But frequent crashes have put the aircraft in the media spotlight, with some reports dubbing it the 'flying coffin'. Fernandes and the top brass of the IAF, however, insist there is nothing wrong with the jet. They also admit the aircraft is old and needs to be phased out.

Fernandes, in this picture, waves to mediapersons before getting into the cockpit. Also seen is Pilot Wing Commander N Harish.

Photo: Sondeep Shankar/ Saab Press