IAF has trans-oceanic reach: Air Chief Marshal Raha

Tezpur, Assam: With the capability to face every challenge, the Indian Air Force has developed into a major ‘Component of National Power’ with trans-oceanic reach, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said in Tezpur today. “The IAF has developed into a major ‘Component of National Power’ which can be applied quickly and decisively. The IAF has re-oriented itself to a multi-role capability of platforms and equipment along with multi-skill capability of personnel,” the Air Chief Marshal told reporters.[caption id=“attachment_1747259” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. Image courtesy PIB[/caption] Raha pointed out that the rapid economic growth of the country dictates the need to protect our security interests. “Over the years the IAF has grown from a tactical force to one with trans-oceanic reach. The strategic reach emerges from induction of force multipliers like flight refuelling plane, remotely piloted aircraft and credible strategic lift capabilities. There is emphasis on acquiring best of technology through acquisitions or upgradation, be it systems, aircraft, precision missiles or net centricity”, he said. “Keeping pace with the demands of contemporary advancements, the IAF continues to modernise in a phased manner and today it stands as a credible air power counted amongst the foremost professional services in the world,” Raha said. The Indian Air Force, he said, with a dedicated service to the nation was today a modern technology-intensive force distinguished by its commitment to excellence and professionalism. The Air Chief also said the IAF has started upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the last few years to enhance its operational capability and maintain its aircraft as modern weapon platforms capable of meeting the present challenges posed by the security scenario in the region. To the queries on the border issue and international threats, the Air Chief Marshal said problems in most of the air bases were not a new thing but the IAF today was in the process of a most comprehensive modernisation plan inducting aircraft like Su-30 MKI aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). Stating the primacy of air power will be a decisive factor in shaping the outcome of future conflicts, Raha said of the available fleet, MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar aircraft have already been upgraded, and Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft were planned for up gradation. With plans to augment its helicopter and transport fleets too, the IAF was considering up gradation of its medium lift helicopters comprising Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-17-IVs, as also the AN-32 transport aircraft to improve its overall capability. The IAF is also in the process of acquiring radars in various categories to meet the air defence requirements, accurate and advanced weapons, network centric warfare systems, to meet its assigned tasks, he said. To a question on the threat posed to internal security because of various insurgency groups, including Maoists, jihadi and other terrorists outfits in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East Region, he said it was a political problem which could be politically settled but if required IAF was always ready to combat it for the greater interest of the nation. PTI