Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an address at the inaugural session of the two-day Indian Air Force (IAF) commanders' conference on Thursday, urged the top commanders of the IAF to thoroughly analyse the rapidly changing global geopolitical situation and assess its implications in the Indian context.
He also emphasised the need to enhance operational readiness.
Singh noted the importance of strengthening India's air defence systems and the use of drones, highlighting the evolving trends in the field of air warfare.
The commanders are currently conducting an extensive analysis of various aerial platforms used in the Hamas-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. This includes a comprehensive review of the security situation along the border with China, particularly the rapid expansion of military infrastructure by the PLA Air Force in areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Ladakh sector.
Singh stressed, "There are new challenges emanating from the global security scenario. We must always be ready to deal with them."
He urged the IAF commanders to focus on enhancing operational preparedness and emphasised the importance of joint planning and execution of operations by all three services. The defence minister also encouraged the IAF to pay close attention to strengthening air defence systems, utilising drones, and advancing in the field of aerospace to safeguard India's airspace.
During his address, Singh commended the IAF for its outstanding role in recent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other flood-affected areas. He also congratulated the
IAF for the successful organisation of the Air Force Day parade and air display in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, was among those present at the conference. The commanders are expected to engage in extensive discussions about the IAF's future plans and how to bolster its combat capabilities, with a particular focus on exploring the use of new technologies.
This bi-annual conference provides a platform for discussions about charting the IAF's path forward in the current geopolitical environment and technological landscape, with input from national security experts and accomplished individuals from various fields.
With agency inputs.
(Edited by : Ayushi Agarwal)
