very interesting numbers. in the last 5 years, there were 150 mig crashes and 60 pilots died. this must be bigger than any war india fought.
------- http://www.hinduonnet.com/holnus/02211607.htm "Lack of AJTs, key reason for MiG crashes" New Delhi, Nov. 21. (PTI): Asserting that absence of Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) was the key reason for frequent crashes of MIG warplanes, a Congress member in the Rajya Sabha today sought to know from the Government the "mysterious elements" that were delaying their acquisition. "It is penny-wise and pound-foolish for not going in for AJTs,", said Suresh Kalmadi (Cong.) while pointing to the statement of Defence Minister George Fernandes that "mysterious elements" were preventing purchase of the trainer jets. Making a special mention, Kalmadi said the main reason for crashes of nearly 150 MiG series planes in the last five years in which about 60 pilots have been killed was the fact that the Indian Air Force did not have AJTs. The crashes have cost the country Rs 7000 to 10,000 crore, he said. He recalled an assurance given by the Defence Minister that AJTs would be bought by December 2000, but said the deal was yet to be finalised. Observing that the Price Negotiations Committee on AJTs has submitted its report to the Government, the Congress member asked "how many more crashes will have to take place and how many pilots have to die before we get the planes?"
