''IAF HAS NOW GOT ASSETS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO CREATING STRATEGIC IMPACT‘‘

MANMOHAN BAHADUR, a retired Air Vice Marshal, served in 114 Helicopter Unit as a Flying Officer in 1978-82 and as its Commanding Officer 1994-97. This unit is the lifeline for all Siachen operations and has a storybook full of valour and guts. In this in depth conversation he offers his perspective on the IAF and how we need to address issues in the years ahead

- MANMOHAN BAHADUR

With your varied experience in the air Force, how would you assess our capability and resources in the 75th year of our independence?

Capability – has grown immensely – from a tactical air force in its fledgling years, the IAF has now got assets that can contribute to creating strategic effects. This is with reference to, not only offensive platforms, but also transport aircraft and helicopter fleets that have rendered yeoman service by projecting India’s soft power through HADR tasks and evacuation missions.

Resources – Over the years, the government has helped in the accretion of modern and contemporary assets in the transport and helicopter fleets to maintain the potency of IAF’s punch. That more can and could have been done, is a moot point when corelated with the financial health of the exchequer.It is also evident from the experience at Siachen (where you have served twice) and elsewhere that lesser equipment has not really impacted the quality or the delivery of critical services by the Air Force. For years, some of the helicopters flown were years past their obsolescence. Clearly the training and motivation is outstanding. Could you identify what makes for that extra edge?

IAF aircrew have implicit trust in their technicians who keep their mounts ‘flying fit.’ The technical staff is rendering yeoman service while working in very harsh conditions in the Siachen Glacier and other border regions. So, while the Chetak/Cheetah fleet is old, it must be remembered that any machine that is available on the flight line is fit to fly. Now comes the flying adeptness of aircrew – which, honed through rigorous training and efficient supervision, is second to none. There is also an Espirit de corps, so vividly seen in the flying being done over the Glacier by 114 HU (Siachen Pioneers) and Mi-17 Units.