There is a need to re–evaluate demand forecasting methods and stocking philosophies and the way forward will be to have a “serviceability linked inventory management system,” said Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) V.R. Chaudhari on Thursday. His comments come in the backdrop of the Ukraine war and apprehensions on timely delivery of spares and systems from Russia for the Indian armed forces.
Addressing the national logistics seminar of the IAF, he stressed on preparation for short swift wars as well as be ready for a long–drawn standoff akin to “what we are seeing” in eastern Ladakh.
“In order to standardise logistical functions and provide a blueprint for the future, we must look at a vision document for operational–logistics that would define the foundational precincts of logistics support in IAF during combat,” ACM Chaudhari said. “I am certain that availability of such a document will act as a guide for commanders and logisticians to help transform logistics into a future ready, combat empowering entity.”
The geo–political situation necessitates the IAF to prepare for intense and small duration operations at a short notice, he said and this new paradigm of high intensity operations, coupled with minimal build–up time would require major changes in terms of operational logistics.
Saying effective logistics management is “key to sustenance” of the IAF’s combat potential, the Air Chief said recent experiences and the evolving geo–political scenario mandates us to be operationally and logistically responsive at all times.
He said flexible stocking policies with modern forecasting techniques would help in demand sensing and prepositioning of items at bases. “We must also review our procurement strategies to reduce lead time for supplies and preempt problems of supply chain obsolescence.
Pointing that during contingencies, the roads and rail heads would be choked due to simultaneous movement of Army along the same axes, ACM Chaudhari said. “Towards this, we need to formalise an integrated road and rail management plan and explore the feasibility of increased containerisation and use of civilian wide bodied aircraft.”
Challenges in northern borders
Delving into India's security challenges along the northern borders, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF needs to prepare for all possible security challenges.
"In the force, space and time continuum, there would be a need for us to prepare for short swift wars as well as be ready for a long drawn standoff akin to what we are seeing in eastern Ladakh," he said.
The IAF Chief said there will be a need to cater for "resources bridging" and transportation for such contingencies.
"A focused action plan needs to be developed for indigenisation of all critical components in order to achieve the nation's mandate of 'Atma-Nirbharata' (self-reliance)," he said.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said logistics have been identified as a critical tool for the nation's economic progress.
"It has been identified as one of the key drivers for ease of doing business and making Indian supply chains globally competitive," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
