Article Posted on : - Apr 06, 2014

NEW DELHI (PTI): Against the backdrop of the loss of a newly-acquired C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, top IAF brass has reviewed the operational preparedness of its formations and need for further enhancing flight safety.

"Top commanders including IAF Chief Arup Raha discussed the operational preparedness of the commands and air bases under them," an IAF official said.

The bi-annual Commanders' Conference on April 2 also discussed the need for further strengthening flight safety mechanism in the force, they said.

A C-130J aircraft, considered to be a strategic asset by the force, had crashed on March 28 near Gwalior while performing a low-level flying exercise, killing five personnel, including four officers.

Representatives of the HAL, which is the biggest supplier of the IAF, were expected to make a presentation before the conference and discuss their ongoing plans and projects for the force.

IAF is involved in a tussle with HAL over procurement of a basic trainer aircraft where the PSU is favouring the development of such a plane indigenously whereas the former wants it to be procured from abroad.