Western Air Command - Commanders Meet

Western Air Command of Indian Air Force is a unique Air Force formation in the world as its area of operations extends from the world’s highest airfields in the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan. WAC, IAF was raised as No.1 Operational group on independence in 1947. In 1949, it was re-designated as an Operational Command. In 1962 this formation got its name ‘Western Air Command, IAF’. WAC is the most operational command of the IAF and is said to be equivalent to the eighth largest Air Force in the world. Protection of the National Capital falls under the purview of Western Air Command

Two day long, The Commanders’ conference of Western Air Command (WAC) commenced today at its Subroto Park Headquarters in New Delhi. The commanders’ conference is being attended by the Commanders of all the formations under the Western Air Command, Principal Staff Officers of WAC and the conference is being presided over by Air Marshal PK Barbora, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief WAC.

Addressing the WAC Commanders, in his inaugural address Air Marshal PK Barbora said “The country is going through a very difficult phase. The world economy is in a turmoil posing new challenges to our country. Instability already exists in our neighbourhood. Hence, we need to be more vigilant than ever before. The need of the hour is to make optimal use of all our assets, be it equipment or our skilled manpower so as to expand on our capability spectrum. The synergy amongst us and the other services needs to be strengthened to cope up with the challenges of the time. Indian Air Force, as you all know, is in the process of modernization and, therefore, our men should be trained to handle the high tech equipment with caution so that no wastage takes place.. The endeavour is to make ourselves ever ready to accept any challenge and improve operational efficiency to a very high order without compromising Flight Safety. This calls for a high degree of professionalism and the constant urge to excel. The security of our bases should be enhanced to counter any external and internal threat. The welfare of our men and families should be a major thrust area and efforts to be directed to improve the quality of life at our bases”.

During the present Commanders’ Conference discussions on the concept of operations of Western Air Command, planning and effective use of resources would take place apart from discussions on agenda points. As reported earlier, the Western Air Command recently has been involved in many path breaking activities such as operationalisation of DBO and Fukche in eastern Ladakh by transport aircraft, activation of Leh airfield by SU-30 MKI and commencement of night operations by fighter aircraft from forward airfields in J & K . What next, the deliberations of the next two days will tell. The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major PVSM AVSM SC VM ADC would be addressing the WAC commanders on 25 Nov 08.