The Defence Minister A K Antony today assured that the government will provide all assistance to the Indian Air Force, IAF, to meet its rapid modernisation plans for capacity building. Addressing the bi-annual IAF Commanders' Conference in New Delhi today, Mr Antony said, the government will continue to support the modernisation process during the next three Five Year Plan periods. Mr Antony said, the air defence system of the IAF is being further strengthened with new inductions and integration of weapons and modern sensors.

The Defence Minister reiterated the need for indigenisation in defence procurement to achieve the goal of self reliance in defence production. He said, it will not ony help in domestic economy but will also reduce excessive dependence on foreign countries.

Terming flight safety as the key to success, the Defence Minister said that he has instituted a Ministerial-level Committee to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the IAF 'Court of Inquiry' with regard to civil agencies.

Lauding the contribution of IAF in disaster mitigation, he said, the creation of Rapid Action Medical Teams and their deployment in the wake of natural calamities is a welcome move by the Air Force. Mr Antony said that the Centre is aware of the need to enhance the quality of life of air warriors. He said the first phase of Air Force Married Accommodation project is nearing completion. It will reduce hardships being faced by some families of Air Force personnel to quite an extent.