Article Posted on : - Oct 13, 2011

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne with Air Force Commanders during Inaugural Session of Air Force Commanders Conference at Air Headquarters, New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: PTI.

NEW DELHI (PTI): The top commanders of Indian Air Force (IAF), over the next three days, will review the infrastructure development in North and North Eastern regions to ensure deployment of its assets in forward areas to support Indian Army in challenging conditions.

Chaired by Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, the three day Commanders Conference of IAF began here Wednesday to discuss issues related to force modernization and capability enhancement to respond effectively during challenging times.

"The IAF is witnessing unprecedented phase of modernization and capability enhancement and can effectively respond to any attempt at undermining India's national security," Browne said while addressing the Conference.

The conference is being attended by the Chiefs of IAFs seven commands and the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs).

"Emphasis would be on infrastructural development in North and North Eastern region to improve response time through forward basing of armed forces' assets and supporting the Indian Army in challenging conditions," IAF officials said.

Over the next three days, the commanders would discuss aspects related to infrastructure development and enhancing the capability of air warriors, the officials said.

Observing that transformation in IAF includes induction of force multipliers and air mobility platforms, IAF chief Browne said the process can be witnessed in all facets of capability building in the force.

"The transformational change can be witnessed in all facets of capability building that include not only combat platforms but also induction of force multipliers and air mobility platforms to provide strategic reach and operational flexibility," the IAF Chief said.

During the Conference, the commanders will dwell upon the insight gained during successful induction of C-130J transport aircraft to review the Foreign Military Sales.

Key focus is likely to be on training and development of air warriors with emphasis on consolidating flying training and their development to cope with depletion of trainer aircraft resources, they said.

Browne complimented the commanders for their performance and responsiveness during the recent humanitarian and disaster relief operations undertaken in quake-hit Sikkim and flood-affected Orissa.