Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major on a farewell visit to the Eastern Air Command (EAC) today said the delivery of the Phalcon AWACS would help boost security of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
India signed a $ 1.1 billion deal with Israel in 2004 for purchase of three AWACS fitted on Russian-made IL-76 transport aircraft, to detect incoming hostile missiles and unmanned aircrafts.
The AWACS is a force multiplier and can provide advance information about attack fighter jets taking off from an enemy territory. The AWACS, therefore, by providing the advanced information gives the IAF an edge over its enemy to scramble its own fighter jets to counter the attack.
Israel was scheduled to delivery the Phalcon AWACS by 2007 to the IAF, however, the deadline could not be meet. Despite the delay, India has placed additional orders for three more AWACS at a cost of $ 2 billion.
Air Chief Marshal Major said the Mumbai attacks have been a turning point in the way the country accesses its security. The Mumbai attack was a wake up call for the India. The IAF is potent force, but there would be more procurement for the IAF soon to strengthen security the Air Chief stated.
The Mumbai attacks, the Air Chief said, resulted in a sense of urgency to boost security in the country and the IAF. He added on the list of purchase for the IAF are an array of modern machines and technologies.
On the Sukhoi crash of April 30, Air Chief Marshal Major said: any crash is a setback. The Air Chief added that investigation was to ascertain the cause of the mishap.