AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ARUP RAHA VISITS MALAYSIA
The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee(COSC) and the Chief of the Air staff (CAS), Air
Chief Marshal Arup Raha is on a three day visit to Malaysia for the SASEAN
Defence Chiefs dialogue from Sunday.
Air Chief Marshal Raha on Monday addressed the gathering of
fellow Defence Chiefs from ASEAN, SAARC and the observers from China, Russia
and United States of America. The topic of the talk was on “Addressing Dynamic Challenges’ from the perspective of Indian
Armed Forces.
While talking on the subject
on ‘Regional Security Environment’, the Air Chief said a broad scan of
the evolving geo-political environment clearly indicates a pre-eminent
shift in Global strategic centre of gravity to the Asian - Pacific
regions. As India is strategically located in South Asia the Air Chief said,
“We hope to see increased cooperation and collective action to exchange
information, build infrastructure and strengthen capabilities. In this manner, we would gain from each other’s
strengths and understand each other better towards lasting peace, stability and
prosperity in the ASEAN region”.
The Air chief further said, “Indian Armed Forces being the
3rd largest military force has the largest volunteers Army. The professionalism and the apolitical
nature of the Indian Armed Forces is a major stabilising factor in the Indian
Subcontinent. The terrain and climate in India is quite diverse and offers a
unique opportunity to our Armed Forces to train and operate in some of the most
hostile environments in the world. India has the highest air field in the
world, DBO in the Mighty Himalayas which is at an elevation of 17,000 feet, 2
lakh square Kms of Deserts, inhospitable tropical forest in the North East,
and vast coast line with added
challenges posed by high humidity, salinity
and corrosion.”
Speaking on the challenges the Air Chief spoke on
exploitation of technology by the Armed Forces mentioning that the DRDO is
working towards self reliance in defence systems and strategic
independence. While talking on promoting
affordable and cogent Military solutions, India has decided to accelerate
indigenous defence manufacturing through its ‘Make in India’ initiative. He continued to say that it has already given
a boost to the Indian Defence industries for manufacture of Ships, Artillery
Guns, Aircraft, repair and overhaul, Radars, sensors, communication system etc.
He further elaborated, “The next dynamic challenge in HADR
which is closely linked with the theme of the day. Indian Armed Forces
have rendered invaluable assistance
during floods, cyclones, earthquakes, forest fires and evacuations to give an
idea of the magnitude of relief work undertaken in 2014 -15 itself, the Indian
Armed Forces have airlifted more than 6500 tonnes of supplies and 38000 passengers. The Indian Armed Forces
have adapted to short notice requirement to provide immediate succour to the
affected along with NDRF with systematic procedures and techniques in place”.
While concluding his talk, the Air chief after speaking on indigenization
and conduct of HADR operations, he envisioned that the Indian Armed Forces are
operating state-of-art platforms and equipment, with cutting edge technology
and a large indigenous content. He
further said that our Armed Forces are transforming into a modern, flexible and
credible Power with Full Spectrum Capability to safeguard India’s National
Interests and Objectives. In the end he said, “We wish to collaborate and
engage effectively with SASEAN nations to enhance the security of our region
and further our mutual interests of economic development and progress”.
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ARUP RAHA VISITS MALAYSIA
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