New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has a shortage of 405 pilots against the authorised strength, the government told Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said the number of pilots in the Indian Air Force at present is 3,834 as against the sanctioned strength of 4,239. “There is a shortage of 405 pilots (as on March 1) in the IAF,” he said, replying to a question. Also Read – IPL 2021: MS Dhoni Unveils New CSK Jersey, Camouflage on Shoulders to Pay Tribute to Armed Forces | WATCH
He said 260 aircraft are being used for training of pilots in the force. The trainer aircraft in the IAF included Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Kiran MkI/IA and Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainer. Also Read – Dubai’s Deputy Ruler Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies at 75
To a separate question on whether India can counter China effectively with hypersonic vehicles, the minister declined to answer saying the information sought is highly sensitive and classified. “The information sought is highly sensitive and classified and cannot be divulged on the floor of the House,” he said in his written reply. Also Read – Maharashtra News: BMC Mulls Shutting Mumbai’s Juhu Beach Amid Spike in Coronavirus Cases in Andheri West
Replying to another question, Naik said 1,98,881 dwelling units were planned for construction through Married Accommodation Project route and 57,875 units were already built under phase one of the project.
He said 69,904 units were planned to be built under phase two of the project out of which construction of 58,062 units was completed.
Naik said there was a plan to construct 71,102 units under phase three of the project but an in-principle decision has been taken to construct further married accommodation through the Annual Major Works Programme route.
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