Pilot project for Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) commissioned; Indian navy participates in multilateral humanitarian assistance/disaster relief exercise underway in Indonesia
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print
  • MARCH 17-30

    According to reports, the pilot project for Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) was commissioned at Air Force Station Bhisiana (Bhatinda) by Air Marshal RK Sharma on 25 March 2014. The formal acceptance and commissioning of the MAFI pilot project at Model Base; Air Force Station Bhisiana, is a significant milestone in the much awaited and ambitious air-field infrastructure development project of the IAF, Navy and the Coast Guard. The pilot project is a part of the Indian Air Force’s ambitious 2,500 crore initiative to modernize all airfields of the IAF, Indian Navy and Coast Guard in a phased manner. The project assumes significance in the light of the fact that the Indian Air Force and Navy have seen induction of modern aviation platforms and up-gradation of their existing aircraft fleets at regular intervals in the past and there was a need felt to upgrade the navigational aids and associated airfield infrastructure commensurately. The up-gradation of navigational aids and infrastructure under the MAFI project would enhance the operational capability by facilitating air operations of military and civil aircraft even in poor visibility conditions/adverse weather while enhancing Aerospace Safety.1

    In another development, according to reports, KOMODO, a multilateral humanitarian assistance / disaster relief (HA/DR) exercise, is being conducted from 28 March -03 April 14 in Indonesia. The exercise participants include India, Indonesia, USA, China, Russia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Laos. Indian Navy is being represented by INS Sukanya with integral Chetak. The exercise is being conducted over a duration of six days in three phases viz. harbour Phase, Sea Phase and Civic Mission Phase. INS Sukanya will participate in Land and Ship Medical evacuation Exercise (MEDEVAC) and Engineering Civic Action Programme (ENCAP) during the Civic Mission Phase.2

    Top