Nevada, Aug 16 : Air Marshal P. V. Naik, Vice Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force said that the Indo-US relationship has moved a step closer with the participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in ‘Exercise Red Flag’ at Air Force Base Nellis, Nevada, USA.

Air Marshal Naik, visited Team IAF along with Lieutenant General Loyd Utterback, the Commander of the 13th Air Force, USAF, Hawai, participating in Exercise Red Flag today.

While speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of his visit Air Marshal Naik said, “I am of the opinion that the relations between countries are best started by the Armed Forces.”

“India and USA have been natural friends for a long time and they are getting closer and closer,” Air Marshal Naik said, adding, “We are looking for increased cooperation in future.”

Talking about Network Centric Operations (NCW) in IAF, Air Marshal Naik said, “Network Centric Warfare capability is vital and indispensable in today’s warfare.”

He further added, “IAF is a network enabled Air Force and we are progressing towards complete network centricity very fast.”

During his visit Air Marshal Naik attended exercise briefings, witnessed flying and exercise debriefs. He also visited the combined Air and Space Operation Center at the base.

He also had a detailed interaction with the air crew on how their missions were progressing and addressed the Air Warriors. He also broke the news of the Sixth Pay Commission to some of them.

He congratulated the technicians for 100 per cent serviceability rate so far.

Lieutenant General Loyd Utterback also addressed the Air Warriors and said “The USAF and IAF together form an incredible team.”

“I have been planning to get the IAF team in Red Flag and it has now materialized for peace and security in the region. I am looking forward to work more with you,” Loyd added. (ANI)