Navigating the security landscape: Eastern Air Command chief Air Marshal SP Dharkar sheds light on initiatives taken and the way forward
Air Marshal SP Dharkar, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command (EAC) stationed in Shillong, is a decorated officer of Indian Air Force who has a flying experience of over 3600 hours in various fighter aircrafts.
An alumnus of Air Force Academy, Rashtriya Indian Military College-Dehradun, National Defence Academy-Pune, Defence Services Staff College-Wellington and Air War College-USA, Air Marshal Dharkar, during his illustrious career, has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment and has also instructional experience in conducting Professional Military Education at the Defence Services Staff College and at the College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad.
In an interview with the PIB, Air Marshal Dharkar gave insights into the initiatives, challenges, and the broader security landscape of the country.
Excerpts from interview:
What are the initiatives taken by EAC to increase capacities and readiness of the Indian Air Force?
With the importance that this landmass has, infrastructure development has taken place in an accelerated pace. The Air Force has been providing significant service to the population here and it has only continued to increase with the new assets that we have, as also with some new initiatives taken both at the Air Force and the government levels. The nature of connectivity has developed, the roads and railways infrastructure is developing rapidly, the connectivity in terms of networking, and bringing into the communications map, all in all there have been significant developments. We have been contributing significantly in the sense that the number of Airfields and Airports that have been opened recently, the possibility of more helicopter services, and simply the reach that the Air Force is providing to the various isolated posts in this landscape.
What are the initiatives taken to improve the security considering the porous borders around the northeastern region?
We have person to person contact in these areas. Our country shares a very good contact with these neighbors. The challenge comes up as a result of the nature of terrains here. The government is also making significant strides in increasing our practical connectivity. This is going to make a big difference in improving the security landscape. To add to this, the capability of the Indian Air Force has improved. The nature of sensors that we have and the sensors that we can place in the air add to our ability to ensure that these borders are adequately well learned. And this will only improve in the years to come.
What are our views on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence sector?
Anybody who does not achieve Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in technology, design and manufacturing, raises an opportunity for a different nation to direct as well as control the events, whether internal or external matters. This means that if we hope to achieve practical and true independence, Atmanirbharta is our true essence.
The ability to quickly leapfrog and catch up with the developed world in managing to achieve technical capability is an important part, towards which some amount of sourcing from outside transfer of technology, manufacturing technology, research and development, followed by practical manufacturing and own progress, is the way to go and that is what the government has been focusing on. The recent initiatives on increasing the defence corridors, manufacturing, research and development will help us achieve self-reliance.
Will the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiavtive impact India’s arms import?
Undoubtedly yes. When you look at the security landscape, anywhere, anything that we manage to enhance our own security capabilities, would be assisted by our own manufacturing and development design and that is where we are heading now. Whether it is the Tejas as regards an aircraft, whether it is building our own ships, submarines, the recent amount of critical technologies – aircraft engine design, these will contribute to our own capabilities and help us achieve Atmanirbharta.
You have been the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training). The first batch of Agneeveer Vayus has completed training. How are they performing in the field?
They are doing wonderfully. If you look at the Agneepath scheme carefully, it is also follow-on of various initiatives that the government has taken – skill development, change in national education policy, etc. All in all, it is about increasing the capacity and capability of the youths, who are going to take the county forward. When you look at these at the light of Agneepath, you will realize that it provides a wonderful opportunity to a larger segment of people to pursue other disciplines after having spent some amount of within the armed forces. It also allows the armed forces the opportunity to retain the cream of those youths that join into further careers in the armed forces. It is a win-win situation for both sides. During their time with Agneepath, they have their freedom to work on their skills, education and build their own capabilities as also give them a particular educational background to go along with it.
Tell us about your inspiration that helped in framing your leadership philosophy.
I was most inspired by my instructors all the way till I got commissioned. I have been touched by a number of leaders at various levels. And I feel what really inspires us is the raw courage exemplified by so many of our seniors, colleagues, who have fought through all kinds of difficult odds, the supreme sacrifices that they have done it smilingly.
What advice will you give to the young Officers who wish to become leaders in future?
The Armed forces have a very steep pyramidal structure. My advice to young officers is simple and in three parts – work hard, stay focused, and keep learning.
How do you see youths of Meghalaya in the Air Force?
It is my firm belief that the youths of Meghalaya are a confident lot. They are extremely good at communication, they are outgoing, most of them appear to be in exceptional health, and these make them prime candidates for good service and capabilities in the armed forces. The infrastructure is developing, outreach is there, and education is there, and I am sure they will make use of these opportunities.
Air Marshal SP Dharkar praised the government’s Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, expressing his desire for the campaign to amplify patriotic sentiments and instill a sense of pride in every citizen for the national flag and the nation.
The distinguished Officer also hopes that the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign will aid in improving the feeling of being participative in democracy, of citizens being patriotic and proud Indians, today and in future.
Dharkar was interviewed by Media & Communication Officer, PIB Shillong, Gopajit Das.
It may be noted here that as recognition to his exemplary service, Air Marshal SP Dharkar was honoured with the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) by President Droupadi Murmu recently. (PIB)