Rajnath Singh Becomes First Defence Minister to Visit IAF's Aerospace Medicine Institute
Raksha Mantri launches space psychology research project, calls for advanced R&D in aerospace medicine
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh created history on March 9, 2025, by becoming the first Raksha Mantri to visit the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru. During his visit, he was briefed on the crucial role of IAM in pilot training, medical evaluation, and aeromedical research.
Shri Rajnath Singh inspected cutting-edge aerospace research facilities, including the Dynamic Flight Simulator, High-Performance Human Centrifuge for high-G training of fighter pilots, and the Spatial Disorientation Simulator designed to train Armed Forces pilots to counter disorientation risks in flight.
Launch of Space Psychology Research Centre
The highlight of the visit was the launch of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research on Space Psychology. The project aims to focus on astronaut selection and behavioral health training for Indian space missions, a key step towards India’s ambitious space exploration goals.
Raksha Mantri’s Vision for Aerospace Medicine
Addressing officials, Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing importance of aerospace medicine, particularly in light of increasing air and space traffic. “Space has emerged as a major domain in modern warfare. India has taken a step forward in mastering advanced technologies such as anti-satellite weapons. With the fastest-growing aviation market, we must explore new possibilities in aerospace medicine,” he stated.
Highlighting the medical challenges faced in space, he pointed out the critical role of aerospace medicine in tackling issues such as microgravity effects, radiation exposure, and psychological stress in astronauts. “Neural issues, bone loss, and mental well-being are major concerns in space missions, and aerospace medicine must evolve to address these challenges,” he added.
IAM’s Contribution to Aerospace Innovation
Rajnath Singh lauded IAM for its pivotal role in advancing self-reliance in the aerospace sector. “IAM not only leads in aerospace medicine but also contributes significantly to aircraft design and development. Its expertise has been instrumental in the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter, and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. IAM is also advising on India’s most-modern Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft,” he noted.
Aerospace Growth & Vision 2047
The Defence Minister reiterated that the aerospace sector is set to experience unprecedented growth and will play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. “Aerospace advancements will shape national security, economic progress, and technological supremacy, with India poised to lead in satellite launches, interplanetary missions, and commercial space services,” he stated.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, along with Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor (AOC-in-C, Training Command), Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja (Director General Medical Services, Air), and senior IAF officials, accompanied Rajnath Singh during the landmark visit.
