Adux
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ANTONY URGES AIR WARRIORS TO DEVELOP IAF INTO A DOMINANT AEROSPACE POWER
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14:12 IST
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has urged the Air Warriors to make all efforts for developing Indian Air Force (IAF) into a dominant Aerospace power. Inaugurating the three-day long Air Force Commandersâ Conference here today, the Minister said that the IAF is in the process of transformation and modernization. Several important projects are in various stages of implementation. He said the Government is aware of the challenges, issues and requirements of the IAF. Adding further, that the IAF is a the technology intensive force, he said our attempts should be to enhance the strategic reach of IAF and integrate potent capabilities in air defence surveillance, space based assets and advance weapon systems to develop it into a dominant aerospace power. He said, âwe must also develop asymmetric capabilities against superior forcesâ.
The Minister said that IAF has an ambitious action plan for acquisition of new systems and upgradation of existing ones over the next three years. Given the substantial amount of public money being used for these efforts, it is imperative that these financial resources are utilized honestly, efficiently and optimally. He said that we have been relying on outside suppliers to meet the requirement of our Defence Forces for quite some time. However, he remarked that a country like India cannot âindefinitelyâ continue to rely on outside suppliers and self-reliance and indigenization must be our top priority. The Minister said, âself-reliance through indigenization should be the âmantraâ for companies in both the public as well as the private sectorâ.
Complimenting the IAF for its excellent flight safety record in the last financial year, the Minister said all possible efforts must be made by aviation related organizations to ensure that loss of human and financial resources through accidents remains minimal and if possible eliminated altogether. In this context, he stressed upon the need of training and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures relating to flight safety. Referring to the problem of serviceability, the Minister said, though long term business agreements have been signed a lot more remains to be done. Emphasizing the need of meticulous planning with regard to procurement of spares, he asked the Chief of Air Staff to chalk out a concrete action plan in this regard.
Deliberating on Indiaâs friendly and cordial relations with all nations, especially countryâs in our immediate neighbourhood, the Minister said our relations with Pakistan show signs of improvement. However, Pakistan needs to match its words with actions on dismantling the terrorists and âjehadiâ infrastructure. He said, âthough we deserve peace with Pakistan and want to continue talks with Pakistan on various issues, it is imperative for us to maintain eternal vigil all along our bordersâ. Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, he said the air offensive launched by the LTTE is a cause for concern. âOn our part we have to be vigilant and continue to safeguard our security concernsâ, he added.
NA/DM/RAJ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14:12 IST
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has urged the Air Warriors to make all efforts for developing Indian Air Force (IAF) into a dominant Aerospace power. Inaugurating the three-day long Air Force Commandersâ Conference here today, the Minister said that the IAF is in the process of transformation and modernization. Several important projects are in various stages of implementation. He said the Government is aware of the challenges, issues and requirements of the IAF. Adding further, that the IAF is a the technology intensive force, he said our attempts should be to enhance the strategic reach of IAF and integrate potent capabilities in air defence surveillance, space based assets and advance weapon systems to develop it into a dominant aerospace power. He said, âwe must also develop asymmetric capabilities against superior forcesâ.
The Minister said that IAF has an ambitious action plan for acquisition of new systems and upgradation of existing ones over the next three years. Given the substantial amount of public money being used for these efforts, it is imperative that these financial resources are utilized honestly, efficiently and optimally. He said that we have been relying on outside suppliers to meet the requirement of our Defence Forces for quite some time. However, he remarked that a country like India cannot âindefinitelyâ continue to rely on outside suppliers and self-reliance and indigenization must be our top priority. The Minister said, âself-reliance through indigenization should be the âmantraâ for companies in both the public as well as the private sectorâ.
Complimenting the IAF for its excellent flight safety record in the last financial year, the Minister said all possible efforts must be made by aviation related organizations to ensure that loss of human and financial resources through accidents remains minimal and if possible eliminated altogether. In this context, he stressed upon the need of training and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures relating to flight safety. Referring to the problem of serviceability, the Minister said, though long term business agreements have been signed a lot more remains to be done. Emphasizing the need of meticulous planning with regard to procurement of spares, he asked the Chief of Air Staff to chalk out a concrete action plan in this regard.
Deliberating on Indiaâs friendly and cordial relations with all nations, especially countryâs in our immediate neighbourhood, the Minister said our relations with Pakistan show signs of improvement. However, Pakistan needs to match its words with actions on dismantling the terrorists and âjehadiâ infrastructure. He said, âthough we deserve peace with Pakistan and want to continue talks with Pakistan on various issues, it is imperative for us to maintain eternal vigil all along our bordersâ. Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, he said the air offensive launched by the LTTE is a cause for concern. âOn our part we have to be vigilant and continue to safeguard our security concernsâ, he added.
NA/DM/RAJ
