MIG-27 to be phased out in next couple of years: Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha

Hasimara: All the MIG-27 fighter jets, which have not been upgraded, will be phased out in the next couple of years and there are plans to introduce Rafale and Tejas, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said on Saturday.

"Mig-27, specially the ones which have not been upgraded, are going to be retired from service. They have served well for the country. We have plans to retire them in the next 2-3 years time," he told reporters here.

Some of the squadrons of MIG-27 will be affected.

"We are planning to induct many more aircraft. We have a roadmap," Raha said, adding there are plans to replace old aircraft with new ones like Rafale and Tejas.

On inducting women pilots for fighter aircraft, he said the plan was being implemented now.

"Our Airforce academy has many women pilots under training now. We are going to select some pilots from them who will fly fighter aircraft after completing training," Raha said.

"From January, they (women pilots) will start their training for combat flying. In the third phase, they will be trained in Hawk aircraft and then they will be at par with the men," he added.