Indian Air Force's Eastern Command adapts to geographical diversity and operational challenges

In a significant development aimed at dressing shortage of airfield facilities and enhancing operational reiness in eastern part of India, Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively developing its capability to use a wide range of airfields, including civilian ones. Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command, shared this strategic vision during a recent press conference held in Guwahati.  

During press conference, Air Marshal Dharkar disclosed IAF's concerted efforts to bolster its capabilities for operating from different airfields, wher civilian, military, or vanced landing grounds. He emphasized that y are building capacity to employ any airfield in eastern region whenever need arises, providing IAF with unprecedented operational flexibility.  

Incorporating vanced technologies for enhanced defense  

Air Marshal Dharkar highlighted Eastern Air Command's commitment to staying at forefront of technological vancements in defence. He mentioned Integrated Air Command and Control System, a sophisticated technology deployed across India, including eastern region. This system plays a pivotal role in monitoring and safeguarding Indian airspace and borders.  

IAF's Eastern Command is dedicated to ensuring its reiness and proficiency to defend nation's eastern borders and airspace effectively. Air Marshal Dharkar stated, "We have that capability, and we retain that plan. re is continuous improvement taking place in that regard. availability or limitation of having fewer airfields is just a matter of time."  

This strategic approach aligns with IAF's broer goal, ensuring that it can operate from a diverse array of airfields, similar to airfields available in neighbouring countries. This initiative not only enhances defence preparedness but also provides strategic vantages, considering varied operational needs and possible emerging security challenges.  

Flexibility in aircraft basing  

Air Marshal Dharkar furr discussed IAF's unique ability to relocate aircraft swiftly between airbases within same region, which grants unparalleled flexibility. He clarified that aircraft basing primarily serves peacetime purposes, enabling training and practice activities. This strategic manoeuvre ensures that aircraft can be rapidly repositioned within a particular zone, as necessitated by changing security requirements.  

dressing possibility of establishing a second base for Rafale fighter jets in region, Air Marshal Dharkar elucidated that such basing primarily serves training and practice needs during peacetime. ability to quickly relocate aircraft between airbases within a specific region remains a distinctive feature of IAF's operational capabilities.  

He affirmed that Air Hequarters could decide to position a second Rafale squron in eastern region, strengning security and operational reiness as required. IAF currently has two Rafale squrons, with first stationed at Ambala Air Force Base in Haryana and second at Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal.  

Unique challenges of Eastern Air Command   

Air Marshal Dharkar acknowledged distinctive challenges faced by Eastern Air Command. This air command shares its borders with five neighbouring countries, including Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Banglesh. region's expansive and geographically diverse border stretches, spanning from sea level to altitudes as high as 20,000 feet, present distinct operational challenges that require specialized defence strategies.  

Notably, Indian Air Force's strategic efforts to enhance airfield capabilities in eastern region underscore its unwavering commitment to national defence. By expanding its ability to operate from a wide range of airfields, IAF is poised to effectively dress emerging security challenges and fortify India's defence preparedness.