BY : Navhind Times

Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major Tuesday said that aerospace power is an increasingly vital part of military strength and an important index of national power.

Inaugurating a seminar on 'Aerospace Power in India's Strategy' at the Southern Air Command headquarters here, Major said, "The country requires aerospace power in all its capabilities since it is futuristic and increasingly utilitarian. Aerospace power is premised on cutting edge technologies and it enables effect-based operations and creates strategic effects."

Terming aerospace power as an instrument of choice, he underlined that the recent developments have endowed aerospace power with accuracy and precision, making it reliable, clean and effective.

Air Marshal Y.R. Rane, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command, in his valedictory address emphasised that the IAF's vision to acquire strategic reach would require Southern Air Command to play a major role.

"Strategic reach, once achieved, would greatly enhance the effectiveness of this Command in its operational role. Having realised the geo-strategic importance of the southern region, there is no option but to develop Southern Air Command into a potent operational air command", he said.

The daylong seminar was organised by the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS).

An interactive discussion on crucial defence related issues like 'emerging strategic environment', 'regional security dimensions' and 'challenges from Pakistan' was also held.