Air Chief visits Southern Air command

Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal Arup Raha today visited the Southern Air command and stressed the need for optimisation of resources and operational capability.
The Air chief, who presided over the Commanders conference of all Air Force units in the Southern region, stressed on overcoming various challenges faced by the Force while undergoing capability enhancement with modernisation and new acquisitions.
While complimenting the Air Warriors of SAC on their diligence, he exhorted the personnel to be good professionals and operationalise the new equipment in a systematic manner, a defence press release said.
The Air chief also praised the efforts of Southern Air Command in rescue operations carried out during the Kollam Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy and during the floods in Chennai in November last year.

He laid stress on Key Result Areas and training and professional competency to achieve a high level of aerospace safety.
Raha, who is also Chairman Chief of Staff Committee, arrived here today on a two day official visit.

He was accompanied by Lily Raha, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA).
They were received at the Airport by Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command.
The Air chief also visited Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) here, where he was welcomed by VSSC Director K Sivan.
At VSSC, he was briefed about Rocket technology as well as the ongoing and future projects at the space centre.

He visited various facilities like the Hypersonic Wind Tunnel, Plasma Wind Tunnel, Thermo Vacuum Facility and Hot Isostatic Press.
Air chief Raha also visited the Control Centre, where he was briefed on the Independent Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), which is in the final stages of operationalisation.