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Share threat and security perceptions with the people, says Fernandes

The people should be taken into confidence and made aware of the country's security and threat perceptions, Defence Minister George Fernandes said today.

Addressing the air force commanders conference in New Delhi, the defence minister emphasised the need for enlisting people's support and co-operation so that the challenges before the country could be met squarely.

''The country's defence requirements will be better addressed when not merely the armed forces, but the people at large also are apprised of the issues involved,'' he observed.

The defence minister also expressed concern at the shortage of manpower in the armed forces.

He regretted that the rising tide of consumerism had led to an erosion in some of the basic values.

While the government would not be able to match the corporate sector in mere monetary terms, what would be necessary now would be inculcation and nurturing of patriotic fervour.

Air Chief Marshal S K Sareen later briefed the defence minister about the threat perceptions, operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force and various measures undertaken to enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF, as also on the steps to improve the working conditions and quality of life in the service.

Outlining the security scenario, the air chief dwelt on short-term as well as long-term threat perception, and on various possible scenarios keeping in view the developments taking place in the ''close'' neighbourhood.

ACM Sareen also emphasised the urgent need to maintain the deterrent edge of the IAF vis-a-vis its adversaries, particularly keeping in view the fact that a large number of IAF aircraft were/ fast reaching obsolescence.

He highlighted the importance of deterrence capabilities and cited this as a major reason for the situation in the north western sector remaining confined to a low intensity conflict.

Within the constraints, a series of wide-ranging measures undertaken during the last two years to enhance the operation capabilities as also improvement in the working conditions and quality of life in service had started showing positive results.

The present operational status of the IAF is at its best, with an increase in aircraft utilisation rate as also increase in total flying time of its frontline aircraft, Sareen said.

He noted that the increased flying effort had a cascading effect not only on the operational status of aircrew but also in improved training status of other weapon systems and operations, like surface to air missile crew and fighter controllers.

The air chief also briefed Fernandes about the series of measures for functional and operational improvement that include the merger of various branches for focussed and professional approach in achieving operational tasks, setting up of the Air Force Engineering College and Vayu Sena Medical College. He also sought the defence minister's intervention in resolving some of the long standing issues.

The air force commanders conference is held twice a year to identify key result areas, review operational preparedness and initiate requisite measures to meet planned tasks.

UNI

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