Rajnath Singh Becomes First Raksha Mantri to Visit IAF’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bengaluru

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh created history by becoming the first Defence Minister of India to visit the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on March 09, 2025. His visit marked a significant step in recognizing the role of aerospace medicine in India’s defence and aviation sectors.

During his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh was briefed about IAM’s unique role in pilot training, aeromedical research, and medical evaluation of Air Force personnel. He also inaugurated an important research project at the institute and emphasized the growing need for expertise in space medicine as India advances in both air and space domains.

Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) – A Hub for Aeromedical Research

The Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) is a premier institute under the Indian Air Force, dedicated to research and training in the field of aerospace medicine. The institute plays a crucial role in ensuring the physiological and psychological well-being of fighter pilots and astronauts.

During his visit, the Raksha Mantri was provided with an overview of IAM’s research and medical evaluation programs for fighter pilots. The institute conducts specialized aeromedical training to ensure that Air Force personnel are well-prepared for high-altitude, high-speed flight operations.

Inspection of Advanced Aerospace Training Facilities

Shri Rajnath Singh inspected IAM’s cutting-edge training simulators, which play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of Indian fighter pilots. He visited the following facilities:

• Dynamic Flight Simulator & High-Performance Human Centrifuge: This equipment is used for high-G training to help fighter pilots withstand extreme gravitational forces encountered during aerial combat.
• Spatial Disorientation Simulator: This system trains pilots to counteract the effects of spatial disorientation, a phenomenon that can lead to accidents if not managed properly.

These simulators are essential in preparing IAF pilots for combat scenarios and enhancing their physical and cognitive endurance during high-altitude missions.

Launch of Space Psychology Research Project

A key highlight of the visit was the launch of a major research initiative – the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research. The project, titled ‘Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions’, will focus on the following aspects:

• Psychological selection of astronauts for Indian space missions.
• Behavioral health training to prepare astronauts for the mental and emotional challenges of space travel.
• Research on psychological resilience, isolation effects, and stress management during long-duration space missions.

With India making significant strides in space exploration, this project is expected to enhance astronaut training programs for upcoming human spaceflight missions under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program.

Importance of Aerospace Medicine in Defence and Aviation

While addressing senior officials and medical experts at IAM, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing importance of aerospace medicine in the following areas:

• Ensuring pilot safety and endurance: With India becoming the fastest-growing aviation market, research in high-altitude medicine is critical for both civil and military aviation.
• Space as a strategic domain: He noted that space has emerged as a critical domain in modern warfare, and India must develop expertise in aerospace medicine to prepare for future challenges.
• Combatting physiological challenges in space: He emphasized that astronauts face complex medical issues such as microgravity effects, radiation exposure, and psychological stress, which require advanced aerospace medical interventions.

IAM’s Contributions to Indigenous Defence Projects

Shri Rajnath Singh commended IAM for its contributions towards self-reliance in the aerospace sector. The institute has played a crucial role in:

• Aero-medical consultancy for the design and development of crew modules.
• Enhancing cockpit ergonomics and safety measures.
• Supporting the development of India’s indigenous aircraft, including:

1. Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
2. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
3. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
4. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
5. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) (under development)

These efforts have significantly contributed to India’s defence modernization and the Make in India initiative.

Aerospace Sector: The Future of National Security and Economic Growth

In his concluding remarks, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that the aerospace sector is poised for unprecedented growth, which will play a decisive role in shaping India’s:

• Technological advancements
• National security strategy
• Economic growth

He stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 includes a strong focus on aerospace technologies, space exploration, and commercial space services.

With India expanding its presence in satellite launching, interplanetary missions, and commercial space exploration, the country must invest in cutting-edge aerospace medical research and astronaut training programs.

Here’s a tabular summary of the news:

Category	Details
Why in News?	Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh became the first Defence Minister to visit the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru on March 9, 2025.
Purpose of Visit	– To understand IAM’s role in pilot training and aeromedical research. – To inspect advanced aerospace training facilities. – To launch a space psychology research project.
Key Facilities Inspected	– Dynamic Flight Simulator & High-Performance Human Centrifuge: Used for high-G training of fighter pilots. – Spatial Disorientation Simulator: Trains pilots to counteract spatial disorientation risks.
New Research Project Launched	– Title: ‘Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions’ – Objective: Psychological selection and training of astronauts for space missions under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program.
Importance of Aerospace Medicine	– Ensures pilot safety in high-altitude conditions. – Addresses space-related medical challenges like microgravity and radiation exposure. – Prepares India for future advancements in space and defence.
IAM’s Contribution to Defence	– Aero-medical consultancy for aircraft crew module design. – Enhancing cockpit ergonomics and pilot safety. – Support in the development of indigenous aircraft: ALH, LUH, LCH, LCA Tejas, and AMCA.
Future of Aerospace Sector	– Expected to drive technological advancements, national security, and economic growth. – Key focus area in India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. – Expansion in satellite launching, interplanetary missions, and commercial space services.

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