Kanpur: Retired Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force Diptendu Chaudhary, who came to participate in the literature festival of the district, presented the reality of fighter flying in very simple and clear words. He said that being a fighter pilot in the Air Force is a high risk profession. Generally people say that even birds can fly, but when a human being, that too in military flying, flies, the risk increases manifold.
The Air Marshal said that the life of a fighter pilot is shown very glamorous in films, like the Hollywood film ‘Top Gun’, but real life is completely different from this. Fighter flying is a very serious job, which requires complete commitment, rigorous training and a strong mentality.
Every mission is a new challenge in itself
Air Marshal Diptendu Chaudhary said that this is a profession in which there is danger every day. Today you have successfully completed a mission, but no one knows what will happen in the next mission. For this reason, the pilot has to maintain his skill and preparation level at all times. He told that pilots have to do continuous training and practice till retirement. Every mission is a new challenge in itself. Risk is managed to a great extent through regular training and exercise, so that mission success remains paramount and the possibility of loss is minimized.
Increasing importance of air power in national security
The Air Marshal said that India still does not have complete understanding of air power and its proper use for national security and national interest. India constantly faces threats on its borders. In such a situation, the role of Air Force has always been important and will remain so in future also. He said that now gradually people and policy makers have started to understand that air power is as important as land and navy. Big countries of the world have accepted what is the role of Air Force in national security and how it should be used properly.
Learning from the world and changing technology
Giving an example, Air Marshal Diptendu Chaudhary said that Israel uses air power very effectively. America also depends heavily on air power in its security strategy. Russia, despite having such a large air force, uses air power with a different strategy. In India too, the understanding is gradually developing as to what is the need of air power and how to use it properly.
Speaking on the era of drones and missiles, he said that earlier air power meant only fighter and bomber aircraft. Now with the advent of drones and missiles its scope has increased. Some people say that there will be no need for pilots now, but they do not agree with this. He believes that it is not possible to completely protect the country with just drones and missiles. Strategy is most important and on the basis of that the correct use of air power is decided. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that Pakistan had to give ceasefire because of India’s strong air defense and offensive system.
