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.
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.
