Bengaluru: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on March 9, 2025. He is the first defence minister to visit the institute and was briefed on its role in pilot training, medical evaluation, and aeromedical research.

During the visit, he inspected the Dynamic Flight Simulator and High-Performance Human Centrifuge, used for high-G training of fighter pilots, as well as the Spatial Disorientation Simulator, which helps train armed forces pilots to counter the risks of spatial disorientation in flight. He also launched the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research at IAM, which focuses on space psychology, astronaut selection, and behavioural health training for Indian space missions.

In his address, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing importance of aerospace medicine amid increasing air and space traffic. He emphasised that space is now a key domain in warfare and that India has made significant advances in space technology, including anti-satellite capabilities. As India continues to expand its presence in space, he stressed the need for more research and development in aerospace medicine, which has applications across multiple high-end technologies.

He also underlined the importance of aerospace medicine in addressing challenges such as microgravity, radiation, and the physical and mental impact of space travel. He noted that aerospace medicine plays a crucial role in tackling issues like neuron-related disorders, bone loss, and psychological well-being in space missions.

Commending IAM’s contributions to self-reliance in aerospace technology, he acknowledged its role in aeromedical consultancy, cockpit design, and crew module development. The institute has made significant contributions to the design and development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter, and LCA Tejas. It is also providing expertise in the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

Rajnath Singh stated that the aerospace sector is set to experience unprecedented growth and will be key to achieving the government's vision of a developed India by 2047. He noted its importance in technological advancements, national security, and economic growth, as well as its role in satellite launches, interplanetary missions, and commercial space services.

He was accompanied by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Training Command) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Director General Medical Services (Air) Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, and other senior IAF officers.

BI Bureau