CCS all set to Clear Pilatus’s PC-7 Basic Trainers

SOURCE PTI

The Cabinet Committee on Security meeting today did not clear IAF proposal for buying 75 PC-7 basic trainer planes for training of IAF rookie pilots from Swiss firm Pilatus, though it was part of the agenda for the meeting.

The approval for the basic trainer deal with Pilatus, selected through a long process ending last year, will be given in subsequent meetings of the CCS, sources said.

The Pilatus deal is expected to be over $600 million for the 75 planes that are required by the IAF urgently, as 114 of its piston-engine HPT-32 basic trainers remain grounded since mid-2009.

Though the IAF at present manages training newly recruited pilots on HJT-16 Kirans and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, the first flying lessons for combat pilots have faced problems due lack of basic trainers.