Equip for Technology-driven War, Kalam tells IAF

Chandigarh, Mar 7 (UNI) Calling upon the Indian Air Force to equip itself for technology-driven warfare, President APJ Abdul Kalam today said future wars would be won by the force which can visualise the strength of the enemy, not based on the previous war but based on the current capabilities, and technological advancements in the global scenario.

''You have got greater responsibilities of keeping an eye on the technological advancements in addition to keeping an eye on the borders of our country'', said Dr Kalam -- also Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces -- in his address at the Presidential Review of the IAF Fleet here on only the fourth such occasion in the 75-year history of the Indian Air Force.

Observing that force multipliers were essential for enhancing operational capabilities of the IAF's fighter squadrons, the President said the whole future war environment will be a network-centric warfare and it could be electronically controlled, combined with space encounters, deep sea encounters, and ballistic missiles encounters.

He said India's commercial activities in space had been increasing through communication, remote sensing and meteorological satellites and he was glad that the proposed aerospace command was taking shape.

Terming the Armed Forces as Partners in all Development Missions, President Kalam said national security was born out of economic growth and the capability to defend the nation against all types of threats.

''India is progressing on both fronts and you have roles in both.

There will always be a dynamic environment along our borders needing eternal vigilance by our Air Force. You should remember that national development and national security have to go together and you should set an example as a good human being to our brethren....'' Earlier, he reviewed an impressive parade by IAF personnel with all 41 Colours and Standards awarded to the Force proudly displayed on the occasion -- coinciding with the Platinum Jubilee year of the formation of the IAF.

The President also released a special First Day Cover to commemorate the occasion.

Later, the IAF capped the proud occasion with an impressive display -- either in flypast or on static display -- of all 27 types of aircraft it operates currently.

While the intricate aerial manoeuvers of the fighter jets impressed all, it were the sheer daredevilry respectively shown by the 'Sarang' helicopter and 'Suryakiran' jet trainer teams that stole the show -- the thrilling aerobatics evoking continued applause from an impressed audience.

Among those present on the occasion were the respective Governors of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, Defence Minister AK Antony and his two Ministers of State -- MM Pallam Raju and Rao Inderjit Singh, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta besides other senior civil and military officials.

Also present were the Defence Attaches of the various missions in New Delhi.

UNI