IAF working on 'flexi-airspace' in South India

LTTE Air power no treat to India – Air Marshal Rane

(October, 03, Thiruvanthapuram, Sri Lanka Guardian)The Indian Air Force has started working on the concept of "Flexi-airspace", integrating the assets of Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and civilian network, Air Marshal Y R Rane, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command, told the Indian news agency.

The integration of networks was working out very well and would be able to fulfill the country's interests, Rane told reporters at the SAC headquarters at Akkulam near here.

The SAC was the first IAF command where the "Flexi- airspace" concept had started working, he said.

While the country's economy was growing at fast pace, the strategic reach beyond the neighbouring countries had become necessary and the Air Force was building up assets to suit the country's interests, he said.

The peninsula zone had developed into an area of interest for the neighbouring countries and SAC had gained importance as a strategic command, he said.

On development of other facilities under SAC, he said the Sulur Air Base in Tamil Nadu was being developed for induction of Light Combat Aircraft.

On acquisition of airpower by LTTE, he said it held little or no threat to India. "We are keeping very close watch on this. We have got fair amount of assets to tackle this."

Earlier, a media preview of a documentary film on SAC was screened on the occasion.