Indian Air Force hosted a two day Global Chiefs’ of Air Staff Conclave on 03 & 04 February 21 themed 'Leveraging Aerospace Power for Security and Stability' on Day 2 & 3 of Aero India 21. The conclave was inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh on 03 Feb 21. In his inaugural address, RM stated that the CAS conclave brought together Chiefs and senior dignitaries from Air Forces across the world and was a befitting event as part of Aero India, with primary focus on Air Power & associated technologies. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat graced the inaugural session. 

  Welcoming all guests, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria outlined the significance of CAS conclave in enabling exchange of ideas & enhancement of multilateral cooperation between the participating Air Forces. He reiterated the role of Air Power as a crucial enabler for ensuring peace, stability & security in the region. 

The Conclave was organised in a hybrid format to obviate restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was attended by close to 50 countries. Between 03 & 04 Feb, Chiefs/ Commanders of Air Forces of  28 countries joined the Conclave. The Conclave was conceived for exchange of ideas and best practices on themes of contemporary relevance in the aerospace domain. Countries participated from across continents with Air Forces from the Americas, Europe, Middle East, West Asia, Central Asian republics, South East Asia, Africa, Indian Ocean region and the Indo Pacific. 

The three sessions of the CAS Conclave provided a forum to discuss important issues with respect to aerospace strategy, emerging technologies impacting the battle space and issues pertaining to security and stability of the Global Commons. These sessions were planned to address themes of “Disruptive Technologies and Innovations”, “Air Power in the Indo-Pacific Region” and “Air Power and Aerospace Strategy”.

The CAS thanked all Chiefs, nominated country representatives and delegates attending the event and for their valuable contribution during the Conclave. He added that the takeaways from the Conclave would enable increased understanding and cooperation between the Air forces and help forge enhanced multilateral capabilities. 

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ABB/IN/BSK