The three-day Air Force Commanders' Conference concluded on Wednesday at Air HQ, New Delhi. During the conference, the Air Force Commanders briefed the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on various issues relating to operational capability, maintenance and HR.
Future plans for enhancing IAF's capability were also discussed. In his concluding address the Air Chief expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the IAF to meet any challenge to National security.
He also conveyed to the Commanders the Government's appreciation of the professionalism displayed by the IAF in execution of airlift of Indians from Yemen. He elaborated upon the fragile and tenuous situation in the neighbourhood and the importance of the IAF to remain ever prepared and vigilant and respond swiftly.
In the end the CAS emphasised on mission accomplishment and mission safety as the cornerstone of IAF operations.
On the last day, representatives of Ordinance Factory Board (OFB), Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) briefed the Air Chief in the presence of Secretary, Defence Production.
The Air Chief expressed concerns over the delays in delivery schedules and their impact on operational readiness. He also expressed his concern on the effect of these delays on basic pilot training in the IAF.
The OFB, BDL and HAL teams put on table the constraints on their side and both parties agreed to take the programmes forward through discussions and by working out mutually acceptable solutions.