The MMRCA deal will be the highest priority for the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne PVSM, VSM, ADC said, in the light of the expected budget cut for defence this year. “The IAF has to be very selective in budget making and apart from the multi-medium role combat aircraft deal, other major projects in the final stage, such as the 22 attack helicopters, heavy lift helicopters and C-130 transport aircraft will hold priority.”The budget allocation should be wise; the focus should be more on modernization of the forces rather than revenue for maintaining a large force.” He said that though the MMRCA deal has to go through as fast as possible; no compromises would be made in the procedural aspects. “Cost negotiation committee review of the MMRCA deal will be done by the end of April or early May, after which it will go to the finance committee,” he said. The first heavy lift transport aircraft, the C17 Globe master, will land at Hindon Air Force station in June. Four more aircraft will come by December and the induction will be over by next year. The LCA will take part in a live firing exercise in Pokhran on February 22,” he added.
Source: Times of India
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