Air Force Commanders’ Conference in Delhi: Focus on Operational Preparedness

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will hold its biannual commanders’ conference from November 18 to 20 at Air Headquarters in Delhi. The conference will focus on reviewing the IAF’s operational readiness, with particular attention to winter operations along the northern borders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the conference on November 19.

The conference will also hold discussions on the integration within the armed forces, aimed at improving interoperability and coordinated operations.

Discussions will include the IAF’s plans for upgrading and modernising its equipment to maintain technological superiority and strengthen its capabilities amid changing regional security conditions.

The conference will outline the IAF’s future operational plans and infrastructure needs.

The IAF is currently facing a shortage of squadrons. While the IAF is authorised to maintain 42 fighter squadrons to handle a two-front conflict, the current strength is around 31–32 squadrons. This gap is primarily due to the phasing out of ageing aircraft, such as the MiG-21s, and delays in acquiring new fighters.