Sukhois to arrive at Tezpur by June-July: Air Marshal Bhan

Kolkata Mar 14 (PTI) The Indian Air Force Station in
Assam's Tezpur would be ready by the middle of next month to
house the much-awaited Sukhoi aircraft which were expected to
arrive around June, chief of Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal
S K Bhan said Saturday.

"The base should be ready by the middle of next month.
The Sukhois, in my opinion, would arrive by June-July," Bhan
told newsmen here.

Deployment of the highly-integrated, twin-finned Sukhois
for the first time in the Eastern sector would give India an
air advantage over neighbouring China. The aircraft could fly
upto 3,500 km without refuelling and upto 5,000 km with
additional fuel.

Asked about the importance of the deployment of Sukhois
at Tezpur given its proximity to China, he said, "it is very
significant."

Spread over 20.55 acre, Air Force Station Tezpur had
remained closed for the past one year for the upgradation
required to house the Sukhois.

Before the close-down, the station had three squadrons of
MiGs, which were undertaking both operational and training
roles. PTI SBR
SAK
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