Editorial: Retaining Pilots, Enhancing Air Power

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik takes us aback with his two alarming revelations made simultaneously. One, our air power is inadequate, nearly 1/3rd of China’s and country needs more weapon capacity; two, over 100 pilots of India Air Force have applied for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). Both these revelations have come at a time when India wants its security to be of world class but when Indian establishment is busy denying any Chinese threat to India.

While first revelation of air chief is in fact no enlightenment to anybody – world knows it well, but the second takes our breath out. As is common knowledge, voluntary retirement is more an outcome of dissatisfaction with the job rather than a yearning to call it a day. The same is the case with IAF pilots as Naik puts it. His pilots, not getting promotion in 20-25 years, want to try other avenues.

Government has already identified two points. One, country needs dedicated, competitive security personnel. Two, defence services need to be made more lucrative, fascinating for youths. Sadly, the figure of VRS aspirants suggests that not enough has been done on ground and government has cut a sorry figure in holding even its current employees.

Government has already identified two points. One, country needs dedicated, competitive security personnel. Two, defence services need to be made more lucrative, fascinating for youths. Sadly, the figure of VRS aspirants suggests that not enough has been done on ground and government has cut a sorry figure in holding even its current employees. Furthermore, economic recession is still in and many pilots are already jobless, once it is over; Naik hopes to receive more VRS applications.

In country’s colossal defence budget, enough attention is paid to weapons purchase but a revolutionary work needs to be done on front of service conditions, promotion prospects and alike for retaining existing security personnel and attracting young blood. The current case under discussion is alarming for one simple reason: Air Force is backbone of any modern defence system, and pilots are backbone of Air Force. IAF has to retain them for security of the country.

Naik’s first revelation should also be taken seriously. If India wants to enhance its air power, it has to recruit more and more pilots besides elevating its weaponry. Hope authorities concerned would take note in time rather than downplaying security threats from neighbours.