Dvp IAF into a Dominant Aerospace Power: Antony

New Delhi, May 21: Defence Minister AK Antony today urged Air Warriors to make all efforts towards developing the Indian Air Force (IAF) into a dominant Aerospace power.

Inaugurating a three-day Air Force Commanders' Conference here, the Defence Minister said with IAF currently in the process of transformation and modernisation, several important projects were in various stages of implementation.

The Government, he said, was aware of the challenges, issues and requirements of the IAF -- a technology-intensive force.

''Our attempts should be to enhance the strategic reach of the IAF and integrate potent capabilities in air defence surveillance, space based assets and advanced weapon systems to develop it into a dominant aerospace power....'' ''We must also develop asymmetric capabilities against superior forces....'' The Minister said the IAF had an ambitious action plan for acquisition of new systems and upgradation of existing ones over the next three years.

''Given the substantial amount of public money being used for these efforts, it is imperative that these financial resources are utilised honestly, efficiently and optimally.'' He pointed out that the country had been relying on outside suppliers to meet the requirement of the Defence Forces for quite some time. ''However, a country like India cannot indefinitely continue to rely on outside suppliers... self-reliance and indigenisation must be our top priority....'' ''Self-reliance through indigenisation should be the 'mantra' for companies in both the public as well as the private sector....'' Complimenting the IAF for its ''excellent flight-safety record'' during the last financial year, the Minister further called upon all aviation related organisations to ensure that loss of human and financial resources through accidents remained minimal and, if possible, eliminated altogether.

In this context, he stressed upon the need to train and strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures relating to flight safety.

Referring to the problem of serviceability, the Minister said though long term business agreements had been signed ''a lot more remains to be done''. Emphasising the need to plan meticulously with regard to procurement of spares, he asked the Chief of Air Staff to chalk out a concrete action plan in this regard.

Deliberating on India's friendly and cordial relations with all nations, especially country's in the immediate neighbourhood, the Defence Minister said our relations with Pakistan showed signs of improvement.

''However, Pakistan needs to match its words with actions on dismantling the terrorists and 'jehadi' infrastructure....'' ''Though we deserve peace with Pakistan and want to continue the dialogue on various issues, it is imperative for us to maintain eternal vigil all along our borders....'' Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, Minister Antony said the air offensive launched by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a cause for concern.

''On our part we have to be vigilant and continue to safeguard our security concerns'', he added.

UNI