With weeks to go for the finalisation of the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the 126 multi-role aircraft that the government will induct in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Minister AK Antony said funds allocated for the modernisation of the armed forces must be utilised in such a manner that wastage and duplication are avoided.
“Funds will not be a constraint for the modernisation process. However, the allocated funds must be utilised optimally and judiciously. While the drive for modernisation must not suffer, we must be ever mindful for economy and avoid waste and duplication. At the same time, we must ensure that the twin processes of modernisation and indigenisation proceed apace simultaneously. I, therefore, urge the scientific fraternity to think of ways and means to attain the levels of modernisation achieved by advanced states, without necessarily having to follow all the intermediate steps,” he said.
The four-day Conference being attended by the top brass of Indian Air Force, including the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal FH Major, Air Officers Commanding in Chiefs of IAF Commands and Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters is discussing operational challenges before the Air Force. Issues such as maintenance, flight safety, administrative and logistics will be discussed at the conference.
Antony said while steps must be taken to hasten the procurement process “to plug gaps in defence preparedness it is imperative that procurement procedures are followed diligently”. As the gestation period for the induction of new equipment is long, Defence Minister advised commanders to break down perspective plans for modernisation in short-term and long-term objectives taking into account India’s strategic requirements.
Defence Minister also assured the IAF brass that the government would ensure the IAF’s capabilities were in consonance with India’s stature, aspirations and threat perceptions. “Our endeavour is to significantly enhance not only the strategic reach of the IAF, but also attempt a fusion of potent capabilities in terms of space-based assets, air defence, surveillance, modern aircraft and advanced weapon systems. I am sure that such initiatives will help the IAF to evolve into a dominant aerospace power. We must also conceptualise and build asymmetric capabilities to match superior forces. This would act as a deterrent and help in preserving our integrity and sovereignty."
