Trade boom shifting security focus to the south: IAF chief

Kochi, Apr 15 (UNI) India's economic boom and increasing trade across the seas is prompting the armed forces to focus more on the growing security needs of the southern peninsula, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi said today.

The Chief of Air Staff, who arrived on a visit to the Southern Naval Command headquarters here this morning, told reporters that the greater need for trade and energy security would be met by building better defence infrastructure and capabilities.

The Air Force, is already on way to refurbishing itself with the acquisition of advanced aircraft and technology, he said, citing, the government authorisation for purchase of six new mid-air refuellers which would permit trans-oceanic flights without stopovers for refill.

''A country that is registering such phenomenal growth has equally high security needs. The purpose of my visit is to focus on these needs, especially in the southern region,'' he said.

The Air Chief said the joint exercises with the French and US air forces have added significantly to IAF's abilities and international stature.

He was received at INS Garuda by FOC-in-C (South) Vice Admiral S C S Bangara and given a guard of honour. He will visit various units at the naval base and hold discussions with Vice Admiral Bangara.

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