INDIA
Calling the mishaps a 'serious issue", IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) chief Air Marshal NAK Browne told reporters in New Delhi today these were "a matter of concern" for the Air Force.
With three MiG-27 fighter jet crashes being reported this year, the IAF has launched comprehensive checks on the fleet, which will not feature in the Air Force Day parade on October 8 at Hindon near New Delhi.
Calling the mishaps a "serious issue", IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) chief Air Marshal NAK Browne told reporters in New Delhi today these were "a matter of concern" for the Air Force.
The fleet had trouble with its engines and had to be grounded earlier this year.
But Browne said the reason for the Russian-origin fighter jet not featuring in the air display during the Air Force Day parade was because it was not deployed in the WAC's area of responsibility.
"MiG-27s have faced some problems with its engines. Yes, it is a matter of concern for all in the Air Force. It is a serious issue. Some checks are going on the aircraft right now," he said in reply to questions, but did not commit if these jets were grounded once again.
MiG-27s were grounded in February this year after one of the planes crashed near Hashimara in West Bengal on February 16 killing an ace fighter pilot.
After through checks, it was authorised to resume flying in June this year, but soon two other MiG-27s crashed - one on July 24 again near Hashimara and another on September 24 near Kalaikunda.
Browne said the technical team of IAF was looking at the aircraft fleet now to identify if there were any faults.
The IAF operates over 100 single-seater variants of MiG-27 in eight of its 33 fighter squadrons. But the fleet faced trouble from its R-29 engines.
The two-seater trainer variants of the aircraft continue to remain operational as they are not not equipped with R-29 engines.
MiG-27s perform a swing-wing role for both air-to-air and ground attacks.
After the crash in February, the IAF's investigation found that it could have taken place due to failure of "low pressure turbine blades" in the engine.
The aircraft is a 1980s vintage platform of the Air Force and the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), for which tenders are currently under process, will replace it in the 500-aircraft strong IAF fleet.
The Air Force Day parade this year will otherwise witness air display by Su-30s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, Mirages and MiG-21 Bison fighter jets, apart from transport aircraft and helicopters and a performance from the IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kirans'.
Bigg Boss 18: Sara Arfeen Khan evicted from Salman Khan show, fans say 'ab jaake dil ko sukoon mila'
Who is IPS Sweety Sahrawat, Patna Central SP leading police during BPSC protest?
Seven to eight personnel from Taliban forces killed in border clash with Pakistan
PKL 2024 final: Haryana Steelers beat Patna Pirates to clinch maiden title
Meet man, Harvard alumnus, who plays key role in Rs 10552 crore company, he is married to...
Kavach 4.0: Indian Railways to improve safety on key routes, minimizing human error, accidents
This is world's most wanted woman, aka 'missing crypto queen', who swindled Rs 3600 crore from...
Malayalam actor Dileep Sankar found dead in Kerala hotel, police begins investigation
Salman Khan visits Jamnagar mall with Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant, says, 'I'm jealous of you...'
'Becoming Lathi-Tantra': Prashant Kishor joins protesting BPSC aspirants to demand re-exam in Bihar
Kriti Sanon reveals she had a breakdown while promoting Bhediya: 'I wished I could have...'
'Believe it or not': Ram Kapoor opens up on 55 Kg weight loss transformation in 18 months
Meet IAS officer who cracked UPSC exam at 23, now appointed as Revenue Secretary, he is from...
'Crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia': Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev
Watch: Navi Mumbai Airport conducts commercial flight test, to be functional from...
Mukesh Ambani's mall charges Rs 4000000 monthly rent, it is located in...
‘Want to make them feel…’: Nitish Reddy silences critics with historic century at MCG
'There must be some mistake': Fans question Babar Azam's ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year nomination
Meet woman, former WWE star whose husband is Indian-origin billionaire, she works as...
Weather Update: Delhi-NCR likely to face extreme cold, dense fog from THIS day; check IMD forecast
IND vs AUS: What is highest successful run-chase at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Test cricket?
Amidst competition Google’s Sundar Pichai gives 2025 strategy, “we must...
Know US tech firm that helped track Osama Bin Laden and counter terrorism long before rise of AI
New Year's Eve recipes: Sugar-free desserts for people with diabetes
Pune to get four new Vande Bharat Express trains? Know here
India’s Koneru Humpy makes India proud, becomes World Rapid Chess champion for second time
BIG claim by Donald Trump, accuses Democrats of paying millions to Beyoncé, Oprah for...
IND vs AUS 4th Test: Ex-Australia star calls Nathan Lyon 'Taklu', fans erupts in laughter
Viral video: Group of men sets bonfire at petrol pump, netizens say 'Dar ka mahaul...'
Elon Musk warns of debt crisis, says, US is heading for...
Muslim population expected to rise, will make them largest religious community in the world by...
Viral: Mumbai man outwits scammer by using his puppy, here's how
China's new 6th gen fighter jet J-36 takes flight: Will it be a game-changing ‘superweapon'?
Woman pairs biryani with strawberry ice cream, internet seeks justice for dish, watch viral video
Adichunchanagiri's SJC Institute & RVCE: Karnataka's payloads advancing research on ISRO's SpaDEX
Madhoo Shah's daughter Kiea jets off with Ananya Panday's sister, smiles for paps at airport; watch
Retired IPS officer Acharya Kishore Kunal passes away in Patna: Who was he?
Donald Trump sides with Elon Musk on H-1B visa debate: Here's what it means
Lion kisses girl in viral video, netizens shower love, say “love is the answer”
Watch: Chilling video shows exact moment when South Korean aircraft crashed
BIG move by Mukesh Ambani as Reliance acquires this company for Rs 375 crore, it is...
'I have been closely interacting with D Gukesh for a few years now,' says PM Modi
Baby John vs Max vs Pushpa 2 vs Mufasa box office
Radhika Merchant ditches fancy clothes for a classy pyjama and it's fabulous
Little girl's electrifying dance on 'Sadi Gali' captures hearts online, WATCH viral video
Video of deer knocking over little kid at park goes viral, netizens say 'dumb parenting'
Happy New Year 2025: Wishes, greetings, WhatsApp messages and quotes to share with friends, family
Meet IIT alumni, who left high-paying job at Samsung, cracked UPSC exam, now posted as...
Manoj Bajpayee wraps up filming of The Family Man Season 3
These diseases are likely to be the biggest emerging threats in 2025