HDMC Officers Visit Air Force Station Jodhpur to Study Forward Base Operations

Officers undergoing the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC) at the College of Defence Management visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on August 18, 2026, as part of their Forward Area Tour, gaining a close look at the demands of operating a forward air base.

The visit was designed to give the participants first-hand exposure to the operational environment at a forward location and to help them understand the many factors that shape the readiness and day-to-day functioning of such a base. At Air Force Station Jodhpur, the officers were briefed on operational preparedness and on the specific challenges associated with forward air bases.

According to the source material, the interaction focused on how readiness is sustained in demanding operational conditions. It also gave the officers an opportunity to connect their classroom learning with the practical realities of military operations, particularly those conducted from forward locations.

The tour further enabled meaningful professional interaction between the HDMC participants and personnel at the air station. Through this exchange, the officers were able to discuss experiences and perspectives related to contemporary operational requirements, adding a practical dimension to the course curriculum.

The engagement also reinforced the importance of effective planning, coordination and preparedness in sustaining operations from forward bases. For senior officers in a professional military education programme, such visits are intended to broaden understanding of India’s defence readiness by linking theory with field-level experience.

The Forward Area Tour is an important part of the Higher Defence Management Course, which aims to familiarise officers with operational realities beyond the classroom. The visit to AFS Jodhpur added to the participants’ understanding of forward-area operations and the evolving requirements of future-ready military leadership.