Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that Government has asked Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to deliver the intermediate jet trainer to the Air Force by 2015;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that Government has received any confirmation in this regard from Hindustan Aeronauitics Ltd.; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed two contracts with HAL for delivery of 12 Limited Series Production Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) aircraft and 73 Series Production IJT aircraft. The IJT aircraft is presently targeted to be inducted in IAF in the year 2014 onwards.

(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. HAL has confirmed the delivery of aircraft in a phased manner after grant of Initial Operational Clearance.

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