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Over the next one year, the Indian Air Force will induct midair refuelling aircraft and a large number of its fighters will be upgraded, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy said on Tuesday.
India may also buy the L-159, the advanced jet trainer produced by the Czech company Aero Vodochody, Krishnaswamy said during his annual press conference ahead of the IAF Day on October 8.
"I am confident that the government will take a decision before this financial year ends," Krishnaswamy said.
He hinted that the Czech AJTs are acceptable to the IAF, though it is a bit slower than the Hawk, manufactured by Britain's BAe Systems.
Krishnaswamy also said some IAF officers have trained on earlier versions of the AJTs produced by the Czech firm.
The air chief's comments are significant, as Defence Minister George Fernandes has said that the government is zeroing in on the Hawk.
Krishnaswamy pointed out that as an air commodore in the mid-80s, he was involved in the negotiations for the purchase of AJTs.
"The AJT is a very important aeroplane to us," he said, adding that the trainers would serve the IAF for at least 30 years.
"We may finalise one, but when we have options we would take a look at them," he said.
He said the IAF also hopes to induct six Il-78 refuelling aircraft in the next one year.
The Il-78, with the same airframe as the Il-76 but more powerful engines, can be used for carrying fuel as well as cargo, he said.
By the time the Il-78s arrive, IAF pilots will be ready to take in fuel for their fighters in midair, he said.
While the Su-30MKIs and Jaguars have the ability, the Mirages need only minor upgrades for making them capable of receiving fuel in midair.
The IAF also plans to indigenously upgrade 40 MiG-27s, with avionics and systems tested in MiG-21BIS and Su-30MKIs.
The IAF will also upgrade 40 Jaguars with modern avionics and guided munitions.
He said efforts are also on to acquire Airborne Warning and Control Systems.
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