New Delhi: Covering the entire gamut of challenges facing the nation along its Northern and Western borders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his satisfaction in the way Indian Armed Forces have been able to respond to emerging situations.

Inaugurating the three-day Indian Air Force (IAF) Senior Commanders’ Conference at the Air Headquarters here April 6, he said the topics being discussed in  the Conference were relevant and contemporary in the-present context, and covered the entire canvas of issues and challenges that are being faced by the Nation. He  was happy to observe that the directions given by higher authorities were comprehensively being discussed in the conference and would be the guiding light for all future course of action.

The Conference was attended by Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, along with senior commanders of the Indian Air Force.

Singh praised the Indian Air Force’s evacuation effort of Indians from Ukraine in Operation Ganga which has been appreciated by the country. He brought out that the current geopolitical situation has again highlighted the need for indigenisation.

In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, asked air warriors to be ready to meet all challenges and enhance capabilities for responding in multiple domains at short notice. He also emphasised the need for conserving assets, optimally utilising resources and the need for jointmanship to enhance National Security.

To provide a boost to the growing indigenous drone industry, the Defence Minister launched the “MEHAR BABA COMPETITION – II” aimed at developing technology for a “Swarm Drone based system to detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces”.

The  conference will discuss important issues related to future challenges in a Hi-tech and evolving operational scenario. The theme for the Conference is ‘Optimising human resources’ and the focus will be on conduct of operations in a smart and efficient manner.  Mitigation of threats posed by drones will also be brainstormed during the conference.