N A K Browne takes over as IAF chief

Ace fighter pilot Norman Anil Kumar Browne on Sunday took over as the 23rd chief of the Indian Air Force from Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, who retired after putting in 42 years of service.

Soon after taking over, Browne said his priorities as IAF chief would be to "enhance operational capability, continue with the modernisation drive of the force and most importantly to look after our people."

"To my mind that is the most important asset that we have," 59-year-old Browne, who has 3,100 flying hours to his credit, said.

He has taken over as the IAF chief at a time when the force is undergoing massive modernisation and is looking to induct a large number of new weapon platforms, including the 126 combat aircraft, the C-17 strategic heavy-lift aircraft along with a host of different types of choppers.

In his first address to air warriors, Browne said, "The IAF is well poised on path of transforming itself into a potent strategic force."