New Delhi, September 20, 2005 (PTI)

VVIPs would now be able to travel more safely, with the induction today of the three of the five Embraer business jets which are armed with missile deflecting systems into the Communication squadron of the IAF.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee inducted the 14 seater special configuration jet into the VVIP squadron at a ceremony held at Palam technical area here. The Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the Air Chief SP Tyagi and the Army Chief Gen JJ Singh were also present.

Acquired at a cost of Rs 750 crore, the VVIP Embraer will be the first aircraft in India to be armed with self-protection suites to guard against missile attacks and other threats. Though the aircraft are made in Brazil, they were retrofitted in United States with anti-missile shield.

The aircraft, which will replace the ageing AVRO aircraft in the VVIP squadron, besides seating ten persons has special cabins of 40 cubic metres for travel by four VVIP's.

With a take off distance of 1800 metres, Embraers just need a landing strip of 1400 metres which will allow it to operate from most of the airfields in India and abroad.

The cockpit, according to IAF officials has modern flight management and flying features including global positioning system and CAT-II ILS capabilites.

While four the Embraer jets would be with the VVIP squadron of the IAF, the fifth one would be operated by the Border Security Force.

The government has also recently cleared a Rs 1,000 crore deal to acquire three long range Boeing Business jets which will also be fitted with anti-missile shields.