The Commanders' Conference for the Western Air Command (WAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) took place on the 6th and 7th of December, 2024, in New Delhi. The event was graced by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), who was the chief guest at the conference.
He was warmly welcomed by Air Marshal PM Sinha, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the WAC, and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival.
The conference served as an important platform for the CAS to engage with the Commanders of the WAC Area of Responsibility (AoR). A key focus of the discussions was on ensuring the readiness of the IAF for multi-domain warfare, which has become increasingly crucial in modern military operations.
The CAS highlighted the theme for the year, "Bharatiya Vayu Sena - Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar," emphasising the importance of building a strong, capable, and self-reliant Air Force.
He called for the collective efforts of all commanders to enhance the IAF’s capabilities, capacities, and commitment, aiming for greater achievements.
In his address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh underscored several priorities for the future development of the IAF. These included improving operational capability through more effective training and planning, expediting the operationalisation of newly inducted equipment, and prioritising safety and security.
The CAS also stressed the importance of nurturing leadership within the force by empowering individuals at all levels to become part of a future-ready and cohesive team.
His vision for the IAF’s progress involves making sure that the force remains prepared for the challenges of modern warfare while staying true to its core values of 'Mission, Integrity, and Excellence'.
One of the significant highlights of the conference was the recognition of the Western Air Command’s outstanding performance in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
The WAC has consistently been the first responder, both within India and abroad, to such calls for help. This timely and effective response has further solidified the IAF’s reputation as a force that is not only a formidable fighting force but also one that prioritises the welfare of the people.
The event also focused on ensuring the continued operational excellence of the Western Air Command. The command plays a pivotal role in maintaining the IAF's readiness, and the CAS appreciated its efforts in ensuring the force remains always ready for action.
The emphasis on high operational standards was evident in the discussions, with a shared commitment to furthering the Air Force's mission to protect the nation and ensure its security.