SP's Aviation 7/2021

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Viewpoint    IAF EXCLUSIVE

STRONG AND POTENT AEROSPACE FORCE Over the last couple of decades, Indian Air Force has evolved to become strong and potent, capable of mounting operations 24x7 and launching independent operations from a ‘cold start’ By Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy (Retd)

Photographs: IAF

An independent Air Defence Command will lead to splitting resources and tie-down sophisticated multi-role combat machines to a single role

THE THEATRE COMMAND QUAGMIRE A few days ago, the CDS created a storm during a media interaction on the formation of Theatre Command declaring that the Indian Air Force is (only) a supporting Arm for the Army and Navy. His comments showed ignorance that is not expected from the highest office of the military. Apparently, he was not aware of the limitations and complexity of the Air Force inventory. I wonder how much insight he has on the inventory and operations of the other two Services. The same yardstick should go to assess other proposed Theatre Commanders. They cannot

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ISSUE 7  • 2021

be poorly informed of the inventory, operational procedures, technology employed, communication systems and infrastructure of the other Services if they intend to take them to battle. Selection of the leadership should not be based on seniority but having comprehensive knowledge (Staff College and NDC exposures do not qualify in this regard). If a senior leadership is unaware of the strength, weaknesses and operational ethos of other Services, operations are bound to be affected adversely. Regrettably, the focus seems to be seniority, promotions and appointments and a hunger for power which keeps pushing to

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