Address at the Air Force Station, Pathankot

Indian Air Force: Partner in Integrated Warfare

I am indeed very happy to be with you, Airmen, Warrant officers and Officers at Pathankot Air force station. I would like to congratulate you for the excellent work that you are doing for ensuring the security of the Nation. I found that in this theatre of operation (J&K and Ladakh), there is a close coordination between the Army and the Air Force. This system of integrated functioning of the various arms of the services brings the force multiplier effect to our armed forces. Western Air command is a very important command, which is spread in the whole of J&K and Ladakh. You have many types of aircraft with MiG series as the primary work force.

I visited Thoise airbase on 2 April 2004. I was briefed about the Air force contribution to Operation Meghdoot. During my short stay at this air force station, I visited the war memorial and paid homage to many dedicated air force personnel who had laid down their lives while defending the integrity of the Nation. They have left a great tradition of sacrifice for all of us to follow. Also I went to the school and interacted with bright young children who are bubbling with enthusiasm and energy. Finally before reaching here, I witnessed the airfield strike and air defence demonstration of this unit, which gives me an insight into the precision strike capabilities of Pathankot Air Force base.

Force multipliers

I am sure, the 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. Also the reconnaissance aircraft have to be mounted with Ground Penetration Radars and Synthetic Aperture Radars for enabling detection of crevasses and enabling photography penetrating the clouds for the safe movement of Jawans on patrol, particularly when you give support to forward troops. High altitude UAV systems need to be added with appropriate sensors for reconnaissance operations. 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 with the nation 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. I congratulate the Air Force team for the remarkable combat performance during the Kargil Operations. 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. I am sure you are providing similar contribution to the army in this sector with the fighters, attack helicopters and SAMs.

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. Also the process of AJT acquisition has commenced. 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 have been operating and carrying out your duties meticulously to support the army operations in this sector. It is essential to continuously modernize the equipment and add force multipliers to enhance the operational performance and improve flight safety.

It is recognized that this Air Force base has taken active part during 1948 and 1971 wars. You have also made excellent contribution during the Operation Safed Sagar and Operation PARAKRAM. The squadron aircraft are flown and maintained with passion and professionalism. You maintained the fleet at an instant state of readiness since you have been nominated as the core squadron of Western Air Command. In addition to your air defence duties you also undertake counter surface force operation in the hills. I was told that the unit is currently focused on sharpening the night fighting capabilities bestowed on you by cost effective night vision suite. In addition to providing support to Indian army personnel, your unit has also participated in several UN peacekeeping missions.

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 lightweight 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 and your families living in far away places success.

May God Bless You.