Air Marshal Dhiraj Kukreja assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Indian Air Force (IAF) on December 1 last year. Having flown both jet fighters and modern transport aircraft, the Air Marshal brings with him vast experience in operations and training. He has held a variety of command and staff appointments in the IAF and has undergone prestigious courses both in India and abroad. Training Command could not have a better person than him at the helm of affairs especially when it is on a threshold of major revamp. The AOC-in-C in a candid conversation with Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey of SP’s Aviation.

SP's Aviation (SP’s): The basic trainer HPT32 fleet remains grounded since mid-2009. What if any, are the plans for its revival and in what timeframe?

Air Marshal Dhiraj Kukreja (AOC-in-C): The HPT-32 was grounded in August 2009 after an unfortunate accident. Since then the IAF and HAL have been working together towards finding a solution. A high-powered team was constituted under an Air Vice Marshal to study the problems on the aircraft and recommend solutions. Based on the study, some modifications have been carried out on a few aircraft and the trials too are almost complete. One of the modifications recommended, fitment of the aircraft parachute recovery system (APRS), is yet to be commenced. We are hopeful that the aircraft would be available for training flying in another six months or so.

SP’s: Now that trials for the new basic Turboprop trainer have been completed, when do you expect the final selection to be made and what are the plans for its induction?

AOC-in-C: The IAF is working towards having the contract signed by March 2011. The induction of the first batch of 12 aircraft is expected within 18 months of signing the contract.

SP’s: How exactly is the selection and induction of the new basic Turboprop trainer being coordinated with HAL? Will HAL undertake production of the selected aircraft or develop their own design?

AOC-in-C: The five vendors have submitted their proposals to Air Headquarters for transfer of technology (ToT) as a mandatory part of the RFP. The vendors have also visited HAL. HAL, however, would be involved only in the overhaul of the aircraft and not its manufacture as it is going ahead with its own design and production of the indigenous basic trainer aircraft called the HTT-40. The DPR submitted by HAL is under examination at Air HQ.

SP’s: Have the issues pertaining to the Hawk advanced jet trainer been resolved with the OEM and the HAL? In what timeframe is the current order expected to be completed?

AOC-in-C: A total of 66 aircraft were first contracted of which 24 ‘direct supply’ by the OEM have been delivered. Of the balance 42 aircraft that were to be licence-built by HAL and delivered by now, only 16 have been delivered. The HAL production is behind schedule. There are no pending issues with the OEM and the aircraft is flying well with the IAF.

SP’s: There are concerns that despite the difficulties experienced with the initial order for the Hawk and RFI floated for fresh tender, follow on orders have been placed with the same company. How do you view this step?

AOC-in-C: The Hawk is a proven advanced jet trainer. After resolving the teething problems post its induction in the IAF in 2008, training flying is progressing well on the Hawk. The follow-on order has been placed keeping in mind the future increased intake of fighter pilots into the IAF.

SP’s: Have there been any issues between BIAL and Air Force Station Yelahanka with regard to air traffic management since BIAL has been commissioned? What would be the impact on operations at Air Force Station Yelahanka after the second runway is made operational?

AOC-in-C: An SOP is in place for the ‘flexi use of air space’ as mutually agreed to between BIAL and the Air Force for operations ex-Yelahanka. It is working well. It would have to be reviewed prior to the second runway being operationalised. Use of one runway for departures and the second for arrivals may have to be thought of.

SP’s: What are the plans for induction of the IJT to replace the ageing Kiran fleet especially on account of the substantially enhanced utilisation rate of the fleet after grounding of the HPT-32?

AOC-in-C: The IJT is to replace the Kiran aircraft by 2015. We are expecting the IOC by June this year. The first 12 aircraft will be inducted at the Flying Instructors’ School at Tambaram. With further build up on numbers, pre-Hawk pilot training would also commence. We expect full training on the IJT by 2015.

SP’s: In your view, is the infrastructure at Air Force Station Yelahanka adequate to meet the demands of an International Air Show such as Aero India especially as patronage of the expo has been growing substantially over the years?

AOC-in-C: Yes, definitely. Sufficient space is available for exhibitions and static display and viewing the air display. International class facilities are available for the public, the vendors and the media. Temporary structures are also erected to meet the growing needs. The infrastructure has definitely put Yelahanka on the international air show map.

SP’s: What is the current status of the formation aerobatic team, Surya Kiran, and what are the plans for re-equipment of the team after the Kiran fleet is phased out?

AOC-in-C: The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will be performing at the Aero India and the team will continue to perform on occasions, but on specific clearance from Air Headquarters, as the aircraft are also being used to augment the training resources. We are examining the options available for a suitable replacement. None have been shortlisted as yet.

SP’s: With vast experience in both operations and training in the IAF, what are going to be your areas of focus while you are at the helm of affairs of the Training Command?

AOC-in-C: I have modified the old adage of sweating in peace. I have emphasised to my Commanders that “the more you train in peace, the less you bleed in war”. Training is the foundation of any fighting force, more so of a technologically-oriented force such as ours. Our training has to be to be top class to ensure a firm foundation to our air warriors. Towards this end, quality of instruction imparted has to be par-excellence. Instructors have to keep abreast of the latest technologies and practices; infrastructure has to be improved especially where we are still operating from World War II vintage buildings. My emphasis is also on the trainer and the trainee i.e. the man. I have demanded highest standards from both in morals, values and ethics. It may be a tall order, but is essential. I am confident that the air warriors will respond.