The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to phase out its fleet of HPT-32 trainer aircraft by 2014, according to Air Chief Marshal PV Naik.

The decision has been made following concern over a recent HPT-32 crash in July 2009.

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Air Chief Marshal PV Naik was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying the air force has ordered an inquiry and a study on the aircraft, as the IAF has had a number of problems with the aircraft since their induction in 1984.

“We hope to use it only till 2013-14,” he said.

The Hindustan piston trainer aircraft built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is IAF’s primary aircraft for basic fighter pilot training.

The air force intends to use Kirans aircraft as a temporary alternative trainer for about a year and a half, while it selects and switches over to a permanent alternative.

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