New Delhi, Aug 22 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, on Friday underlined the importance of continuous investment in defence and rigorous training for the armed forces, stressing that India’s safety rests on the preparedness of both its military and police forces.
He was addressing students as the chief guest at an event at Maharaja Agrasen College in Delhi.
“Our boundaries - from external and internal threats - remain safe because of the defence forces and the police. We must not treat this as a burden on the exchequer, but as a necessity. I am very happy that our government has recognised this need and has been regularly acquiring new systems and weapons,” he said.
Highlighting India’s rise in defence capabilities, the Air Chief noted, “Today, we are at par with anybody in the world because of continuous investment. We train with the best in the world, not just to learn, but also to teach.”
He also drew attention to the humanitarian role of the Indian Air Force (IAF). “During natural calamities, you must have seen helicopters dropping food, evacuating people, or delivering aid. Whenever civil authorities request, the IAF takes up that task,” he said, while reiterating that air defence of the nation remains the force’s primary responsibility.
Citing the recent Operation Sindoor, Singh said, “To give a befitting reply to the adversary is our task. It requires intense training. As the saying goes, the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”
He explained that the IAF is a 1.6 lakh-strong organisation where “everyone has a role, from junior staff to the Chief.” Training, he said, is a continuous process supported by practical exercises.
“Even when there is no war, at least 8–10 air bases always have 2–4 aircraft on standby to intercept any intruder. We are always ready, fully equipped," he stressed.
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