Defence Minister A K Antony today said the Indian Navy has lost 15 Sea Harrier fighter aircraft in various accidents since 1983.

In written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Mr Antony said, 15 Sea Harrier fighters and three trainers have been lost in accidents since 1983. He said only three aircraft accidents out of these have been attributed to material failure.

He said strengthening of air combat capability of the Navy is an ongoing process through upgradation and acquisition.
He also informed the House that Navy has already commissioned one nuclear-powered submarine, procured from Russia on lease in January.

Replying to a question on upgradation of aircraft fleet for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Mr Antony said, the MiG-21 and MiG-27 have been upgraded. The minister also added the MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar andAn-32 aircraft are in the process of upgradation.