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

(a) whether Indian Air Force depends on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for its fighter trainer aircrafts and helicopter fleets;

(b) if so, the details of its dependences on HAL;

(c) whether there is delay by HAL in supplying spares to Indian Air Force; and

(d) if so, the reasons and the efforts made to ensure timely supply of spares?

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

(a)&(b):The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a trainer fleet comprising Kiran MK-I / MK-II, Hawk-132 and Pilatus PC-7 K-II aircraft. The current helicopter fleet of the IAF comprises Chetak, Cheetah, ALH and various Mi-series helicopters. Of these, the Chetak, Cheetah, Kiran MK-I / MK-II, Hawk-132 and ALH are manufactured by M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), which also carries out the Repair & Overhaul (ROH) of these aircrafts / helicopters and their aggregates.

(c)&(d):There have been some instances of delay by M/s HAL in supplying spares. The reasons for delay in supplying spares include delay in supply of spares by Indian and foreign vendors, delay in transfer of technology to HAL by foreign vendors and its subsequent absorption, delay in setting up of repair &overhaul facilities etc. Efforts made to ensure timely supply of spares include close monitoring of Indian and foreign vendors, timely placement of orders, placement of orders on long term basis, increase in vendor base, indigenization etc.

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