Air Chief reviews operational preparedness at Southern Air

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Thursday stressed the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from India's national security and economic perspective.

Addressing the Commanders Conclave at the Southern Air Command (SAC) here, Dhanoa outlined the strategic role of the command in the region and the concomitant need for accelerated induction of the indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and other operational imperatives, a Defence press release said.

The air chief also appreciated the efforts of SAC in provding air rescue, relief and rehabilitation support during the Kerala floods last year and exhorted everyone to be on standby at all times to provide immediate succour to the affected people in distress, whenever the need arises.

Earlier on arrival, the Air Chief was presented with an impressive ceremonial Guard of Honour.

Kamalpreet Dhanoa, wife of the Air Chief and President of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) reviewed the progress of various welfare activities and complimented Southern Air Command on its cleanliness drive and 'green' initiatives.

The Air Chief Marshal and Kamalpreet Dhanoa would be leaving for Bangalore from the Thiruvananthapuram airbase later in the day, it said.