IAF starts process to acquire 4-6 long-range biz jets for military leadership, ministers | India News
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially started the process of replacing its fleet of aging VIP transport aircraft by issuing a ‘Request for Information’ (RFI) for 4-6 new Long Range Business Jets (LRBJs) for safe, fast and reliable transportation of military leadership and government dignitaries.The RFI, which is the first phase of identifying potential vendors and understanding available technology before initiating a formal procurement, is aimed at modernizing the Air Headquarters Communications Squadron at Palam, Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 jets have already served more than 20 years and are scheduled for phased replacement.
“IAF is planning to procure about four/six long range business jets. To identify potential vendors who can take up the said project, OEMs/authorized vendors are requested to forward information on the products they can offer,” said the RFI posted on the IAF website. “The LRBJs will be used for VIP roles with a minimum carrying capacity of 19 passengers,” it said.The existing fleet, which was inducted on September 21, 2005, consists of four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft designated as Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Navadoot and Gagandoot.However, LRBJs differ from aircraft in that they are only for India’s top three VVIPs: the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, known by the call sign ‘Air India One’, is a specially modified, protected and exclusive jet for the top three VVIPs.On the other hand, LRBJ aircraft are meant to transport senior government officials including the Ministers of Defence, Finance, Home and External Affairs as well as the Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and IAF.
