The ongoing tension at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in Ladakh and the situation at the Line of Control(LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir will figure prominently during the three-day IAF Commanders’ conference here starting Thursday.
The top brass will review operational readiness to meet any threat from China in the backdrop of the continuing friction points at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Given the always present threat of a two-front war simultaneously with China and Pakistan, the IAF commanders are likely to draw their future strategies in the three-day meet. It will be first bi-annual conclave of the IAF brass this year and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate it.
Besides these operational issues, the commanders will also review the ongoing modernisation plans of the IAF. With the induction of Rafale fighter jets from France going as per schedule, the commanders are likely to focus to their attention on manufacturing 110 multi-role aircraft within the country.
This strategic partnership project is worth over ten billion dollars and several top aerospace giants are vying for the contract. The IAF desperately needs more modern aircraft as its squadron strength is fast depleting.
Against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons(one squadron has 18-20 jets), the IAF now has only 30-odd squadrons. Moreover, some the fighter jets are in the final stages of their operational life and will have to replaced quickly to sustain operational readiness.
Officials said the conference of apex level leadership is aimed at addressing the issues of IAF’s operational capabilities in the times to come. A series of discussions would be conducted over a period of three days to address strategies and policies related to capabilities that would give IAF a significant edge over its adversaries. Various welfare and Human Resource measures to improve HR and administrative efficiency will also be discussed.
The Commanders’ Conference is a bi-annual conference held at Subroto Hall, Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhawan. The Conference provides a forum to the senior leadership of the IAF to discuss critical issues pertaining to Operations, Maintenance and Administration.