number of fighter squadrons, which is two at present, will increase to at least five. Two training squadrons will also come up and these will operate the Advanced Jet Trainers,” Navy’s Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) Rear Admiral D M Sudan said here.
The Naval Aviation wing is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee year in 2013. “In the last sixty years, it has emerged as a mini air force,” Sudan said, talking about the growth of the force he heads. Sudan is a Sea Harrier pilot and has commanded the squadron on board INS Viraat. At present, the Indian Navy’s aviation arm has 217 aircraft in its fleet, including Sea Harriers and MiG-29K combat jets, apart from several helicopters including the British SeaKings, Russian Kamov, indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters, and the Chetaks.
04/05/13 N C Bipindra/New Indian Express
