Indian Military Takes Note Of Environment

Funding and Policy
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Dec 07 , 2010 , p. 16
Neelam Mathews NEW DELHI — The Indian air force is looking at the management of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) as it plans its compliance with the Montreal Protocol. “The Indian air force is adopting a multipronged strategy to combat ozone depletion, including limiting the use of Halon to mission critical uses, tighter control laws and incorporating accountability toward phaseout of ODS,” Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik said at a workshop in Delhi. For new weapon systems in the pipeline, an inclusion of a clause in requests for proposals asks for alternatives. “The use of recycled Halon recovered from phased-out or downgraded aircraft and equipment is being planned,” Naik says. India is talking with original equipment manufacturers for suitable alternatives for full life-cycle support regarding existing weapons system. The military is one of the largest users of power and petroleum products. The start in reduction will be in the air conditioning and refrigerant areas, another delegate tells Aviation Week. Military activities that affect the environment include storage and transport, disposal of military equipment, e-waste, soil contamination through oil leaks, production and testing of weapons and maintenance.