Defence Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurated the biannual Air Force Commanders‘ Conference at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), New Delhi on April 19, 2017. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) welcomed the Defence Minister, G. Mohan Kumar, Defence Secretary and A.K. Gupta, Secretary (Defence Production). He also introduced the Air Force Commanders to the Defence Minister.

The CAS updated the Minister on the operational status of Indian Air Force (IAF)and the progress on infrastructure development. He highlighted the efforts made to enhance aircraft serviceability towards maintaining operational readiness of IAF. Achievements during the recently conducted pan IAF and international exercises with friendly foreign countries were also covered by the CAS. He further elaborated the actions initiated for enhancing operational effectiveness and the future roadmap of IAF.

The Defence Minister deliberated on the challenges to defence forces due to the rapidly changing geo-political situation in the world and the uncertainties existing in the region. He commended IAF for having successfully conducted various military exercises and operations towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) both within and outside the country. Acknowledging IAF‘s capability as the first responder especially in face of a natural calamity he emphasised the resolve of the government in expediting approved modernisation programmes of the Service.