India's navy has temporarily grounded its remaining British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS51 fighters, following a fatal crash that has reduced its fleet of the type to just 11 of the 30 or so aircraft that it acquired in the 1980s.
The aircraft crashed into the sea, killing its pilot, while on a routine training exercise off Goa on 21 August, the Indian defence ministry says. Checks are being conducted on the navy's remaining Harriers, which are likely to resume operations within days.
Indian navy chief of staff Adm Sureesh Mehta says "every crash is a matter of concern", but refutes suggestions that his service's Sea Harriers are prone to accidents.
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In 2007, New Delhi launched a Hindustan Aeronautics-led mid-life upgrade programme for its Sea Harriers, with the work expected to extend the life of the aircraft by 15 years until 2023. Enhancements included fitting Elta Systems EL/M-2032 multi-mode fire control radars and Rafael Derby beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles.
India plans to replace some of its Sea Harriers with 16 RSK MiG-29K/KUBs that it had originally expected to field from 2004. Following programme delays, the first aircraft will be delivered late this year.
New Delhi also has plans to produce a naval variant of its Aeronautical Development Agency Tejas light combat aircraft, with the navy to potentially acquire enough to equip two squadrons. However, a naval prototype has yet to fly, and no production deal has been signed.
The Indian navy also plans to replace many of its other legacy aircraft, with its requirements including deals for new transport and maritime patrol aircraft, plus anti-submarine warfare, transport and utility helicopters.
Separately, Russia's Rosoboronexport arms agency and HAL have signed an agreement under which New Delhi will acquire Klimov RD-33 Series-3 engines for use in its upgraded MiG-29s. The same design powers the MiG-35 on offer for the service's more than $10 billion medium multirole combat aircraft competition.
Source: Flight International
