Tri-service command likely in Kerala

A new tri-service command is likely to be set up at the Southern Air Command in Thiruvananthapuram, outgoing Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal S Y Savur said on Wednesday. 

"The discussions are going on and so far the SAC is a front runner for setting up the command," he told reporters.

Earlier, there was a proposal to set up an Aerospace Command in Thiruvananthapuram, Air Marshal Savur said, adding that on account of the larger responsibility it had been decided to integrate all the three forces under a single command.

On the development programmes at the SAC, he said a full-fledged Air Force station will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram within three years. As part of the expansion of the station, a new tarmac

will come up and talks in this regard had been held with the Airports Authority.

Once the tarmac was ready, a fighter squadron will be stationed at Thiruvanthapuram, he added.

Noting that the SAC was strategically important, Air Marshal said, "The importance of SAC had gone up with the increase of commerce. The SAC's role is increasing owing to its proximity to international trade and oil routes."

As part of other expansion programmes, he said Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu will be converted into a full-fledged airfield, adding that the airstrip at Coimbatore was being expanded to make it fit to operate any type of aircraft in the country.

Air Marshal P S Ahluwalia will take over from Air Marshal Savur, who retires from service on Thursday.