Union Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre stressed upon the vital role being played by the IAF for enabling India to be the Net Security Provider in the IOR in furtherance of the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) Doctrine. He reiterated the fact that the India Air Force is the most technologically intensive and quickest military response available to the government for furthering India’s leverage.
Dr Subhash Bhamre, while addressing Airforce Commanders’ Conference 2018, said “I commend the IAF leadership in promoting indigenisation in multiple ways. IAF’s resolve to wholeheartedly support the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme by committing to procure 18 squadrons of LCA and its variants endorsing its capability is notable and praiseworthy. IAF leading the thrust to promote India’s indigenous bio-jet fuel program would surely go a long way in reducing India’s crude oil import bill by more than 10% and augment farmers’ incomes substantially. ” While commenting on Mehar Baba Swarm Drone Competition , Dr Subhash Bhamre said ,” it is a highly exciting development and I wish it all success in identifying innovative technology in Unmanned Aerial Systems. IAF is perhaps the first service to kickstart an Artificial Intelligence Project with the participation of the private industry and the progress of this project is extremely heartening.”
On the inaugural day of the conference Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa , while addressing the Commanders emphasized on the need for robust training of IAF personnel in order to maintain IAF’s operational competence and reiterated the need for holding an operational edge over our adversaries through focused operational training, keeping it in line with our concept of operations. Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa stressed upon the need for joint training with Indian Army and Indian Navy in order to enhance the synergy between the services for ensuring national security.
According to press release Commanders’ conference is planned for two days, wherein discussions will take place on maintaining combat worthiness and the cutting edge of IAF by suitably refining the training pattern. Training for future inductions like Rafale and Tejas fighter Jets, Chinook and Apache helicopters, SPYDER & Medium Range Surface to Air Missile would also be discussed.
The Commanders will also interact with a team of senior officials from Hndustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and discuss issues pertaining to production, upgradation, indigenization, design & development of various equipment and aircraft.
