New Delhi: IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, on Saturday announced that the government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for IAF officers.
This is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is created, said the IAF chief on the occasion of Air Force Day.
The creation of WS branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.
The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. The branch will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force.
He also announced that the IAF is planning to induct female Agniveers next year.
Induction of air warriors into the Indian Air Force through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge but more importantly, it is an opportunity to “harness the potential of India”.
“We have changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start a career in IAF. In December this year, we would be inducting 3,000 Agniveer Vayu for initial training. This number will go up in the years to come to ensure adequate staffing,” the IAF chief said.
“We are also planning on induction of women Agniveers starting next year. Creation of infrastructure is in progress,” the IAF chief said.
