30 IAF Airfields Modernised, 37 More In Progress: Govt
IAF's Rafale fighter jet (Pic via Twitter)The government on Friday (9 December) informed the Parliament that 30 Indian Air Force (IAF) airfields have been modernised and the modernisation of 37 more airfields is "under progress".
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said that the government has undertaken modernisation of the defence airfield infrastructure of the country in two phases.
"Modernisation of airfield infrastructure is aimed at enhancing the capability in terms of facilitating operation in poor weather conditions including night operations, enhanced enroute navigation infrastructure and enhanced traffic handling capabilities," he added.
"Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts for Modernisation of Air Field Infrastructure (MAFI)," he said.
"MAFI Phase-I was signed on 16 March 2011 for modernization of 30 Indian Air Force Airfields which has been completed," Bhatt said.
"MAFI Phase-II was signed on 8 May 2020 for modernisation of another 37 airfields, which is under progress," he added.
The minister further informed that the budgetary allocation made for modernising airfields under Phase-I was Rs 1,215.35 crore and Phase-II is Rs 1,187.17 crore.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.
