NEW DELHI, OCT 8: Air Chief Marshal SK Sareen, chief of air staff, today suggested creation of ``air and space force'' by deploying space-based systems for a variety of military operations.Addressing an impressive gathering at Delhi airport on the occasion of 66th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, Sareen said exploitation of space-based resources was assuming increasing importance especially in the field of surveillance, battle field management and communications.Stressing the development of nuclear capability ``in our neighbourhood'', he said the modernisation plans had been worked out keeping in mind the deterrence factor. This was reflected in the acquisition of state-of-the-art Sukhoi-30 multi-role aircraft and modern weapon systems, he added.To the disappointment of the audience, the air display by SU-30s, Jaguars, Mirage-2000s and MIG-29s along with aerobatics by indigenously-developed trainer Surya Kiran aircraft were cancelled following almost zero visibility due to a thick smog cover overDelhi.The only aircraft which flew by were a combination of Ilyushins, Antonovs and Dorniers besides three helicopters flying the ensignia.For the first time in the history of IAF Day ceremony, awards were given away to best squadrons of fighters, transport aircraft, helicopter, missile and radar.The air chief said technological development had revolutionised warfare which had manifested itself in making air power the pre-eminent factor in any conflict situation.In this backdrop, the achievement of deterrence capability was rapid modernisation and induction of state-of-the-art weapon systems, he said adding that the government was appreciative of the IAF's modernisation plans and hoped that necessary funds would be made available for modernisation.Analysing the work of the IAF during the previous year, Sareen said while a strong emphasis had been laid on operational training, several steps to check the accident rate had produced ``excellent results''.``A number of measures have beenimplemented (in regard to reducing accident rate) and I am pleased to report that these efforts have produced excellent results. The accident rate last year was the lowest in the history of the air force,'' he said.While aircraft utilisation rate of the fighter had doubled, the transport and helicopter fleets have also witnessed a ten per cent increase in flying effort, Sareen said.Stating that new houses were being built by IAF for its officers and men, he referred to various welfare measures taken for the personnel including a new medical insurance scheme, benevolent schemes and creation of a super-specialty veterans' hospital.
