|
CMI Seminar Date: Thursday, 14 November 2024 Time: 3:30 PM Venue: Seminar hall, CMI Advanced Weapon Systems in the Indian Air Force Air Marshal S Varthaman Retd., Indian Air Force. 14-11-24 Abstract After touching on the Indian Military and the threats that deter our nation, I will talk on the advanced technical weapons that are used by the soldier. Most of it encompass the very frontiers of technological innovation. Since, I am an Air Force Officer, I will talk more on the IAF weapons while touching on the sister services the Army and the Navy. We need to master them, in both in its maintenance and its optimal use to destroy the enemy. A large part of my talk will expand on the level of technology. About the Speaker: Mr. S Varthaman joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in 1973. He is an alumnus of Sainik School Amaravathinagar, Coimbatore Dist, and the National Defence Academy, Kharakvasla. In his remarkable flying career of nearly 40 years, he flew 4000 hours in over 40 different types of aircraft. As the Chief Test Pilot of ASTE Bangalore, he has the distinction of having flown most of the Fighter, Transport and Helicopters currently in Service. He commanded a MiG 21 Squadron in the North East. During the Kargil Conflict in 1999, he coordinated aircraft upgradation that proved instrumental in the success of the air campaign. In 2001 he was in command of an operational airbase on the western border when the country was close to a war with Pakistan after the attack on the Indian Parliament. His diplomatic assignment includes a 3-year deputation to Paris responsible for defence cooperation with France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. Here he made an indelible mark on International Defence Co-operation with European Air Forces. On return to India as Air Vice Marshal, he continued to strengthen ties with Air Forces of the world as the head of Air Force Intelligence. Soon after, he was assigned to take over responsibilities of the Air Force Modernisation Programme and Long Term Plans at Air Headquarters New Delhi. On promotion to Air Marshal he was appointed as the Senior Air Staff Officer responsible for air operations of the strategic Central Air Command. Thereafter he was promoted and appointed Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Eastern Air Command during a crucial period of the Nation’s “Look East Policy”. This Command spread over 12 States of the Indian Union is critical to National security. The President of India awarded him the highest military peacetime award of Param Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptional order. In addition, he has also been awarded the Athi Vishist Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal and Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service. He is a Post Graduate from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Married to Dr Shobha, a specialist in Anaesthesia, the couple has a son and a daughter. The Air Marshal retired from the IAF in December 2012 and lives in Chennai.
|
