New Delhi: The Second bi-annual Indian Air Force (IAF) Commanders’ Conference was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) in New Delhi. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, welcomed Rajnath Singh, and Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, and Secretary of Defence Production Subhash Chandra. He introduced Air Force Commanders to Singh.

Rajnath Singh addressed the Commanders and said, “The nation is proud of the Indian Air Force. I praise the IAF for its professionalism and laud all air warriors and their families for giving us a most competent and combat worthy force. The IAF has proven itself time and again. It has earned the respect of foreign Air Forces who are eager to cooperate as well as exercise with us.”

“We are strengthening our Defence capability through increased domestic production and reduced dependence on import of military hardware. We have to seize new opportunities for indigenous design and development and I appreciate the IAF’s effort in this regard,” said Singh.

“I urge the Air Force Commanders to use the Conference for developing strategies against future challenges and enhancing the IAF’s capability. The IAF is growing steadily towards becoming a truly strategic aerospace power,” Singh added.

Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh addressing the Air Force Commanders' Conference in New Delhi, today. Top commanders of the Indian Air Force brainstormed over the evolving security scenario and explored ways to further bolster the country's aerial prowess. pic.twitter.com/wZRPNCKJoM — ADG (M&C) DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) November 25, 2019

Last week, Singh said that under the Defence Production Policy and Make in India initiative, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set a target of $26 billion for aerospace, Defence services and goods by 2025. He urged the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to cooperate with the industry to achieve this target.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) RKS Bhadauria briefed the Defence Minister Singh on the current status of the IAF.

The CAS while addressing the Commanders emphasised the need for further enhancing operational capabilities to deter any misadventure by adversaries.

Bhadauria highlighted the need for continuous enhancement of inhouse maintenance capabilities and optimum utilisation of new inductions in order to make IAF a formidable combat force.

The CAS also emphasised the need for enhanced joint training with the Indian Army as well as the Indian Navy for fostering cooperataion and ensuring national security.

The Commanders’ Conference will be conducted on 25 and 26 November. Discussions will take place on joint operations, anti-drone operations, countering asymmetric warfare, and further strengthening our precision targeting, cyber and information warfare capability.

Issues pertaining to indigenisation, streamlining procurement of equipment, strengthening training and optimisation of HR policies will also be discussed during this Conference.

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