Bangalore, December 01, 2007 (DefenceIndia News Service)

Stressing on the need for them to imbibe economic discipline to cut down the cost on maintenance of aircraft and other systems, Vice-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal B N Gokhale reviewed the passing out parade in Bangalore on Friday.

A batch of 30 engineering officers, including seven women, passed out of the Air Force Technical College in Bangalore on Friday.

India being a developing economy, cannot afford maintenance at exorbitant cost. "So there is a need to imbibe certain amount of economic discipline in the maintenance policy," he said.

He called upon the young officers to ignite the inherent innovative streak in them to face the challenges of the new millennium, which would entail upon them to exploit the medium of space, handle smart weapons, explore computer aided decision making.

Exhorting the young officers to always maintain the highest standards set up by their predecessors, he said that precision, consistency, dependability and reliability should be the hallmark of their professional competence.

Reminding them that their process of learning had just begun, he said the IAF would give them many opportunities to advance and enhance their knowledge and skills.
He said the defence services always used cutting edge technology and they would find ample scope to grow professionally in high tech areas.

He later awarded trophies and medallions to officers who excelled in the course.