Article Posted on : - Mar 06, 2014

NAGPUR (PTI): The operational capability of Indian Air Force is critically dependent on the efficiency of maintenance command, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha told his commanders here on Wednesday.

"The maintenance command is the largest command in terms of number of units, manpower and geographical area of responsibility.

"The need of the hour is to enhance the lateral communication of depots with the field units by regular interaction as service providers to the user stations, and vice versa," Raha said, adding both the agencies need to visit each other and make a road map to improve operational capabilities.

Raha was addressing the IAF Maintenance Commanders conference on the second day, at Vayusena Nagar here.

He also asked local commanders of the Maintenance Command to exploit their depots strength in improving their performance further.

The IAF chief said the most important challenge before the commanders is identification of problem areas and addressing them with quantifiable corrective short-term and long-term measures.

The IAF chief also stressed on taking holistic approach for various aspects like training, self-reliance and self-sufficiency, a defence release said.

"The stations under Maintenance Command must transform themselves into the centres of excellence. The 'life cycle plan' or the strategic plan is the key to success for an end-to-end solution for pursuing indigenisation and outsourcing. Maintenance safety is an important Key Result Area for the Chief of Air Staff," Raha said.

The three-day conference is organised with an objective to review progress of ongoing activities and projects at units under the Maintenance Command.

The chief of the Air staff also urged the commanders to formulate strategic plan to ensure enhanced availability in the aircraft, system, equipment and weapon platforms of IAF for operations. He also awarded 'best equipment depot' and 'best base repair depot' trophies on the occasion.

The Maintenance Command handles the repair, overhaul and maintenance of all aircraft, helicopters and other equipment.