BAGDOGRA: Upgrade draft ready for IAF – Northeast airfields part of modernisation plan

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

BY AVIJIT SINHA

President Pratibha Patil at the Bagdogra air force station on Wednesday. Picture by Kundan Yolmo

Bagdogra, March 9: The IAF’s modernisation plan includes an upgrade of the communication and tracking system and the airfields in the east and the Northeast, the Chief of Air Staff said here today soon after the President reminded the nation that a strong defence and an effective deterrence were essential for peace.

A “perspective plan” to make the Indian Air Force capable on its own has already been drafted.

“As part of this plan, it has been decided to upgrade the airfields in eastern and north-eastern parts of the country and also improve the advanced landing grounds we have in the region,” said Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik.

“When it comes to communication and tracking system, radars play a key part. We have found that due to mountainous terrain in the Northeast, normal radars could not function properly. The IAF is in the process of installing mountain radars or LLLWRs (low level light weight radars),” he said.

Naik was at the Bagdogra air force station, 15km from Siliguri, this morning to participate in the presentation of the President’s Standards to a squadron and a helicopter unit. He said the IAF would also buy a host of new aircraft and helicopters to enlarge its fleet.

“We will shortly sign a commercial deal for supply of MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) and have already entered into an agreement with Russia for obtaining Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft. By 2017, our target is to obtain 200-250 such aircraft,” he said.

Earlier in the day, President Pratibha Patil awarded the Standards to the Nagpur-based 44 squadron and the 110 helicopter unit based at Kumbhigram in Assam. She also inaugurated a first day cover and brochure on the occasion.

The standards or the colours are conferred to squadrons or formations which have completed 18 years in the IAF or have won the President’s appreciation for outstanding performance in operations.

“A strong defence and an effective deterrence are essential to preserve peace. No nation can prosper without its borders being secure. Though as a nation we are firmly committed to peace, we will not hesitate to use all our might to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation,” the President said.

“Our armed forces, exemplified by the men and women who stand before us, reflect our determination to protect our interests. We do not wish to encourage conflict, but should it be thrust upon us, I am confident that our armed forces will form a fortified wall against the adversary, and keep the Indian flag flying high.”

She appreciated the two IAF units for their service. “They have been extending yeoman service whenever called upon, during natural calamity, or during attacks by anti-national elements.” The President left for Imphal around 12.15pm.