The Hindu : National : Modernisation of armed forces is vital: Antony

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Modernisation of armed forces is vital: Antony

M.B. Girish

Advanced jet trainer aircraft Hawk inducted into Indian Air Force

Training standards at IAF are of the highest
order: Antony
Acquisitions made IAF increase its operational capabilities

— Photo: AP

Flying high: Defence Minister A.K. Antony (left) aboard a Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft after it was officially inducted, in Bidar on Saturday. Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major (second left) and British High Commissioner to India Sir Richard Stagg (third left) are seen.

BIDAR: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Saturday said the modernisation of the armed forces was one of the principal things to be achieved. The country, by virtue of its strategic location, rapid economic growth and technological capabilities, had a pressing need to safeguard its assets and interests.

He was speaking after the induction of advanced jet trainer aircraft Hawk-132 into the Indian Air Force at a ceremony held at the Air Force Station here.

Global security

Mr. Antony said: “Continuous change in the global security scenario has made the country to constantly reassess its national security.”

“The IAF’s comprehensive modernisation effort includes the acquisition of aerial tankers, airborne warning and control systems, aerostats and unmanned aerial vehicles, apart from the state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.”

These acquisitions had made the IAF increase its operational capabilities and the licensed production of the Hawk aircraft by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited would be yet another step in this regard.

The Minister said the induction of Hawks, made by the BAE Systems, U.K., into the IAF was a fulfilment of a long-standing “commitment” by the government to provide young pilots with the state-of-the-art trainer aircraft.

Mr. Antony said the standards of the training imparted in the IAF institutions were of the “highest order” and with the induction of the advanced jet trainer aircraft it was expected that the existing gaps in the transitional training of young pilots would be plugged.

Expressing confidence in the air warriors, Mr. Antony said: “Our air warriors have always been resolute in their pursuit of excellence, placing service before self and they will continue to do so.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major said the induction strengthened the historic ties between India and the United Kingdom.

The air chief thanked the government of India for its continued support for the acquisition of Hawks.

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal G.S. Chaudhary, said that as scheduled, training in Hawks for pilots would begin from June.

About 70 pilots received training in the U.K. and joined as squadron and “are doing well.” He termed the induction of Hawks a momentous occasion for the IAF and the beginning of a new chapter.

A team of Suryakiran pilots performed an aerobatic display.

U.K. High Commissioner in India Sir Richard Stagg; Air Commodore Ramesh Rai, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Bidar; and representatives from the U.K. High Commission, the BAE Systems and the HAL were present.

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