New Delhi (NVI): With tensions between India and China simmering over border row in Ladakh, the Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC), which concluded today, reviewed the operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and deliberated on the IAF roadmap for the next decade.
The three-day conference also reviewed strategies for the prevailing security scenario across the entire spectrum through a series of discussions between the top commanders.
They also discussed the current situation and thereafter carried out a thorough review of the IAF’s transformation roadmap for the next decade, read an official statement.
In his closing address, the Chief of the Air Staff RKS Bhadauria articulated ‘Vision 2030’ laying down the milestones for transformation of IAF in the coming decade.
The IAF Chief said that it was important to recognise the nature of emerging threats in a rapidly changing world. He also emphasised on the need for rapid capacity building, increase in serviceability of all assets and dedicated work towards effective integration of new technologies in the shortest timeframes.
He reiterated that the IAF’s long term goals for sustainable capability mandate the acquisition and employment of niche technologies and development of indigenous platforms and weapons.
The Chief stated that since human resource was the most valuable asset of the IAF, recruitment, training and motivation strategies should keep pace with the changing times.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General MM Naravane addressed the Conference and interacted with the Commanders as well as the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Air HQ on matters of jointness and integrated war fighting.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) also reviewed the status and issues related to all Commands as well as branches at Air HQ.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugured the session of the Air Force Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) in New Delhi on Wednesday.
It is pertinent to mention here that all three defence forces have been kept on alert in the wake of tense LAC situation following violent clashes between the Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan valley in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.
Also, the first batch of five Rafale Fighter jets is likely to arrive in India by this month’s end, in more firepower to the Air Force. There are chances of deploying the French fighter jet in the forward areas in Ladakh along LAC but IAF has not made any official statement in this regard so far.
-ARK
