Article Posted on : - Oct 21, 2009

A File Photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Top IAF commanders Wednesday reviewed the force's operational readiness, new acquisitions and replacement of ageing equipment, apart from its rapid strides in building capabilities in net-centric operations and the entire spectrum of warfare.

Inaugurating the four-day IAF commanders' conference at the Air headquarters here, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik unveiled his vision for the Air Force in view of the enhanced capabilities being acquired and the three-pronged approach taken towards modernisation of the force.

"The modernisation process would include preserving, maintaining, upgrading and improving the current assets, as well as processing the cases for acquisitions and replacements on a fast track," Naik said in his opening remarks.

The IAF is in the process of acquiring 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft, new Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems from Israel, Aerostat radars, heavylift transport aircraft, attack helicopters and VVIP transport helicopters, apart from upgrading of its Sukhois, MiG-29 and Mirage fighter jets.

"The IAF has made rapid strides towards attaining net centricity and has to be capable of dominating the entire spectrum of information, cyberspace and air space," the IAF chief said.

Naik emphasised that the IAF, besides transporting troops and delivering more than 37,000 tonnes in supplies annually for military personnel in forward areas, should continue to sharpen its core competence to interface with the other services to generate the requisite capabilities.

Attended by the IAF Commanders from its all seven Commands apart from the Principal Staff Officers at the Air headquarters, the conference would carry out a data-based review and discuss operational challenges before the force.

These apart, the Commanders would also deliberate on flight safety record of the IAF, its fleet maintenance and the administrative and logistics issues, which impinge upon its operational effectiveness, IAF officers said.