India should prepare for short swift wars & long-drawn conflicts: IAF chief

Delivering a keynote address in Logisem Vayu- 2022, the IAF chief said the geopolitical situation requires IAF to be ready for intense and small duration operations at a short notice.

"In the force, space, and time continuum, there would be a need for us to prepare for short swift wars as well as be ready for a long drawn standoff akin to what we are seeing in Eastern Ladakh. There will be a need to cater for resources bridging and transportation for both these contingencies," the IAF chief said.

Underscoring the importance of logistical superiority, the IAF chief said the recent experiences as well as the evolving geopolitical scenario mandates the IAF to be operationally and logistically responsive at all times.

"I am certain that effective logistics management is key to sustenance of our combat potential," he said.

Military logistics comprises material or services in the right quantity, in the required condition, in the right place, and at the right time.

Only a commander who understands logistics can push the military machine to the limits without risking a total breakdown, he noted.

The IAF chief said the new paradigm of high-intensity operations, coupled with minimal build-up time would require major changes in terms of operational logistics.

"Logistics support in such a scenario would be extremely challenging considering the fact that we have a fairly vast and diversified inventory," he said.

Speaking on the issues like the availability of spares, the Air Force chief said the IAF needs to re-evaluate demand forecasting methods and stocking philosophies.

The way forward will be to have a serviceability-linked inventory management system, he said.

"Flexible stocking policies with modern forecasting techniques would help in demand sensing and prepositioning of items at bases. We must also review our procurement strategies in order to reduce lead time for supplies and preempt problems of supply chain obsolescence," he said.

While forward-leaning of logistical stores provides the requisite solutions, logistical flexibility must not be forgotten and thus there is a need to find an optimum balance between the two, he added.

He emphasised the need to have a focused action plan for indigenization of all critical components to achieving self-reliance.

In doing so, we must leverage emerging technology like AI, Blockchain and IoT, suitably adapted to our supply chain requirements, he added.

The IAF chief also stressed the need for a vision document for operational logistics which would define foundational precincts of logistics support in IAF during combat.

"I am certain that availability of such a document will act as a guide for commanders and logisticians to help transform logistics into a future-ready, combat empowering entity," he said.

(With inputs from UNI)