Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major has said that fifth generation Indo-Russian fighter aircraft will be ready for induction by 2017. He said that an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) will enable the co-development of the fifth generation fighter aircraft, which later on will be inducted into the IAF. He informed media that MMRCA and LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) have been inducted and doing well.

 

Talking strategically Air Marshal said that every air force goes through this phase (of depleting squadrons), and long gestation periods for acquiring equipment and aircraft also add to the situation. Interestingly enough IAF is the world's fourth largest air force and has 39.5 squadrons. Accordingly, he said that the IAF has started training its personnel for strategic and operational deployment.

 

This brave air force officer before heading IAF has record flying of 7,765 hours. Also, he has commanded a helicopter unit that took part in operations in Siachen which is the world's highest battlefield. He has been managing an MI-17 squadron during the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka. Now, his main goal is to meet out the challenge of depleting squadrons.