Indian Air Force in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has taken a leap forward in fuel supply chain management by introducing a ‘Fleet Card – Fuel on Move’ for its varied fleet of vehicles. This innovative initiative taken by the Indian Air Force provides a paradigm shift to the logistics management of fuel.
‘Fleet Card’, the energy security for IAF vehicles on move, was launched by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff at Headquarters Western Air Command, Subroto Park on 28 Mar 22 in the presence of Air Marshal S Prabhakaran, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command and Mr. SM Vaidya Chairman IOCL.
HQ Western Air Command was earmarked as the lead agency in the implementation and execution of this innovative concept of “Fuel on Move”. Availability of Fleet Card will permit the convoy to refuel at any IOCL fuel stations thus increasing the pace of movement and reducing the lead time for readiness at operational locations across the nation.
CAS complimented team WAC and IOCL for this initiative that has enhanced the operational preparedness and capability of the IAF.
What is Fleet Card And Fuel On Move?
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 in the logistics management of fuel. The Western Air Command Headquarters was earmarked as the 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 refueling,” 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 in fuel management within the IAF can now be re-allocated towards other operational tasks, it added.
Besides, accounting for fuel will become much more efficient with paperwork being eliminated to a great extent. Fuel Retailers in far-flung areas, which have an IAF presence, will also be benefitted from the move. The IAF Chief complimented the Western Air Command and the IOCL for the initiative.
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