“The National Award is for Kashmiri Pandits…” says ‘The Kashmir Files’ producer Abhishek Agarwal

The Indian Air Force has formally initiated the procurement process for a new fleet of long-range business jets to replace its ageing VIP transport aircraft, issuing a Request for Information for four to six new jets under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 with a 30-percent offset clause. The move aims to modernise the Pegasus Squadron, the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron at Palam Air Base in New Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft, inducted on September 21, 2005 and named Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Nabhdoot and Gagandoot, have been in service for over two decades and are now due for phased replacement. Vendor responses are due by April 15, 2026, with a formal Request for Proposal expected by mid-2027 and delivery timelines projected between 2029 and 2031. The long-range business jets are distinct from Air India One, the specially modified Boeing 777 jets reserved exclusively for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister. The new fleet will instead serve senior cabinet ministers including Defence, Finance, Home and External Affairs, as well as the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The procurement comes amid renewed focus on executive aviation safety following the January 28 crash of a privately operated Learjet 45XR in Baramati that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, an accident that has lent fresh urgency to the IAF's long-planned modernisation effort.