The Government spent over `2,000 crore in the last three years for the repair and maintenance of its fleet of 200 Sukhois, India’s frontline fighter aircraft. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Rajya Sabha that while `834.76 crore was spent in 2013-14, `877.84 crore was spent for the purpose in 2012-13. In 2011-12 the amount stood at `551.35 crore.
In a written reply, he said the maintenance work on SU-30 is carried out in accordance with the procedures specified in the original equipment manufacturer maintenance manuals and servicing schedules for the aircraft. Parrikar was asked if the SU-30s are meeting with accidents due to the Air Force not carrying out timely maintenance of the aircraft.
Responding to a question on a recent crash of the aircraft, he said a court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. The nearly 200-strong Su-30 fleet, which was grounded after the crash, has now been cleared for flying. IAF is already down to 34 combat squadrons, as against an authorised strength of 44. Each squadron has up to 18 fighter planes. The recent crash was the fifth accident involving a SU-30 MKI since 2009 and the fleet had been grounded twice earlier.