Aerospace Power is a must for peace: Air Chief

Bangalore, Sep 7 (UNI) Building a strategic aerospace Power will not only help the country to remain pace with the growth of the technology but also ward off any kind of outside and inside threats including that of nuclear in nature, Chief of Air Staff F H Major opined today.

Delivering the 21st National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Foundation Day Lecture here on 'Strategic Aerospace Power: Technological and maintenance challenges' Air Chief Marshal Major said that due to its versatility and utility the Air Power has assumed more importance.

Stating that all nations in the world have realized the importance of Aerospace it has become imperative to remain one step ahead than our adversaries and exhorted the scientists and technologists to strive hard in achieving their best in the aviation industry.

Maintaining that "this is the century of Air Power" Chief of the Air Staff informed that the Aerospace Power provides a comprehensive capability, precision targetting and reduced visibility in its application and it has become an 'instrument of choice' for the military strategists. The Aerospace power with its accurate reliability helps defence forces in retaining their supremacy over the enemies if the country goes with the updated technology. "Lack of technology update would severely curtail the national security system including its command control and electronic ware fare system" he added.

Opining that there is a need to invest more on Research and Development in Aerospace Technology in the country the Chief of Air Staff maintained that national security policy needs to be integrated with the National Technology.

Stating that encouraging the private sector in defence related research activities was a great idea, he, however, stressed that focus must be on national security than business considerations.

Chief of Air Staff said that the role of Indian Air Force was significant in encouraging the aviation industry and that as an end-user IAF would provide reliable feedback to the industry and thereby contribute its might in achieving cutting edge in research and developmental activities.

Showering appreciation for the NAL in contributing the security of the country Air Chief Marshal announced that IAF was very much eager to induct the 14-seater light transport aircraft 'SARAS' into the Air Force once it procured certification. The IAF would also receive the first batch of HAWKS, the advanced trainer aircraft during first week of October this year.

Later speaking to newsmen, Chief of Air Staff said that at present there was proposal before IAF to present inventory for the Anti Ballistic Missile, defence system.

UNI