Entire fleet of initial trainer aircraft grounded: AK Antony

The entire fleet of HPT-32 initial trainer aircraft has been grounded after a fatal crash in July this year, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

"IAF has presently grounded its entire fleet of initial trainer HPT-32 aircraft following a fatal accident on July 31 this year," defence minister AK Antony said in a written reply.

Two instructor pilots were killed in the crash near Hyderabad. The minister said the force has lost 17 HPT-32s and 19 pilots till now in different accidents.

"The total loss suffered as a result of these accidents amounts to Rs 16,21,35,054," Antony said. He said the HAL has already commenced design work on the preliminary design of the turbo-prop trainer aircraft.

In reply to another query, the minister said the IAF has signed a contract worth Rs 2,701.70 crore in 2006 with the HAL for procuring 20 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in Initial Operational Clearance configuration.

Responding to a question on Coast Guard, Antony said the force was being equipped with Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft(MMA), Dornier aircraft, twin-engine and light helicopters, offshore patrol vessels, interceptor boats along with surveillance, communication and navigational armaments. "Rs 1155.59 crore have been earmarked for modernisation during this fiscal," he said.