Air Marshal PV Shivanand Reviews Air Base Operational Readiness in Saurashtra Sector
Air Marshal PV Shivanand, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command (SWAC), carried out an operational review of air bases in the Saurashtra sector, focusing on mission readiness, air defence preparedness and the effectiveness of key operational facilities and personnel in the region.
The visit began with a ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival, after which the Air Marshal met station personnel and inspected facilities linked to air operations and air defence. The review was aimed at assessing how well the bases are prepared to meet operational requirements and respond to contingencies.
A key feature of the visit was a sortie undertaken by Air Marshal Shivanand on a maritime strike aircraft. The flight highlighted SWAC’s focus on maintaining a credible capability in the maritime domain and reflected the role of air power in supporting maritime security and wider operational readiness.
For an air command operating in western India, maritime strike capability carries particular importance. The region’s proximity to India’s maritime approaches means air power contributes to surveillance, protection and defence in support of national security. The sortie also gave the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief direct exposure to the aircraft’s capabilities and its operational employment.
During the review, Air Marshal Shivanand inspected Air Defence and Air Operations facilities at the bases. These are critical elements of an air base’s operational architecture, supporting the planning, coordination and execution of missions while ensuring that air defence systems and procedures remain ready for immediate use if required.
The Air Defence review was particularly relevant to the need for continuous situational awareness and rapid response. In an environment where threats can emerge with little warning, effective air defence depends on trained personnel, operationally ready systems, efficient coordination and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
The Air Operations facilities were examined as part of the effort to ensure that the stations can continue to support mission planning and execution at a high standard. Senior commanders regularly review such infrastructure to identify areas that require sustained attention and to confirm that operational capabilities remain effective.
Speaking with station personnel, the Air Marshal stressed the need for 24x7 operational vigilance. He underlined that readiness cannot be confined to fixed hours or scheduled activities, particularly for those responsible for air defence and air operations, where alertness must be maintained at all times.
He also emphasised professionalism and rigorous training. According to the review, maintaining operational effectiveness requires personnel to remain proficient in their duties, train regularly for contingencies and follow established procedures and standards with consistency.
The focus on training was linked to the evolving nature of modern air operations, where technological and operational changes require crews to keep adapting. Regular training helps air and ground personnel preserve proficiency and prepare for demanding and unpredictable situations.
Air Marshal Shivanand further highlighted the importance of physical and mental resilience among personnel. Sustained readiness depends not only on aircraft and systems being available, but also on the ability of men and women in uniform to perform under pressure, stay alert and operate for extended periods when needed.
That emphasis on resilience reflects the high-tempo nature of military operations, where personnel may have to respond rapidly to shifting situations. Physical fitness, mental preparedness, discipline and teamwork remain central to combat readiness and to the smooth functioning of operational units.
The Saurashtra sector review forms part of SWAC’s continuing effort to keep its air bases at a high state of preparedness. Such visits by senior commanders provide an opportunity to examine infrastructure, interact directly with personnel and reinforce the standards expected of formations and stations under the command.
The review also brought out the link between air defence, air operations and maritime capabilities. In a modern security environment, air power is expected to operate across different domains while remaining flexible enough to handle emerging threats and contingencies.
By combining a maritime strike sortie with inspections of air defence and air operations facilities, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief highlighted the need for a comprehensive operational posture. His interactions with personnel reinforced the idea that readiness begins at the individual level and extends to the functioning of major operational facilities.
Overall, the visit reflected SWAC’s broader focus on vigilance, professionalism and adaptability. The emphasis on round-the-clock readiness, training rigour and physical and mental resilience points to the demands placed on an air command tasked with responding to a changing security environment.
Air Marshal PV Shivanand’s operational review of the Saurashtra sector therefore served both as an assessment of present preparedness and as a reminder of the standards expected for future operations. With maritime strike capability, air defence readiness and trained personnel all forming part of the operational framework, the visit reinforced SWAC’s intent to remain robust, resilient and ready for evolving challenges.
