He expressed his satisfaction in the way the Indian Armed Forces had responded to emerging situations

The current geopolitical situation has again highlighted the need for indigenisation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, referring to the situation following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Inaugurating the Air Force Commanders' Conference (AFCC) in New Delhi, he praised the Indian Air Force's evacuation effort in Operation Ganga to bring back Indians stuck in Ukraine after Russia's invasion. This had been appreciated by the country, Defence Minister Singh said.

Singh also expressed his satisfaction in the way the Indian Armed Forces have been able to respond to emerging situations on the Northern and Western borders.

Speaking to the senior commanders, the Defence Minister stated that the topics being discussed in AFCC were relevant and contemporary in the present context. They covered the entire canvas of issues and challenges that are being faced by the Nation, he was quoted as saying by the Ministry of Defence.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari asked the commanders to be ready to meet all challenges and enhance capabilities for responding in multiple domains at short notice. He also emphasised the need for conserving assets, optimally utilising resources and the need for jointmanship to enhance National Security, the defence ministry said.

To provide a boost to the growing indigenous drone industry, Defence Minister Singh launched the "MEHAR BABA COMPETITION - II". The competition is aimed at developing technology for a "Swarm Drone based system to detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces".

During the three-day conference, the Air Force Commanders will discuss important issues related to future challenges in a Hi-tech and evolving operational scenario, the defence ministry said.

The theme for this Conference is 'optimising human resources' and the focus will be on conduct of operations in a smart and efficient manner. Mitigation of threats posed by drones will also be brainstormed during the conference.