IAF's indigenous dreams go sour as major hiccups mar development of aircrafts by HAL

The Indian Air Force's indigenous dream appears to have gone sour as all major projects for home production of key aircraft are showing symptoms of distress.

IAF chief NAK Browne in a letter to Defence Minister A.K. Antony had highlighted the delays and high costs in the development of basic trainer aircraft required urgently for rookie pilots, but these are not the only areas of concern.

HAL's programme for developing Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) is facing serious turbulence and the aircraft maker's decision to reduce its work share in the joint development of fifth generation fighter aircraft with the Russians has raised eyebrows as it will have a bearing on the costs of the project.

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