The evaluation report of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal will be submitted to the Defence Ministry by the end of July, confirmed Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik. He said the contract was likely to be signed this year.
Speaking at the ‘DARE Raising Day' of the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) here on Friday, Mr. Naik said the response to the contending global fighters had been positive. He said the upgrading of SU-30 aircraft “is well on track.”
Chinese air base
Reacting to reports of China building an air base in Tibet, he said it was a matter of concern and said that the IAF was following the developments. The Air Chief Marshal spoke about the critical role DARE played in the IAF because of the close relationship between technology and electronic warfare. Hailing Bangalore as an epicentre of intelligence, he stressed on cutting-edge technology and punctual delivery being the most important functions of organisations such as DARE.
Naming obsolescence and technological gap as the main challenges faced at present, he said the IAF was looking forward to more fighter aircraft and helicopter projects from DARE.
Earlier, U.K. Revankar, Director, DARE, recalled the successes of the organisation — MiG-27 for which it had supplied avionics, Tarang RWR system, the Missile Approach Warning System and Multi-Sensor Warning System on AVRO and now on Cheetah helicopters and said they were now working on MiG-29, Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System, and Light Weight EW Suite for helicopters.
G. Elangovan, Chief Controller of Research and Development, suggested that the IAF should make its requirements and operational capabilities known so that organisations could work on the given parameters.
30 employees were awarded for achievements in eight categories on the occasion.
