Air Power: Resolute in Blue Glory Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC tells Aeromag Asia how the Indian Air Force has comprehensively scaled up its combat capability in response to the evolving threat matrix in the region, to fight across domains over the entire spectrum of warfare. A special salute to the Force on its 88th Foundation Day. Aeromag Asia: Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria, what was your resolve as you paid your tribute to the indomitable valour and sacrifice of the nation’s warriors on the Kargil Vijay Diwas, in the backdrop of the evolving threat matrix in the region and security challenges in the high-altitude forward bases in eastern Ladakh? Chief of the Air Staff: Kargil Vijay Diwas is a befitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldiers who surmounted all odds in the line of duty, protecting the Nation at all costs. The IAF was provided a unique opportunity in 1999 as it was called into operations in support of our ground forces. We innovated to arrive at weapon solutions and formulated tactics that allowed aircraft operations at high altitude. It was also the first time that our fighters dropped Laser Guided Bombs in an operational environment. LGBs and GPS aided bombing were extremely successful and pivotal in evicting the intruders from their dug in positions. The experience of Kargil operations has held us in good stead with consolidation of capabilities in later years that can today be brought to bear for operations in high altitude terrain. Our resolve is to modernise and build our capability to attain and maintain a combat and technological edge over our adversaries. As the CAS who has flown the Rafale jet among a varied array of 26 different Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC
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types of fighter aircraft and commanded the Jaguar Squadron as well as the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, what’s uppermost in your mind when you speak of enhancing our operational capability? Our strategic priority is to ensure that we operate home grown systems backed by an industrial ecosystem with expertise in cutting edge technology. Advantage over our adversaries in the long run is possible only if such capability is driven domestically. Training and Infrastructure are also critical capability enhancers that need constant focus. If I look at the near future, the domain of Space is gaining
increased significance. While we are currently putting in action plans to induct more ground and air borne sensors and combat aircraft, development of space
