Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) The city-based Western Air Command (WAC), the sword arm of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is poised for a massive transformation “into a much more potent fighting force” with rapid induction of modern aircraft, weapons and support systems.

With this in mind, the commanders of all IAF units and stations in the area of responsibility of the WAC spread across Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh began a two-day conference here Thursday that will lay the roadmap for the modernisation of the fleet and its support systems.

Inaugurated by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, the conference is focusing on its theme ‘Mission Accomplishment with Integrity and Excellence’, according to an IAF press release here.

“As a part of the ongoing modernization process, Western Air Command has taken rapid strides in operationalisation of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as well as induction of critical components essential for Network Centric Warfare,” WAC chief Air Marshal D.C. Kumaria said.

“There is a need to rapidly absorb new inductions over the next few years, as Western Air Command transforms into a much more potent fighting force,” he added.

IAF inducted the first of the six C-130J, meant for India’s special forces operations, at Hindon, the squadron’s home base in Ghaziabad, which is under the WAC.

Calling for “increasing synergy with affiliated army commands”, Kumaria said this was “an area of enhanced focus” for WAC.

He also noted that the recent joint exercises between the army and air force highlighted the fact “by bringing out the immense contribution of air power and the resultant synergy in air-land operations” between the two services.

“The high standards achieved during the highly intensive 24×7 exercises were indicative of the imposing combat potential of WAC. All the resources, energies, capabilities and potential must be directed towards mission accomplishment,” he said.

“We must be prepared to perform beyond the call of duty and while doing so, we must continue to look after those placed below us. Only then can we achieve our mission with integrity and excellence,” he added.

During the conference, the commanders will focus on key issues such as infrastructure development, induction of new equipment, aviation and maintenance safety and welfare of air warriors.

The WAC concept of operations in support of the army commands in its area of responsibility will also be reviewed, the release said.

The occasion saw the Air Chief Marshal Naik releasing the WAC’s coffee table book ‘Western Air Command : Dawn of a New Era’, a photo essay on the history of WAC from its nascent days to what it is now.

The visit of the IAF chief to WAC, where he has held important operational appointments during his career, was also his farewell visit. He retires at the end of this month.