Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday highlighted the importance of military power as essential for national security and argued that economic strength alone is insufficient to
protect a nation’s sovereignty. He further emphasised the role of air power in modern warfare and said the IAF has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver swift and decisive outcomes – including the capability to strike multiple targets in Pakistan within hours.
Addressing the 22nd Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, the Air Chief pointed to recent global and domestic conflicts to underline how air power has emerged as the most effective tool in achieving strategic objectives.
“What is happening around the world and what has happened in India… which part of military power which has come in handy… which has delivered what was required to be delivered… I think I don’t have to name it – it is the air power, and it becomes very important that we focus our attention to this part of the military if we want a force to reckon with,” the IAF chief said.
“Whether it is getting people out of conflict zones, like we did it in Sudan or whether it is giving a blow to the terrorist infrastructure and their perpetrators or whether it is attacking multiple bases in Pakistan in a matter of few hours to send a signal that enough is enough and bring them to their knees. It was air power that did the trick and that has to be remembered,” he added.
‘Economic Strength Alone Cannot…’: IAF Chief
The Air Chief further stressed that economic strength alone cannot ensure national security, citing examples of Venezuela and Iraq. He noted that even if a country is economically strong, it can’t ensure security without a robust military.
“We must understand that military power stands as the ultimate arbiter of national power. Anybody can be economically sound but can’t be secure. We have the example of our own country, we plus China controlled 60% of worlds GDP at one time, but that didn’t stop us from getting captured and colonised. Any one of these powers is very important, but finally, what is required is a robust military, because if you don’t have it, you can be subjugated by anybody. Venezuela and Iraq are the most recent examples. It is the military power which is important, but what is more important is the will to use that military power,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal Singh added that India’s security requirements are often shaped by developments in its neighbourhood, forcing reactive decision-making at times. He stressed the need for faster decisions on Make in India initiatives and strategic partnerships for next-generation engines and weapon systems to strengthen self-reliance.
(With agency inputs)
