New Delhi, March 28 (FN Agency) The Indian Air Force and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited on Monday launched a Fleet Card, which will permit the IAF convoys to refuel at any IOCL fuel stations, thus reducing the time for readiness and to rapidly redeploy forces for operational needs across the nation. Fleet Card, termed the energy security for IAF vehicles on move, was launched by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari at Headquarters Western Air Command in presence of IOCL Chairman SM Vaidya. This innovative initiative provided a paradigm shift to the logistics management of fuel. The Western Air Command Headquarter was earmarked as lead agency in the implementation and execution of this innovative concept of Fuel on Move, an IAF statement said here.
As per the present system, sources said the IAF procures fuel from various agencies and stores as well as distributes the same within the Air Force establishments, therefore, any mobility by road is constrained by the convoys having to necessarily stop at AF Stations for re-fuelling. Sources said that with the advent of Fleet Cards, IAF will be able to utilise the vast network of retail fuel distributors across the country to refuel its vehicles on the move. “The measure will greatly enhance rapid mobility of IAF forces across the country who can now take the shortest route between two places without being constrained by the requirement of routing through Military Stations for refuelling,” a source said.
The move will have several indirect effects towards enhancing the combat potential of the IAF, like officers and other resources which are presently involved on fuel management within the IAF can now be re-allocated towards other operational tasks, it added. Besides, accounting of fuel will become much more efficient with paperwork being eliminated to a great extent. Fuel Retailers in far flung areas, which have IAF presence, will also be benefitted from the move. The IAF Chief complimented the Western Air Command and the IOCL for the initiative.