Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited Southern Air Command, where he was briefed on upcoming joint user airfields and air bases in the Lakshadweep archipelago, a key strategic initiative aimed at bolstering India’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Strengthening Strategic Air Capabilities in IOR
The comprehensive update highlighted the role of new airbases in enhancing maritime surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and operational synergy between the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard. These airfields will play a critical role in securing vital sea lanes, countering emerging threats, and strengthening India’s strategic posture in the IOR.

Showcase of Emerging Technologies and Maritime Innovations
During the visit, General Anil Chauhan was also briefed on various innovations and emerging technologies being developed to enhance maritime domain awareness and operational effectiveness. These included:
- Advanced surveillance systems for persistent monitoring of maritime activities
- Integrated air and naval operational frameworks for faster response and coordination
- Technology-driven enhancements for force projection and security operations in remote island territories

The visit underscored the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to modernizing its capabilities in the maritime domain, ensuring India’s continued dominance and security in the strategically significant Indian Ocean Region.
an excellent guide line for the Veterans and family pensioners.
However,the purpose of SPARSH is still.not understood and it is believed it is ‘ Big brother is watching’ on finl transactions of the Fauzies.
Migrating pension to far way and known lazy corrupt CDA(P) is scary.Pension throughout bank as Disbursing is so convenient to solve the doubts on the spot..
Most of the Veterans and specially the Family pensioners are digital illiterate and for pension probs they have to approach Cyber Cafes,known for cheating.
so manybyrs past since introduction of the SPARSH but most of pre 2006 is still waiting for the migration.
it is also rumoured that like Pak,the pension may be reduced and may be substituted by a meager Dubsistence Allowance.
To reduce mounting Defence pension and ECHS bill,the term Family needs revision than to include three generations of the pensioner.