Defence Minister interacts with IAF Commanders

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The bi-annual IAF Commanders’ Conference was inaugurated by  Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 10, 2017, morning at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhavan). Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, welcomed Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre and introduced the IAF Commanders to them.
The CAS briefed the Raksha Mantri on the current status of the IAF and the efforts that have been made in the recent past. During her address, Defence Minister Sitharaman said that the devolved powers given to the Service Chiefs should be fully utilised for achieving their capabilities. The Minister said that Air Force alongwith Ordnance Factory Board and DRDO should make an assessment about indigenisation under ‘Make-in-India’ programme. She said that the budgetary allocations should not be viewed as a constraint and should be looked at to acquire what is absolutely necessary. She said that the Government is committed to fill the gaps which have arisen due to lack of timely decision making in the last decade, according to a PIB release.
The Chief of the Air Staff while addressing the Commanders emphasised on the need of continuous effort and training to maintain IAF’s cutting edge. He also reiterated the IAF’s role as the first responder in most contingencies and thus the need to sustain the ongoing process of capability enhancement making use of the Government’s thrust on ‘Make-in-India’ initiative.
The Commanders’ conference will continue till October 12 during which discussions will take place on various subjects that will decide the future trajectory of the Indian Air Force which includes operations, maintenance issues and various administrative initiatives that will be taken to enhance the working environment of the IAF keeping in focus IAF’s core principle of ‘People First, Mission Always’.