Pune: Rajnath Singh inaugurates Air Force Commanders Conference at Vayu Bhawan

Pune: The Air Force Commanders' Conference (AFCC) was inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Wednesday at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan). Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria welcomed Raksha Mantri and other senior officials from the MoD.

In his address to the Air Force Commanders, Raksha Mantri appreciated the proactive response by the IAF in bolstering its operational capabilities over the past few months. He stated that the professional manner in which IAF conducted the air strikes in Balakot as well as rapid deployment of IAF assets at forward locations in response to the prevailing situation in Eastern Ladakh has sent a strong message to the adversaries.

Raksha Mantri said that "the nation's resolve to defend its sovereignty stands firm on the faith its people have in the capability of its Armed Forces. He alluded to the ongoing efforts for de-escalation on LAC and urged the IAF to stand ready to handle any eventuality."

He praised, "the stellar contribution by IAF in supporting the nation's response to COVID-19 pandemic and the role played during several HADR missions." He highlighted the need to achieve self-reliance in defence production and noted that the theme chosen for this AFCC - 'IAF in the Next Decade' - was very apt for enhancing efforts towards indigenisation in the days to come.

The progress made towards enhancing synergy and integration within the three services since the appointment of CDS and creation of DMA, was appreciated.

The Raksha Mantri concluded by acknowledging IAF's role in adapting to changes in technology and learning emerging capabilities in Nano Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber,and Space domains. He assured the commanders that all requirements of the Armed Forces, whether financial or otherwise, would be fulfilled.

The CAS in his address to the Commanders stated that the IAF was well prepared to counter short term as well as strategic threats and the units were evenly poised to counter any aggressive action by the adversary. He noted that the response by all Commands in ensuring deployment and readiness of forces was prompt and laudable. He emphasized on the need to focus on the ability to handle situations on short notice for ensuring a robust response.

During the three day conference, commanders will review the current operational scenario and deployments before deliberating on building the IAF capabilities in the next decade to tackle all emerging threats.