IAF adopts strategy to combat ozone depletion

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to combat ozone depletion.

The measures include limiting the use of Halon to mission critical uses, tighter control laws and incorporating accountability towards phase-out of ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) said Air Chief Marshal PV Naik.

He was speaking at the two-day International Workshop on ?Benefits of ODS Phase-out in Defence Forces? organized by Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), on Thursday.

While highlighting initiatives taken by the IAF, and encouraging alternatives, the Air Chief however, clarified, ?Mission accomplishment remains paramount for the Armed Forces. Substituting an ODS would only be done, if it doesn?t impinge on operational effectiveness of the system in question.?

For new weapon systems in the pipeline, inclusion of a clause in RFPs for provision of alternatives is being considered.

The use of recycled Halon recovered from phased-out or downgraded aircraft and equipment is being planned. OEMs of existing weapons system are being asked to find suitable alternatives for full life-cycle support in respect of Halons, stated the Air Chief.

Management of ODS within defence organisations, whether as fire fighting agents, refrigerants or solvents, require very careful planning and execution as these are scheduled to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

Others who spoke at the inaugural session included Additional Secretary, MoEF, Shri J.M. Mauskar and Senior Legal Officer, Division of Environmental Law and Conventions, UNEP.

Senior IAF officers and from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), defence officers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand and representatives from United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) are among those participating in the workshop.