The second biannual Air Force Commanders’ conference 2013 was held at Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi. The four-day conference was inaugurated by Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff.

IAF chose “aircraft and systems maintenance and operational and training issues” as its theme for the current Commanders’ Conference in the backdrop of IAF’s ongoing modernisation drive, challenges of maintaining legacy systems along with new inductions and optimisation of resources.

Complimenting the Commanders’ for an outstanding effort in the last one year, Air Chief Marshal Browne said, “While exercise ‘Iron Fist’ and exercise ‘Live Wire’ clearly illustrated our professional competence and teamwork, Op Rahat reconfirmed the nation’s faith in IAF’s capability and resolve of our men and women. These enhanced our collective confidence in employing new capabilities in conformity with our concept of operations. Now, it is all the more important for us to carry forward the lessons learnt from them and continue to refine our methods.”

Emphasising on enhancement of operational capability, the IAF Chief said, “We must consolidate our newly acquired aircraft and equipment towards maintaining a high operational status at all times.

“Since leadership flows from a sense of ownership, we must encourage ownership at all levels. When, Air Warriors, our most important asset, are happy and motivated, it clearly indicates that we are moving in the right direction,” he further added.