I am indeed very happy to be with you at 2-Wing Air Force, Pune. I would like to congratulate you for the excellent work that you are doing for ensuring the security of the Nation. During my short stay at this Air Force Station, I had a beautiful flight in the Su-30 aircraft. I can see the skill of the pilots and all support personnel during this mission. During the 50 years of operation the 20 Squadron has graduated from Vampires to Hunters to MiG 21 and now to Su-30. I am also happy to know that 20 Squadron was the formation aerobatic team for about seven years in the past. Earlier, the 20 Squadron had trained many pilots including the present Naval Chief, Admiral Arun Prakash, who are proving themselves to be great asset to the nation. They have left a great tradition of sacrifice for all of us to follow.

Force multipliers

I am sure, the Su-30 fighter aircraft deployment at this Air Force base with the modern weaponry and electronic warfare systems will bring forth new dimensions in the modern air warfare. It is pertinent to note that the development of Su-30 has been a collaborative venture between India, Russia, France, South Africa and Israel. The integration of system has been done by Russia. With mid air refueling capability, the precision strike power and the range of operation can be substantially increased. I am sure, very soon this aircraft will have BrahMos missile integrated with it. This will definitely provide force multiplication for our Air Force. For enhancing air defense capability there is a need to induct Akash system at an early date. The induction of Airborne Warning and Control Systems would enhance your surveillance capabilities manifold. Up-to-date intelligence in the battle field is an important input in our strategic planning. Today, semi-autonomous palm sized aircraft for surveillance is a reality. I am sure with your dedication and foresight; you will soon work to obtain these capabilities. Even biological vehicles fitted with cameras and trained for sustained long endurance flights can be used for surveillance. These surveillance systems along with agile fighters, attack helicopters and advanced surface-to-air-missile systems, will provide force multiplication in various dimensions to improve the total combat effectiveness.

Integrated Warfare

Future warfare is an integrated warfare of Army, Air Force and Navy. This has come out very clearly during the Kargil operations. Timely deployment of Air Force was one of the key reasons for early decisive success in that operation. Many of you would have participated in that operation. Communication and common data interchange framework are the backbone of Integrated warfare. Time has come for the training to include joint operations in a seamless way.

Aircraft Safety

When I see Corporals, Sergeants, Warrant Officers and other officers, I am reminded of my early career in defence. While I was posted at Aircraft Armament Testing Unit, Kanpur, in 1958 I had worked with many of them and seen their dedication, commitment and specialization in work. Later, when I was Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri, I was the Chairman of the Committee on Fighter Aircraft Accidents (COFAA). As a part of this committee's work, myself and other members of the committee had visited almost all the Air Force stations in the country. The committee had made about ninety recommendations for implementation by various agencies. I am happy to know that almost all the recommendations including training have been accepted and many of them have been implemented. But whatever be the state of the art of the equipment, you are the integral part of the Air Force who can make sure that the fleet is always up and trouble free. During the deliberations of COFAA (Committee on Fighter Aircraft Accidents), I happened to see the log books of many MiG aircrafts having the signature of master warrant officers, sergeants and corporals reporting the aircraft status after every flight. If all of you and other concerned agencies make it a habit of attending and rectifying the problem at the right time our air force will definitely have the unique record of nearly accident free operations.

Operational readiness

When I see you all in your uniform, you look very smart, you look combat ready and you look confident to face any situation and win. I am fully aware of the difficult environment in which you all carry out your operations. It is essential to continuously modernize the equipment and add force multipliers to enhance the operational performance and improve flight safety.

Operations of 21st century

Twenty first century soldier will encounter a highly technology intensive battlefield, like high demand on agility, fast and accurate cognitive processing ability, high mobility, quick reaction and stable emotional profile. The selection process should define such a futuristic combatant personality and evolve an appropriate system to select personnel for the Air Force and upgradation of existing teams. The placement of soldiers in the appropriate task will require skillful aptitude testing. Food during combat needs to be light with high-energy concentration and ability to sustain vigilance and enhanced cognitive responses. Nutraceuticals and food supplements can be used as mood enhancers for improving sustained operational efficiency. Smart clothing with ability to adjust to the environment fitted with GPS, micro computer, vital physiological function sign monitoring, excellent communication system, NBC protective when needed, and powered by micro-fuel cell, light weight bullet proof jackets using new composites materials need to be developed. The survivability, sustainability, efficiency and lethality of the airmen and soldiers as a system need to be ensured for the victory in a future war, which will require joint services operation.

Conclusion

I am confident that you will continue the tradition of your success and valour in all your future operations. The entire nation is with you and leads you to modernize and force multiply all your aerial platforms and ground support systems, so that you will excel in the aerial warfare. Indian Air Force is indeed the angels for our ground troops. I thank you for keeping a vigil with sleepless nights so that the Nation can go to sleep every day in peace.

I wish you success in all your missions. My greetings to you and to your families.

May God Bless You.

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