NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally started the process to replace its old fleet of VIP transport aircraft by issuing a ‘request for information’ (RFI) for 4-6 new Long Range Business Jets (LRBJs) that are meant for secure, rapid and reliable transportation of the military leadership and govt dignitaries.The RFI, which is the first stage to identify potential vendors and understand available technology before initiating a formal purchase, aims at modernising the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron based at Palam, Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 jets have already served for over 20 years and are slated for a phased replacement. India’s Air Power on Full Display as IAF Conducts Spectacular Vayushakti Drill in Pokharan “IAF is planning to procure approximately four/six Long Range Business Jets. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Attack Iran Live Updates: US, Israel continue bombing in Iran; Israeli jets strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s BeirutChinese Weapons Fail In Combat: Recent defeats expose Beijing’s arms flaws’They want to talk, and I agreed’: Trump claims Iran seeking dialogueWith the view to identify probable vendors who can undertake the said project, OEMs/ authorised vendors are requested to forward information on the product which they can offer,” the RFI posted on the IAF website said. “The LRBJs will be used for VIP role with passenger carrying capacity of minimum 19 passengers,” it said.The existing fleet, which was inducted on Sept 21, 2005, comprises four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft that have been designated as Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Nabhdoot and Gagandoot.However, the LRBJs are different from the aircraft that are meant only for India’s top three VVIPs: the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, known by the call sign ‘Air India One’, are specially modified, secure and exclusive jets for the top three VVIPs.On the other hand, the LRBJ aircraft are meant for the movement of senior govt functionaries, including the ministers of defence, finance, home and external affairs, as well as the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and IAF.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi to Convene Urgent CCS Session Tonight as Middle East Crisis Deepens Post Iran Strikes15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | Explained123PhotostoriesHolika Dahan 2026: 5 Mantras to chant to remove negativityYour evening habits might be slowing your metabolism: 5 must follow habits that will boost your digestion and help with weight lossWhy so many Indians have borderline thyroid reports and ignore them: What you should do before it turns seriousExclusive – From Khanzaadi calling her ‘Criminal’ to vulgar gesture allegations and addressing Rajat Dalal as her brother; Chahat Pandey responds to ‘The 50’ dramaSouth Delhi’s costliest streets: Where homes are valued in hundreds of croresVegetarian foods that have more protein than fish: Experts reveal 6 foods and why they might be a healthier optionSilent dehydration: 7 signs you might not be drinking enough water7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftovers123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingTaylor SwiftUS Israel Strike IranTop Stock RecommendationsCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsMichael MoralesNFL International Games ScheduleMiddle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally started the process to replace its old fleet of VIP transport aircraft by issuing a ‘request for information’ (RFI) for 4-6 new Long Range Business Jets (LRBJs) that are meant for secure, rapid and reliable transportation of the military leadership and govt dignitaries.The RFI, which is the first stage to identify potential vendors and understand available technology before initiating a formal purchase, aims at modernising the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron based at Palam, Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 jets have already served for over 20 years and are slated for a phased replacement.
“IAF is planning to procure approximately four/six Long Range Business Jets. With the view to identify probable vendors who can undertake the said project, OEMs/ authorised vendors are requested to forward information on the product which they can offer,” the RFI posted on the IAF website said. “The LRBJs will be used for VIP role with passenger carrying capacity of minimum 19 passengers,” it said.The existing fleet, which was inducted on Sept 21, 2005, comprises four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft that have been designated as Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Nabhdoot and Gagandoot.However, the LRBJs are different from the aircraft that are meant only for India’s top three VVIPs: the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, known by the call sign ‘Air India One’, are specially modified, secure and exclusive jets for the top three VVIPs.On the other hand, the LRBJ aircraft are meant for the movement of senior govt functionaries, including the ministers of defence, finance, home and external affairs, as well as the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and IAF.
