New Delhi, April 18, 2005 (Zee News)

An Indian Air Force Commanders' Conference began here today to deliberate on operational challenges, weapons platform acquisition programme and measures to achieve better synergy between the three services.

The five-day conference, inaugurated by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, would, apart from focussing on operational situation, dwell on flight safety, maintenance, logistic challenges and administrative measures in detail, officials said.

The conference is being held in the backdrop of IAF plans to acquire 126 multi-role combat aircraft to fill up the operational gap caused by phasing out of the vintage MIG 21 aircraft.

In the race for a multi-billion-dollar contract are America's F16 fighting falcons, upgraded Mirage 2000 of France, Grippen of Sweden and Russian fighters.

The Commanders' Conference will also finalise the 15-year perspective training plan of the Air Force.

Mukherjee interacted with the commanders on various issues and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash, who is an aviator, addressed the IAF Commanders' Conference.

Besides, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi, the Commanders-in-Chief of various Air Force commands and principal staff officers at the air headquarters were present.