Coimbatore, Nov 28: The problem in the MiG aircraft had already been identified and it could be now used till its technical life, a senior Indian Air Force official said today. When sought to know the cause of frequent mishaps of MiGs, Air Marshal, D C Nigam, commanding-in-chief maintenance command, told reporters that the cause of the problem has been identified and sorted out and it could be utilised till its technical life.

"There was no immediate necessity to phase out the aircraft from the force", Nigam said, at 5base repair depot, Sulur Air Force Station.

IAF has aimed at manufacturing all the spare parts required for its aircraft indigenously by 2010, he said. The force, at present was manufacturing 95 per cent of low cost and low technology spare parts indigenously and by 2010 these would be done without outsourcing, Nigam claimed.

Regarding high cost and complex technology, he said IAF had tied up with various industries for supply of such parts, required to carry out repairs of different aircraft.

He also said IAF had also tied up with IITs Mumbai and Chandigarh, for tapping younger minds, to provide various projects.

Earlier, Nigam reviewed a ceremonial parade.

Bureau Report