India Details Airfield Modernization Program

Nov. 29, 2011 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued November 28, 2011)

The project for ‘Modernisation of Air Field Infrastructure (MAFI)' is under progress to modernize/improve the navigational aids at all Indian Air Force airfields. MAFI is planned in two phases under which 30 airfields are planned for modernization in Phase-I and the balance airfields of Indian Air Force will be modernized in Phase II. Phase-II will also include airfields of the Army. Navy. Coast Guard as well as any other agency.

The contract for MAFI Phase-I was signed on 16th March 2011 with M/s TATA power (SED) at a cost of Rs.1219.99 crore. The project envisages a time-bound programme wherein 30 airfields will be modernized in 42 months. It involves Installation and commissioning of the equipment, including work services along with integration and calibration of the equipment with Automated Air Traffic Management (ATM) at Air Traffic Control (ATC).

The IAF is also procuring surveillance Radar Elements (SRE), Precision Approach Radars (PAR), UHF Ground-to-Air Radio sets and Commutated Automatic Direction Finder (CADF) systems to upgrade the equipment at its airfields.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in written reply to Shri Modugula Venugopala Reddy and Shri Kirti Azadin Lok Sabha today.