New Delhi, April 6 : A day ahead of announcing the third positive indigenisation list of defence items, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the “current geopolitical situation” demands indigenisation. The Minister expressed these views, while addressing the three-day Air Force Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters. “He brought out that the current geopolitical situation has again highlighted the need for indigenisation,” an IAF statement said. During the conference, the Air Force Commanders will discuss important issues related to future challenges in a Hi-tech and evolving operational scenario. Speaking to senior commanders, the Defence Minister covered the challenges being faced on the Northern and Western borders and expressed his satisfaction “in the way Indian Armed Forces have been able to respond to emerging situations.” He stated that the topics being discussed in the Conference are relevant and contemporary in the-present context, and covered the entire canvas of issues and challenges that are being faced by the Nation, the IAF said in a statement. “He brought out that he was happy to observe that the directions given by higher authorities were comprehensively being discussed in the conference and would be the guiding light for all future courses of action,” it added. The Minister praised the Indian Air Force’s evacuation efforts during Operation Ganga. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari asked the Commanders to be ready to meet all challenges and enhance capabilities for responding in multiple domains at short notice. The IAF Chief also emphasised the need for conserving assets, optimally utilising resources and the need for jointmanship to enhance National Security. In order to provide a boost to the growing indigenous drone industry, the Defence Minister also launched the Mehar Baba Competition- II, aimed at developing technology for a Swarm Drone based system to detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces. The theme for this Conference is ‘Optimising human resources’ and the focus will be on conduct of operations in a smart and efficient manner. Mitigation of threats posed by drones will also be brainstormed during the conference. ASU RJ