Posted on 04/01/2007 9:07:32 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
IAF seeks more AWACS aircraft to counter missile threats
New Delhi, April 01: The Indian Air Force has projected a need for more Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) to enhance its capability to counter emerging missile threats in the skies and waters around the country.
India has inked a 1.1 billion dollar deal with Israel to purchase three Phalcon AWACs mounted on Russian Il-76 aircraft, and the IAF has now asked the government to clear the induction of up to five more aircraft.
With each aircraft capable of mounting surveillance for up to 14 hours with in-flight refuelling, the AWACs will extend "strategic reach" far beyond Indian airspace, IAF officials said.
Under the Phalcon deal, New Delhi has an option to acquire three to five more AWCs from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) that would be delivered during 2009-12.
India will receive the first of the three Phalcon systems by September and the remaining two by 2009. The IAF has trained about 250 personnel in Israel for operating the complex systems comprising sophisticated radars and sensors.
In addition, 450 personnel have been trained to man ground facilities for the AWACs systems.
Bureau Report
I wonder what happens after 14 hours. Engines bust? No johns? Run out of peanut bags?
Look at the link to get on or off the pinglist.
Was purchasing more Russian A-50 ever an option? Well, I guess the Israeli electronics would be better, and it's also based on the same aircraft so it sounds like a good deal.
I think so.1(or was it 2?) A-50s were leased to India in 2000 for trials.Don't think the IAF was too thrilled.It is ironic that the PHALCON got to the frontline after the China deal was blocked by the US.Elta had done some integration work with the IL-76 platform,which was already in service with India,so a lot of things fell into place.
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