22 Dec ;All the trainer aircraft in the Indian Air Force have been in service for nearly 25 years except for the recently inducted Hawk Mk-132 aircraft. Proposals are being progressed for procurement of additional Hawk aircraft and Intermediate Jet Trainer as well as for replacement of the existing HPT-32 trainer aircraft to modernize the trainer fleet of the IAF.
Several steps have been taken to enhance the quality of training including induction of simulators and improvement of training syllabi in the training establishments so as to enable the trainer pilot to be adequately prepared for flying the aircraft and handle modern on-board cockpit systems with greater proficiency.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Rakesh Singh in Lok Sabha today.