IAF crucial in safeguarding nation: Air Chief

Chandigarh, Jan 13 (UNI) Underlining the undisputed significance of aerospace power in times to come, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, emphasised upon the important role that the Indian Air Force (IAF) would play in safeguarding the country's interests.

While delivering his inaugural lecture at a seminar on Air Power in the Himalayas here today, Air Chief Marshal Tyagi elaborated upon the challenges faced by the IAF while operating in the Himalayas.

''No other air force in the world operates in such difficult terrain, carrying loads and landing helicopters at heights of about 19000 feet.

Air Chief Marshal Tyagi also highlighted the importance of use of precision weapons which are capable of operating in all weather conditions and during the day as well as night. Technology, he stressed, had to provide the answers to all these problems.

The one-day seminar, organised by the Centre for Air Power studies (CAPS), was atttend by senior retired and serving officers of the IAF, including Air Marshal A K Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, western air command.

UNI