IAF undergoing a major modernization process: Air Chief

NEW DELHI - Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik on Monday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a major modernization process and the Western Air Command (WAC) occupies a unique position in this transformation drive

Addressing the annual Commanders Conference of WAC here, Air Chief Marshal Naik said: “The need of the hour is speedy operationalisation of newly inducted equipment with a commitment to preserve and maintain what we already have to the highest possible standards.”

He further complimented the commanders for the excellent operational standards achieved during the recent Exercise Gauntlet III and exhorted them to keep operations as the main focus area.

The two-day conference would have the commanders carry out a data based review as well as focus on key issues such as - Infrastructure development especially in the Northern Region including Leh, Induction of new equipment, Aviation and Maintenance Safety and Welfare of Air Warriors.

Concept of Operations of Western Air Command including Operations in support of three affiliated Army Commands would also be reviewed.

Western Air Command of Indian Air Force is a unique Air Force Command as its area of operations extends from the world’s highest airfields in the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan.

Raised as No.1 Operational Group after independence in 1947, it was re-designated as an Operational Command in 1949. In 1963 it was fully developed as ‘Western Air Command, IAF’. (ANI)