'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'

On the occasion of the 92nd IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force

- Jayant Baranwal

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): As the new Chief of the Air Staff of one of the largest and the most professional Air Forces in the world, what will be your vision:

(a): Towards the build-up of combat power,

(b): Towards sustainability and boosting process of your human resource,

(c): Towards the overall role for the country and beyond?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS):

(a): Building up of combat power is directly proportional to self-reliance and increased production in defence manufacturing. The IAF is committed towards the vision of ‘VIKSIT BHARAT - 2047’ by supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat & Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing. The most preferred option for capital acquisition is Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) followed by Buy (Indian) category. In the last few years, IAF has signed numerous contracts with Indian DPSUs like HAL and BEL for procurement of major equipment like LCA Mk1A fighter aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Aslesha Radar, Low-Level Tracking Radar, weapons etc. Contracts with Indian private industries have also been signed for procurement of Counter Drone Systems and other defence equipment. Additionally, production of 40 C295 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) conforms with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This is the first project of its kind and will help in developing an aerospace ecosystem in India. Its factory has recently been inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in Vadodara.