IAF reviews operational preparedness amid China border row

Amid ongoing border tension with China at the Line of Actual Control, the Indian Air Force reviewed operational preparedness and strategies for countering any eventuality at the borders. The force's top officers also held a series of meetings where they discussed the current situation and thereafter carried out a thorough review of the IAF's transformation roadmap for the next decade.

New Delhi:The Indian Air Force's top officers reviewed operational preparedness and strategies for countering security threats envisaged across the entire spectrum amid the ongoing border tension with China.

In a three-day Air Force Commanders' Conference (AFCC) that ended on Friday, the force's top officers held a series of meetings where they discussed the current situation and thereafter carried out a thorough review of the IAF's transformation roadmap for the next decade.

In his closing address, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria articulated Vision 2030 laying down the milestones for the transformation of IAF in the coming decade.

He also reviewed the status and issues related to all commands as well as branches at Air Headquarters.

He stated that it was important to recognise the nature of emerging threats in a rapidly changing world.

He also emphasised on the need for rapid capacity building, increase in serviceability of all assets and dedicated work towards effective integration of new technologies in the shortest timeframes.

He reiterated that the IAF's long term goals for sustainable capability mandate the acquisition and employment of niche technologies and development of indigenous platforms and weapons.

He stated that since the human resource was the most valuable asset of the IAF, recruitment, training and motivation strategies should keep pace with the changing times.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat present in the few meetings held discussions on matters of jointness and integrated warfighting.

During the inaugural session of the Air Force Commander's Conference on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Air Force to stand ready to handle any eventuality at the borders with China.

The minister had also appreciated the proactive response by the IAF in bolstering its operational capabilities over the past few months.

Singh had stated that the professional manner in which IAF conducted the airstrikes in Balakot as well as rapid deployment of IAF assets at forward locations in response to the prevailing situation in eastern Ladakh has sent a strong message to the adversaries.

The minister had stated that the nation's resolve to defend its sovereignty stands firm on the faith its people have in the capability of its armed forces.

He alluded to the ongoing efforts for de-escalation on Line of Actual Control and urged the IAF to stand ready to handle any eventuality.

(IANS Report)