IAF to expand VIP fleet, projects requirement of 4-6 long range business jets
The capability to operate from narrow runways, semi-prepared airfields, carry out high altitude operations are among other stipulated requirements
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has projected a requirement for four to six new long range business jets (LRBJ), indicating an expansion of its dedicated fleet to ferry the nation’s top officials.
“The LRBJ would be used for VIP role with passenger carrying capacity of minimum 19 persons,” a request for information (RFI) floated by the Ministry of Defence states. This implies that the aircraft being sought would be in the same class as the Embraer Legacy that are already in IAF service.
The IAF already operates four aircraft in this category which were inducted with the Air Headquarters Communications Squadron based at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi 21 years ago. Earlier VIP aircraft like the Avro and the Boeing 737-200 have served with the Squadron for around 40 years before being phased out.
Besides a specially configured cabin for VIP use, the new aircraft would be equipped with advanced avionics, an electronic counter measure (ECM) and electronic counter—counter measures (ECCM) suites and identification of friend and foe system for self-protection, along with secure communications equipment, navigational aids and onboard high-speed internet.
The capability to operate from narrow runways and semi-prepared airfields, carry out high altitude operations and ability to execute short field landings are among other stipulated requirements.
Additional airframes of this jet were also procured from Embraer to serve as the platform for the indigenous Netra airborne early warning system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Besides Embraer, the Communications Squadron also operates three Boeing 737 business jets, which can accommodate 46-50 persons, for use by the top leadership for travel within the country. In addition it has two large wide-bodied Boeing 777ER for the exclusive use of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister for foreign trips. The squadron also maintains a flight of six modified Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
The Boeing 737s were inducted in 2009, while the , which go by the call sign ‘Air India One’ when the VVIPs are onboard, entered service in 2020. All aircraft are specially configured and equipped with self-protection suites.
The Embraers replaced the ageing Hawker Siddeley HS-748 Avro twin-engined turboprop aircraft that was used for short-medium haul domestic travel, whereas the Boeing business jets replaced the older variant of the Boeing 737-200.
Last year, the IAF initiated a process to undertake a complete facelift of the Embraer fleet, implying that it expects these aircraft to remain in service for many years. The works to be undertaken involve complete repainting of the aircraft as well as a total overhaul and refurbishment of the cockpit and the passenger cabin, changing internal fittings and replacing all furnishings, upholstery, curtains, shades and flooring.
