<p> The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made significant gains in its capability enhancement plans, its chief N.A.K. Browne said Monday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Air Chief Marshal Browne said streamlined induction and speedy operation of new assets had afforded the force "unprecedented response capabilities".<br /><br />Browne, who is retiring from service Tuesday, said IAF's prompt and cohesive response after the Uttarakhand floods helped save many lives and the achievement must serve as a matter of pride and inspiration for all its personnel.<br /><br />The IAF chief said he was relinquishing command of IAF with an "immense sense of pride and satisfaction".<br /><br />"More than 41 years of memorable association with the finest set of professional air warriors in the world has indeed been a matter of singular honour for me and a unique experience which I shall forever cherish," Browne said.<br /><br />He said the IAF had collectively overcome many multi-dimensional transformational challenges over the past 29 months.<br /><br />"Our organisational resilience, strong team work and pride in the service were the prime determinants of our remarkable progress. Operationally, we have made significant gains in our capability enhancement plans.<br /><br />"The streamlined induction and speedy operationalisation of our new assets like Mi-17 v5, C-130J, Pilatus PC-7 and C-17 aircraft have afforded us unprecedented response capabilities," he said.<br />Browne said the IAF had demonstrated its newly acquired capabilities during two major exercises - Iron Fist and Live Wire.<br /><br />He said competent handling of major maintenance and training challenges and progress made in areas like infrastructure have already started yielding positive dividends.<br /><br />"Our progress so far has been hard earned, hence it mandates us to relentlessly maintain the tempo and continue raising the bar even further," he said.<br /><br />"The enormous trust and respect which our countrymen have for the men and women in blue places additional responsibilities on us. I am proud of your collective achievements and am confident that as important stakeholders in IAF's growth story, you will continue to resolutely steer the course," he said.<br /><br />Browne said professional and personal growth of IAF personnel had always remained at the very heart of all his plans.<br /><br />"The sense of ownership and pride which was so evident during all my interactions with you gives me a keen sense of reassurance in our future ahead. Continue the good work with pride, integrity and a sense of belonging and stay grounded in our core values," Browne said.<br /></p>
<p> The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made significant gains in its capability enhancement plans, its chief N.A.K. Browne said Monday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Air Chief Marshal Browne said streamlined induction and speedy operation of new assets had afforded the force "unprecedented response capabilities".<br /><br />Browne, who is retiring from service Tuesday, said IAF's prompt and cohesive response after the Uttarakhand floods helped save many lives and the achievement must serve as a matter of pride and inspiration for all its personnel.<br /><br />The IAF chief said he was relinquishing command of IAF with an "immense sense of pride and satisfaction".<br /><br />"More than 41 years of memorable association with the finest set of professional air warriors in the world has indeed been a matter of singular honour for me and a unique experience which I shall forever cherish," Browne said.<br /><br />He said the IAF had collectively overcome many multi-dimensional transformational challenges over the past 29 months.<br /><br />"Our organisational resilience, strong team work and pride in the service were the prime determinants of our remarkable progress. Operationally, we have made significant gains in our capability enhancement plans.<br /><br />"The streamlined induction and speedy operationalisation of our new assets like Mi-17 v5, C-130J, Pilatus PC-7 and C-17 aircraft have afforded us unprecedented response capabilities," he said.<br />Browne said the IAF had demonstrated its newly acquired capabilities during two major exercises - Iron Fist and Live Wire.<br /><br />He said competent handling of major maintenance and training challenges and progress made in areas like infrastructure have already started yielding positive dividends.<br /><br />"Our progress so far has been hard earned, hence it mandates us to relentlessly maintain the tempo and continue raising the bar even further," he said.<br /><br />"The enormous trust and respect which our countrymen have for the men and women in blue places additional responsibilities on us. I am proud of your collective achievements and am confident that as important stakeholders in IAF's growth story, you will continue to resolutely steer the course," he said.<br /><br />Browne said professional and personal growth of IAF personnel had always remained at the very heart of all his plans.<br /><br />"The sense of ownership and pride which was so evident during all my interactions with you gives me a keen sense of reassurance in our future ahead. Continue the good work with pride, integrity and a sense of belonging and stay grounded in our core values," Browne said.<br /></p>