IAF Commander Conference 2021 Concludes

NEW DELHI: The IAF Commanders’ Conference 2021, themed ‘Reorienting for the Future’ concluded at Air HQs on Friday. The three-day conference saw detailed deliberations on ways and means to enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF.

Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the seven commands and key appointments from Air HQ attended the conference. The conference was addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The CDS, CNS and COAS also addressed the conference and interacted with the commanders on subjects of future warfighting through joint planning and integration of service capabilities.

The actions and follow-up plan for implementing the directions given by the PM Modi during the Combined Commanders’ Conference were discussed by the participants. The other key subjects included reorientation of the IAF for future challenges across all threat domains, and the roadmap for effective utilisation of assets and future inductions. The contours of the operational philosophy and organisational aspects of Air Defence and Joint Command Structures were also discussed.

In his address to the Commanders, the CAS emphasised the need for incorporation of new technologies such as AI and 5G, enhanced utilisation of cyber and space domains and continuous update of doctrines, tactics and procedures.

He stressed upon empowerment of junior leadership through comprehensive HR reforms and increasing efficiency through organisational restructuring. He also highlighted the requirement for innovative and low-cost solutions for enhancing training effectiveness as well as adopting a scalable contingency response model.