Article Posted on : - Apr 12, 2016

Minister of State for Defence, Rao Inderjit Singh and Chief of the Air Staff Arup Raha at the Air Force Commanders conference at Air Force headquarters in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: PTI.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Top commanders of Indian Air Force met here on Monday to brainstorm on various matters, including the dwindling number of fighter aircraft, serviceability issues plaguing the force and induction of new fighter jets like LCA Tejas and Rafale.

The three-day Commanders Conference was innugrated by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh.

Representatives from state-run aircraft manufacturer HAL, Bharat Electronics Limited and Ordnance Factory Board will also take part in the conference.

Under discussion would be IAF's plan to induct 120 indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

Though the Air Force was initially unhappy with the aircraft, it later agreed to induct 120 Tejas with four main modifications, including to its missile carrying capability, better radar and mid-air refuelling facility.

The issue of Rafale fighter jet would also come up for discussion as IAF awaits the formal contract for 36 French jets to be signed.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha updated Singh on operational status of the force, security measures in vogue and the progress on infrastructure development.

He highlighted the efforts made to increase the aircraft serviceability and the corresponding increase in flying task of the IAF as compared to the previous years.

He further elaborated on the IAF's focus areas and the future road-map for the IAF.

Singh emphasised on aviation safety, infrastructure development and the IAF's role towards indigenisation.