New Delhi, June 28: Air-India One is soon going to be a world-class plane and a mid-air PMO. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is all set to fly in his brand new jet as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited tenders for acquiring a state-of-the-art aircraft on the lines of the US President’s Air Force One.
Seeking to augment the two ageing Boeing 737-200, which forms the back-bone of the IAF’s Communication Squadron (also known as VIP squadron), the government is keen on acquiring the latest Boeing 747-400 for the Prime Minister.
According to South Block sources, the government has floated a Request for Proposals (RPF), inviting international aircraft manufacturers to file commercial and technical tenders this month.
• Air-India One to have latest jamming equipment, anti-missile systems and on-board refuelling facility • Russian Antonovs, being too large is not a favourite, US Air Force One type Boeings have an edge
Topping the government’s list of qualitative requirements is an aircraft that compares favourably with the US Presidential jet, and comes equipped with hi-tech gadgets that can turn the massive aircraft into a mobile and secure office that will have comprehensive electronic counter-measures to ward of any missile attack or other threats.



Taking a page out of Air Force One, the IAF has proposed that the aircraft comes equipped with jamming devices, chaff dispensers, a medical room, secure communication facilities, in-flight refuelling capabilities and other electronic warfare devices.



It is learnt that the government had also received offers from the Russians and the Ukranians. While the Russians offered the Tuploev-142, used by President Vladimir Putin, the Ukranians offered the Antonov.



However, said sources, New Delhi was not in favour of the Tupolev as it was considered too large for the purpose. Since the US President uses two-specially configured Boeing 747-200Bs, the aircraft has found favour with New Delhi. Boeing has the upgraded Boeing 747-400 which can be configured for the special needs of the Indian Prime Minister, said sources.



Air Force One carries sophisticated electronic and communication equipment, has self-contained baggage loader, and has in-flight refuelling capability. It also contains an executive suite for the President and a houses a mid-air version of the Oval office.



It also has conference and dining rooms for the President’s staff and family. The aircraft also offers separate accommodation for guests, senior staff, secret service personnel and media-persons.



The Air-India 747s that Vajpayee uses for his trips abroad lack in-flight refuelling capabilities, and have rudimentary electronic warfare measures installed aboard.