MiG-27s grounded for checks

The Indian Air Force has ‘grounded’ its fleet of over 100 MiG-27 ground attack fighters for mandatory checks following a fatal crash in West Bengal last week, reports HT Correspondent.

The Indian Air Force has ‘grounded’ its fleet of over 100 MiG-27 ground attack fighters for mandatory checks following a fatal crash in West Bengal last week.

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A senior IAF official said the aircraft would not be taking part in the Air Force’s biggest ever fire power display, Vayu Shakti-2010, aimed at highlighting its operational

and precision strike capabilities by day, dusk and night at the Pokhran ranges on February 28.

The IAF has lost 12 MiG-27 fighter planes since January 2001.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal PV Naik said the latest MiG-27 crash might have been caused by a failure of the low-pressure turbine blades.

Asked if the combat maneouvres were aimed at sending a message to Pakistan, he said, “Our demonstration is intended to tell the people of our country, the capability of the IAF, its skills and strategic reach to protect the skies and national interest.”