IAF capable of fighting in all theatres of war: Air Force chief

New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Indian Air Force is a potent aerospace power and possesses the capability in fighting in all theatres of war, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major, has said.

Speaking to ANI exclusively on the eve of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Major said that the Air Force has acquired a wide variety of expertise and technology.

Air Chief Marshal Major said the Air Force is ready to operate in the upper frontiers of higher technology, with India gaining economic and technological strength.

"The Air Force has been over a period of time changed into a potent aerospace power. That the capability to operate in the entire spectrum of war fighting from the low to high intensity warfare and this development has taken with a lot of thinking as also most importantly the quality of the people in the air force," he said.

The Indian Air Force has transformed itself with a definitive strategic orientation, thus acquiring transcontinental dimensions, further strengthening its capabilities with data links, across-the-board networking and real time connectivity with space based assets underway, Air Chief Marshal Major added.

Taking about the latest achievements of the IAF, he said that on an experimental basis, they have started a civil-military air force radar integration process, which they say would save a lot of air travel time across the nation.

He said that the infusion of foreign investment and technology transfers would have a favorable impact on the aviation industry, facilitating the great potential in the civil aviation sector as well.

"In the southern peninsular region, we have put an experimental integration process into motion and I must say it has proved to be very successful and we are in constant touch with civil aviation authorities and would like to replicate this process on an experimental basis," he said.

Air Chief Marshal Major said integration with civil aviation is still not firm because it requires a lot of organizational changes where in the civilian radar and air force radars will have to work together, and added that the Air Force is sharing 22-23 airfields with Airports Authority of India.

The fourth largest Air Force in the world, which started with an aircraft fleet of four planes in 1932, is currently modernizing with indigenous inputs as well as buying new aircrafts and radar systems to strengthen its capabilities, the Air Force Chief said. The IAF has strength of more than 1430 combat aircrafts.

IAF is gearing up for its 76th anniversary on October 8 to showcase its capabilities and strength. An air display by 52 aircraft will form part of the Air Force Day Parade-cum- investiture ceremony at Air Force Station, Hindon.

The Air display will start with Para Motor, and NCC operated aero models performing prior to the sky diving display during which skydivers of the Akash Ganga team will jump from an AN-32 aircraft.

The Air Force Day will also witness the display of 'SARANG' helicopters for the first time. The display team comprises of four advanced light helicopters.

The grand finale will be a scintillating formation aerobatics ballet by the renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatics team (SKAT). They will take off in front of the audience followed by a breath taking display of synchronized low level maneuvering in close formation. By Praful Kumar Singh

ANI