2 US missile defence systems for AI One to guard PM, Prez

Washington, February 7

The US has agreed to sell two state-of-the-art missile defence systems to Air India One at an estimated cost of USD 190 million, a move that will enhance the security of planes flying the Prime Minister and the President.

The Trump administration has approved purchase of the two systems known as Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCAM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) at an estimated cost of USD 190 million, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a notification to the Congress on Wednesday.

The US decision came after the Indian Government recently made a request for LAIRCAM SPS, given the high-level threat to the PM and the President.

The defence systems, which would bring security of Air India One at par with that of Air Force One, would be installed in two Boeing 777 Head-of-State aircraft, the Pentagon said.

The Indian Government plans to buy two Bowing 777 from national carrier Air India for this specific purpose and unlike in the past would not be used for commercial purposes.

The purpose of the LAIRCM programme is to protect large aircraft from man-portable missiles. Once installed, the LAIRCAM system increases crew-warning time, decreases false alarm rates and automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems, according to the Federation of American Scientists. — PTI