CAG questions IAF's efforts to upgrade MiG-27 fighters
New Delhi (PTI): Indian Air Force's efforts to upgrade its sole ground attack MiG-27 fighters have been questioned by the Comptroller and Auditor General, saying that the modernised aircraft would have only a "limited viability".
"The upgrade project would have limited viability," the CAG said in its latest report tabled in Parliament as it felt inherent problems being faced by the aircraft and engines have not been resolved.
Besides, the watchdog has said that widespread time over-runs would further dilute benefits as the "upgraded aircraft would have a very short residual life".
The CAG has also censured the IAF for "severely understating" the project cost. The cost, estimated at Rs 430 crore initially, has already swelled to twice the amount.
The Defence Ministry gave the go-ahead for upgradation of 40 of the 133 fighters in 1999, but the project is still to take off as so far only 20 fighters have been upgraded, of which only 10 were accepted by the IAF.
The CAG has warned that any effort to reduce the scope of the upgradation to contain the cost would further truncate the role projected to the government.
Link
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200803161223.htm
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