For want of tyres, Sukhois groundedSMS NEWS to 58888 for latest updates
PUNE: Most of the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighters based at Pune's Lohegaon air base have been grounded by the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the IAF cites work of "technical upgradation" in the fighters as the reason, sources said a shortage of spare tyres has forced the IAF to ground the jets.
According to IAF sources, only 10-12 Sukhois in the two squadrons are in a functional state. "The squadrons — each having 16 fighters on an average — urgently require at least another 80-odd tyres to make all the fighters functional," said an officer.
The lack of spare tyres had been dogging India's main fighter planes for quite some time now. In fact, a four-member delegation of defence ministry officials has reportedly left for Russia to seek spare parts, including tyres for the fighters.
On being contacted by TOI, Wing Commander Mahesh Upasani, chief spokesman at the IAF headquarters in New Delhi, said he had no knowledge about the situation at Lohegaon.
Interestingly, the lack of spare tyres has not prevented the IAF from using the operational Sukhois to re-start sorties over western Maharashtra and nearby areas since the last one week, the official said.
Sorties by the Sukhois were suspended after the two squadrons were shifted out of Lohegaon in January to allow repair of the runway. While the IAF had then stated that the fighters, which were flown out to Jamnagar in Gujarat, would be back only in May, they returned to Lohegaon late in March.
Meanwhile, the four-member delegation that has left for Russia will be holding talks with officials of Irkutsh Aviation, a Sukhoi Corporation subsidiary, for supply of spares.
The original Sukhoi contract had envisaged technology transfer to India for assembling 140 Sukhois at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. "However, lack of action in this regard have made us dependent on the Russians for everything, including spare parts of brakes, radar systems and tyres," the official said.
The current situation has led to apprehensions regarding the interception and penetration capability of the IAF. "Sukhois are the front-line fighters of the IAF capable of dealing with any emerging situation.
While the two squadrons at Lohegaon remain grounded, the Jaguars of Jamnagar are the only available deep penetration fighters with offensive capabilities," the official said.
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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/For_want_of_tyres_Sukhois_grounded/rssarticleshow/2951948.cms
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