New Delhi: Amid the ongoing border tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) to stand ready to handle any eventuality.
After inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’Conference here, Mr Singh appreciated the proactive response by the IAF in bolstering its operational capabilities over the past few months.
During his address to the Air Force Commanders here, he assured them that all requirements of the armed forces, whether financial or otherwise, would be fulfilled.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh at the IAF Commander’s Conference in Vayu Sena Bhawan, New Delhi. @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/mLYFGxHGz8
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 22, 2020
“He stated that the professional manner in which IAF conducted the air strikes 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,”an IAF spokesperson said.
Mr Singh said 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 LAC and urged the IAF to stand ready to handle any eventuality.
The minister praised the stellar contribution by IAF in supporting the nation’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and the role played during several HADR missions.
He highlighted the need to achieve self-reliance in defence production and noted that the theme chosen for this AFCC – ‘IAF in the Next Decade’ - was very apt for enhancing efforts towards indigenisation in the days to come.
Mr Singh lauded the progress made towards enhancing synergy and integration within the three services since the appointment of CDS and creation of DMA.
Further, he concluded by acknowledging IAF’s role in adapting to changes in technology and adopting emerging capabilities in Nano Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Space domains.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh addressing the inaugural session of 3-day #AirForceCommanders'Conference in New Delhi, today. Also seen are Defence Secretary Dr @drajaykumar_ias, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and other senior officers of #IAF and #MoD pic.twitter.com/r23h7H784k
— ADG (M&C) DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) July 22, 2020
In his address IAF Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria said that the IAF was well prepared to counter short term as well as strategic threats and the units were evenly poised to counter any aggressive action by the adversary.
The IAF chief also noted that the response by all commands in ensuring deployment and readiness of forces was prompt and laudable.
He emphasized on the need to focus on the ability to handle situations at a short notice for ensuring a robust response.
During the three day conference, commanders will review the current operational scenario and deployments before deliberating on building the IAF capabilities in the next decade to tackle all emerging threats.
