Indian Air Force begins procurement of 4-6 long-range business jets for military leadership and ministers

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially started replacing its old fleet of VIP transport aircraft, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the purchase of 4-6 new long-range business jets (LRBJ), which are designed to transport military leaders and government dignitaries safely, quickly and reliably.The RFI is the first phase to identify potential vendors and understand available technologies before formal procurement to modernize the Air Force Headquarters Communications Squadron at Palam, Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 jets, which have been in service for more than 20 years, are expected to be replaced in phases.“IAF plans to procure approximately four/six long-range business jets. In order to identify possible vendors who can undertake the project, OEMs/authorized vendors are required to forward information regarding the products they can offer,” said the RFI posted on the IAF website. “LRBJ will be used in a VIP role with a passenger capacity of at least 19 passengers,” the company said.The current fleet entered service on September 21, 2005 and consists of four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft, designated Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Nabhdoot and Gagandoot.However, the LRBJ is different from the aircraft reserved for the three most important figures in India: the President, Vice President and Prime Minister. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with the call sign “Air India One”, is a safe and exclusive jet aircraft specially modified for the three major VVIPs.LRBJ aircraft, on the other hand, are suitable for the travel of senior government officials including the Ministers of Defense, Finance, Home and External Affairs, as well as heads of the Indian Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force.