<p>Calling the mishaps a "serious issue", IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) chief Air Marshal N A K Browne told reporters here today these were "a matter of concern" for the Air Force.<br /><br />The fleet had trouble with its engines and had to be grounded earlier this year.<br />But Browne said the reason for the Russian-origin fighter jet not featuring in the air display during the Air Force Day parade was because it was not deployed in the WAC's area of responsibility.<br /><br />"MiG-27s have faced some problems with its engines. Yes, it is a matter of concern for all in the Air Force. It is a serious issue. Some checks are going on the aircraft right now," he said in reply to questions, but did not commit if these jets were grounded once again.<br />MiG-27s were grounded in February this year after one of the planes crashed near Hashimara in West Bengal on February 16 killing an ace fighter pilot.<br /><br />After through checks, it was authorised to resume flying in June this year, but soon two other MiG-27s crashed -- one on July 24 again near Hashimara and another on September 24 near Kalaikunda.<br /><br />Browne said the technical team of IAF was looking at the aircraft fleet now to identify if there were any faults.The IAF operates over 100 single-seater variants of MiG-27 in eight of its 33 fighter squadrons. But the fleet faced trouble from its R-29 engines.<br />The two-seater trainer variants of the aircraft continue to remain operational as they are not not equipped with R-29 engines.<br /><br />MiG-27s perform a swing-wing role for both air-to-air and ground attacks.After the crash in February, the IAF's investigation found that it could have taken place due to failure of "low pressure turbine blades" in the engine.<br /><br />The aircraft is a 1980s vintage platform of the Air Force and the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), for which tenders are currently under process, will replace it in the 500-aircraft strong IAF fleet.<br /><br />The Air Force Day parade this year will otherwise witness air display by Su-30s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, Mirages and MiG-21 Bison fighter jets, apart from transport aircraft and helicopters and a performance from the IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kirans'.<br /></p>
<p>Calling the mishaps a "serious issue", IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) chief Air Marshal N A K Browne told reporters here today these were "a matter of concern" for the Air Force.<br /><br />The fleet had trouble with its engines and had to be grounded earlier this year.<br />But Browne said the reason for the Russian-origin fighter jet not featuring in the air display during the Air Force Day parade was because it was not deployed in the WAC's area of responsibility.<br /><br />"MiG-27s have faced some problems with its engines. Yes, it is a matter of concern for all in the Air Force. It is a serious issue. Some checks are going on the aircraft right now," he said in reply to questions, but did not commit if these jets were grounded once again.<br />MiG-27s were grounded in February this year after one of the planes crashed near Hashimara in West Bengal on February 16 killing an ace fighter pilot.<br /><br />After through checks, it was authorised to resume flying in June this year, but soon two other MiG-27s crashed -- one on July 24 again near Hashimara and another on September 24 near Kalaikunda.<br /><br />Browne said the technical team of IAF was looking at the aircraft fleet now to identify if there were any faults.The IAF operates over 100 single-seater variants of MiG-27 in eight of its 33 fighter squadrons. But the fleet faced trouble from its R-29 engines.<br />The two-seater trainer variants of the aircraft continue to remain operational as they are not not equipped with R-29 engines.<br /><br />MiG-27s perform a swing-wing role for both air-to-air and ground attacks.After the crash in February, the IAF's investigation found that it could have taken place due to failure of "low pressure turbine blades" in the engine.<br /><br />The aircraft is a 1980s vintage platform of the Air Force and the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), for which tenders are currently under process, will replace it in the 500-aircraft strong IAF fleet.<br /><br />The Air Force Day parade this year will otherwise witness air display by Su-30s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, Mirages and MiG-21 Bison fighter jets, apart from transport aircraft and helicopters and a performance from the IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kirans'.<br /></p>