Hyderabad: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has drawn up a massive modernisation plan, including induction of latest combat aircraft and training module for its personnel, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy said on December 21.

"With the technology advancing rapidly in the field of aerospace we need to have stronger human resource base which can meet the challenges faced by the country," Krishnswamy told reporters after reviewing combined gaduation parade at Dundigal Air force Academy.

A totally new concept, from selection of cadets to maintenance of machinery, was being brought in the IAF, he said adding civil engineers and science graduates will be preferred for various jobs including pilots so that they can obtain civil licences to serve in commercial sector after retirement or completing short service.

IAF has decided to motivate young graduates in select universities to join the force and in this regard the training commands have been asked to create more and more infrastructure to facilitate training of international standards.

Pointing out that 700 MIG 21 Jets were inducted in the force since 1966, Krishnaswamy replying to a query about Jet crashes said they were basically combat aircraft and not training aircraft and slightest human error could cause a catastrophe.

"We are in the process of inducting latest fighter jets very soon," he said and added that there were aircraft 45 to 50 years old, which are still airworthy, and being used in the United States and United Kingdom.

PTI