SP’s Aviation (SP’s): What in your perception are the major security challenges that the nation is facing today and is likely to face in the future, both in the near and long term?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): The major security challenges to our nation will continue to stem from the ever-changing nature of war and the fast emerging geopolitical uncertainties in our neighbourhood. In an increasingly globalised world, these would encompass the war on radical groups, control of resources and religious extremism borne out of economic, demographic and societal tensions that are transnational in nature. Specifically for us, the vacuum emerging post-US withdrawal from Afghanistan as well as the increasing forays in the contested areas along the LAC – all constitute real and live concerns. Events like the 26/11 have highlighted the spectre of terrorist attacks in our urban areas, where restrained application of air power to minimise collateral damage needs to be factored in. Similarly in other hostage/hijack scenarios, our resources may need to be deployed at short notice. Therefore, on our part, we are equipping and training ourselves to tackle the myriad situations across the spectrum of conflict. More importantly, we would need to maintain an agile and adaptive mindset in handling such contingencies. The increasing use of space and cyber space has added a new dimension to the spectrum of conflict, which would constitute the long term threats to National Security.

SP’s: In your view, is the IAF adequately prepared to effectively cope with the challenges that it may be called upon to confront?

CAS: Yes, we are adequately prepared to take on all challenges. Our efforts towards modernisation of equipment and effective training would not only prepare us to deal with challenges across the wide spectrum of armed conflict, but also fortify us in responding effectively in aid of civil power while conducting disaster relief and counter-insurgency operations and when dealing with other sub-conventional threats.

SP’s: As the head of the fourth largest air force in the world, what is your vision for the organisation as also your major area of focus in its march towards a glorious future?

CAS: IAF vision envisages a multi-spectrum strategic force capable of addressing the challenges of the future by inducting state-of-the-art equipment and upgradation of its existing infrastructure, systems and platforms. The IAF is committed in undertaking any challenge that poses threat to our National Security and provide multiple options to the National leadership in any contingency, both in war and in peace. The IAF will continue to be exclusive by its profession but totally inclusive in the service to the people of India.

SP’s: India is now an acknowledged nuclear power and the IAF will have a major role to play should the nuclear threshold be ever crossed. To what extent is the IAF prepared to shoulder this responsibility?

CAS: The IAF would always shoulder responsibilities entrusted to it to safeguard our national interests. We are fully prepared.

SP’s: Inadequacy of jointmanship amongst the three services has often been cited as a weak area in the military profile of the nation. What are your views on the subject as the Chairman COSC? What specific steps would you like to take to address this issue?

CAS: COSC has functioned reasonably well over the decades despite the constraints and has played an important role in ensuring adequate joint planning. Successful operations undertaken by the Indian armed forces in all the wars till date bear testimony to this fact. I am of the view that integration and jointness is the way forward and that the office of the COSC would be the prime enabler in this regard. We have a high degree of cohesion and synergy in the COSC and a fair amount of ground has already been covered on joint issues. Joint procurements, doctrines and training have been synergised to a great extent and there has been congruence of thought on these issues. Integration is an ongoing process and it does not end with one exercise or operation. Towards this end, HQ IDS has over the years emerged as an effective coordinating agency on behalf of the three Services on matters of training and doctrinal formulation. I am sure that implementation of the proposal to create the appointment of permanent Chairman COSC by the Naresh Chandra Task Force would lead to even greater synergy and cohesion amongst the three Services. This proposal has already been concurred by the three Service HQ. As per its recommendations, the Chairman COSC would be one of the three Service Chiefs appointed by the Government and be the single-point contact between the Government and the three Services on matters of policy, joint acquisitions, joint capability building and training. Integration of the MoD with Service HQ would be a pre-requisite. The Chairman COSC would thus be the fourth four-star officer who would also be responsible for the various Tri-Service Commands like ANC, SFC and at a later date, the Special Operations Command, Space Command and Cyber Command. The Service Chiefs will continue to exercise operational control and staff functions over their respective Service and have direct access to RM. This set-up will allow HQ IDS under the Chairman COSC to function as an effective advisory nodal agency to the government.

SP’s: What progress has been made so far towards the establishment of Aerospace Command?

CAS: The case for the creation of a Tri-Service Space Command is under consideration at MoD. The approach paper for Space Command has been finalised after addressing the observations of the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. Based on the approach paper, the SoC prepared by HQ IDS has been forwarded to MoD. The draft CCS Note would be processed after obtaining AON. Creation of a Space Command is necessary for ‘Space Security’ i.e., protection of our space-based assets from hostile action and also for providing requisite impetus to enhance military space applications capability.

SP’s: To cope with the rapid advancements in technology, it would be necessary to upgrade the quality of human resource as well. What measures are being adopted to ensure that the future generations in the IAF are made capable of meeting the new technological challenges?

CAS: Smart classrooms, virtual training systems and lectures through video conferencing are conducted regularly for the trainees. It is emphasised at training stages to use the latest tech gadgets for enhancing our abilities at the same time and not to get over-dependant and overwhelmed by rapid development in this field. Simulator training is part of various syllabi for training and computers are utilised for briefing and debriefing of missions. Use of technology is encouraged so as to increase awareness and ensure rapid dissemination of knowledge. Ab-initio as well as in-service training have been re-cast and fine-tuned to enhance the professional ability of all air-warriors to remain abreast of state-of-the-art technologies.

SP’s: What steps are being taken to improve the image of the IAF in the perception of the general public as also to make the service an attractive career option for the youth of the nation?

CAS: Concerted efforts have been undertaken by the IAF to ensure that the right image of a modern and technologically advanced “Brand IAF” is made visible pan-India. We are moving in the right direction and, apart from the existing selection systems, we have started conducting ‘Fast Track’ selections in line with campus placements.

We are ensuring that all available avenues of publicity are suitably exploited. We are also innovating to ensure that this attractive career opportunity is presented to all the youth of the country. Towards this, various measures undertaken are:

• One-to-One Interactive Measures. These include conduct of motivational lectures and career fairs and exhibitions in schools and colleges throughout the country.
• Enhanced Publicity Campaigns via use of Fixed Visual, Print and e-Media. A ‘Facilitation-cum-Publicity Pavilion’ is already operational at IGI. Similar publicity cells are being set up at other major airports around the country.
• Innovations and Projects Under Various Phases of Completion. We launched a mobile game “Guardians of the Sky” in July this year. An astounding 80,000 people have downloaded the game so far. Phase-II of the game will be launched on October 8, 2014, and we are anticipating a similar response. We are also in the process of creating an IVR system for enhancing e-based one-to-one interaction. To achieve a truly pan-India presence, we have started the process of creating a Publicity Exhibition Vehicle (PEV). The mobility afforded by this vehicle will allow us to target areas that require repetitive focus or which could not have been accessed during normal publicity drives. In order to absorb the increased induction of trainees, we have created two additional Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB) and created the necessary infrastructure in our training establishments to absorb the enhanced intake. We are extending our reach to a larger section of the youth. Our aim is to create “Brand IAF,” which will be sought after by the youth as a favoured career option. Our initiatives have ensured that the quality and number of candidates opting for Air Force as a career has increased significantly. It is expected that the VIIth CPC would address the issues submitted by the three Services to make the profession of ‘Arms’ an attractive one for the youth.

SP’s: The status of the armed forces in society has been progressively eroded with the passage of time. With every pay commission, the armed forces have been pushed lower down the hierarchy vis-à-vis civilian counterparts. Are any steps being taken with the seventh pay commission to prevent further downslide, if not improvement in the equation?

CAS: The armed forces are keenly looking for restoration of historical and traditional parities vis-à-vis our civilian counterparts. The three Services have unanimously chosen to be a part of the VIIth CPC, since we firmly believe that the CPC, as a highly qualified and competent body of experts, will be able to appreciate the unique environmental and operational conditions that our soldiers, sailors and air-warriors face while maintaining a constant vigil in these challenging times. The Government has recognised the special character of the armed forces by including a specific mention on ‘Historical and Traditional Parities’ in the terms of reference for VIIth CPC. We are confident that the positive interaction thus far with the Pay Commission will translate into effective measures in resolving core anomalies regarding status of the defence personnel vis-à-vis their civilian counterparts that have arisen out of the awards by previous pay commissions and will enhance the pride and sense of well-being of our men and women in uniform. Extension to the armed forces, of NFU or any similar scheme recommended for the civil services, have also been proposed.