IAF denies BBC report on low pilot morale

...says IAF looks at premature retirement requests on a case-to-case basis

BY A CORRESPONDENT
April 18, 2006

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has denied a recent BBC report which claimed that the morale of pilots in the Force was low, and the IAF was unwilling to let pilots go.

IAF chief SP Tyagi said recently that the IAF looks at requests for premature retirement on a case-to-case basis. If the IAF has 100 planes and 125 pilots, some pilots can be allowed to go. But if there are 100 planes and 95 pilots, the case is different, he said.

The morale in IAF is based on on belief, pride and professionalism, said Mr Tyagi. he was speaking in the Southern state of Kerala to address a meeting of the air commanders of the South.

The IAF boss also said: "We will not hold on to anyone, and if the IAF needs pilots, we will keep them. He said that the IAF had the least-ever number of crashes last year. the IAF, he added, has ordered six refuelling aircraft, 80 helicopters and 66 Hawks of which 24 will be supplied by Britain. Apart from the upcoming mega-order for 126 fighter planes, IAF is also getting intermediate jet trainers and 45 medium transport aircraft.