Kalam asks IAF to equip and prepare for technology driven war
16 Feb 2007
Bhuj: Calling upon the Indian Air Force to equip and prepare itself for technology driven warfare, the President and supreme commander of the armed forces, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has asked the Air Force to keep in mind technological advancements being made around the world.
"You have got greater responsibilities of keeping an eye on the technological advancements in addition to keeping an eye on the borders of our country", Dr Kalam said while addressing IAF officers after presenting the President's Standard to No. 37 squadron, a fighter outfit, and No. 48 Squadron, a transport unit, here today.
The President said that the future war environment would be dominated by network-centric warfare. Such an environment would be electronically controlled and involve space encounters, deep-sea and ballistic missile encounters. He also said that force multipliers were essential to enhance operational capabilities of the IAF's fighter squadrons,
The President said that India's commercial activities in space had been increasing through communication, remote sensing and meteorological satellites and now he was glad that the proposed aerospace command was finally taking shape.
Dr Kalam felicitated the rank and file of both squadrons for the services rendered by their respective squadrons over the last five decades. He said that their achievements had been remarkable in war, as well as peace, and had set a unique pursuit of excellence in air warfare.
The President presented Standards to both the squadrons. He also released special first day covers to commemorate the occasion. A photo exhibition, depicting the history and achievements of the squadrons was set up.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi, the defence secretary Shekhar Dutt, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South-Western Air Command, Air Marshal P.K. Mehra, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal P.S. Ahluwalia and Commodore Commandant 37 Squadron Air Marshal S. Radhakrishnan.