Article Posted on : - Oct 27, 2010

Air Chief Marshal P V Naik addresses the Air Force Commanders Conference in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI (PTI): Top commanders of the Indian Air Force Tuesday began their bi-annual review of the security challenges, plans to counter these threats and modernisation programme of the force here.

Addressing the four-day meet's inaugural ceremony, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik spelt out his vision for the IAF's future and elaborated on the roadmap set forth to achieve the objectives, an IAF press release said here.

In the context of the present day security scenario, he mentioned the threats that could manifest in unpredictable ways and the "need to maintain" a constant vigil to counter the threats.

He also chaired a review of the overall progress of the IAF on achieving its modernisation plans, which include acquisition of latest, potent fighter plane, transport aircraft, helicopters, apart from radars and force multipliers.

The four-day conference, attended by the IAF Vice Chief, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of IAF's seven Commands, Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Air headquarters, will discuss and debate key issues encompassing IAF’s operational, maintenance and administrative aspects, the release said.

"The IAF is vigorously pursuing its modernisation plans to enhance its strategic capabilities. The conference will also introspect on the progress made in key spheres and outline future plans of action for the IAF," the release added.

The IAF is in the process of finalising a contract for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft, estimated to be worth USD 11 billion, apart from looking at buying attack helicopters and heavylift helicopters, more airborne early warning and control systems.