Rahul92
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New Delhi. The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 78th Birthday October 8 with an emphasis on "speed" in defence or disaster relief operations.
Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, Chief of the Air Staff, said at the impressive Air Force Day parade at Hindan airbase on the outskirts of the capital that "our speed of response, flexibility and precise employment of aerospace assets will be the key to success, whether it is a matter of safeguarding our borders, supporting our own security forces or undertaking disaster relief operations."
"The primacy of operations can never be understated, and you all have to be proactive on all the issues related to operations right from the time the mission is planned till the operation is complete in all respects," he told IAF officers and personnel.
IAF is already under a process of transformation, and in about four to five years from now, its results would be visible, he said, pointing out to the modernization of combat and transport fleets as well as airbases and ground assets. "A large number of acquisitions like the MMRCA, FRAs, AWACS, helicopters and transport aircraft will be in place in the next few years. The IAF is going to be a very potent aerospace power in the next 5-7 years."
"Our performance and commitment has increased the Nation's expectations from us and I call upon all of you to continue with the same dedication. It will also require all of us to meticulously use the existing capabilities and ensure that the transition towards modernisation is smooth and without impinging on our operational efficiency," he told the large fraternity of IAF and others at the ceremony.
The parade was led by Group Captain PK Vohra.
The Parade, conducted every year to publicly pledge the continued dedication of the IAF in its service to the nation and to reassure all countrymen of its vitality and preparedness, is also held to mark the significance of the Day (October, 8, 1932) when the Act to establish the IAF had come into effect. Significantly, this day also marks the commissioning of the first six IAF Officers.
The Air Chief presented 25 Vayu Sena Medals (VM) including nine for gallantry and 30 Vishisht Seva Medals (VSM) on behalf of the President of India, at an Investiture Ceremony held at the parade. He also awarded citations to four air force units – Helicopter Training School (HTS), No. 48 Squadron, No. 3004 Squadron and No. 27 Squadron, for excellence in performance.
The proceedings began with air warriors descending from the sky with the IAF and Akashganga flags carried by sky divers of IAF's sky diving team. Later, the Air Warrior Drill Team and a breathtaking air show, showcased the capabilities of the IAF. The celebration culminated with a scintillating display by the Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
Those present included Marshal of the Air Force, the towering and erect 90-year young Arjan Singh, who is the first IAF officer to have been bestowed with the five-star honour, as well as Air Chief Marshal F H Major, Air Chief Shashi Tyagi and Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma, and Chief of the Army Staff, General V K Singh, were there along with senior officers from the Armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.
The professionalism, discipline and commitment of the Indian Air Force was aptly displayed by all those on parade, and the impressive flypast and parajumping.
The backdrop at every Air Force Day parade (AFDP) remains an eyestopper, and was equally impressive this time. Depicting "Aerospace Power", emblazoned crests of the seven IAF commands with Himalayan Eagles were embellished alongside pictures of AWACS, Brahmos, C-130J military transport aircraft, CARTO SAT 2 B satellite, fighter aircraft and attack helicopters. The flanks on either side of the centre of the backdrop displayed snapshots of the varied fleet of IAF in action during various missions, including participation in international exercises with friendly nations and relief missions demonstrating all of IAF's capabilities.
The static display of some IAF aircraft and arsenal provided glimpse of the IAF's awesome lethal strike capability. The equipment on display included Brahmos land attack supersonic cruise missile, MiG-29 air superiority fighter aircraft, MI-17 1V medium lift helicopter, Dornier transport aircraft, HAWK MK 132, Advanced Jet Trainer, Mirage-2000, Jaguar DPSA (Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft), MiG - 21 Bison, Sukhoi- 30 MKI aircraft and Transporter and Loading Vehicles (TLVs) for the Pechora missile.
The participating aircraft in the air display included Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, Dornier, Avro, AN-32 Transport aircraft,while the fighter included Jaguars, Mig-21 Bis, Mig-29, Mirage-2000 and Su-30 MKIs. The show-stoppers as always were the four-helicopter display by Sarang team in Advanced Light Helicopters and the nine-aircraft Suryakiran Aerobatic Team in Kiran jet trainers.
Air Chief Marshal Naik pointed out that IAF had flown 2300 missions to support the Army and paramilitary personnel, airlifting more than 33,000 tonnes during 2008-09 towards Air Maintenance while 1100 tons of material had been airlifted to assist the civilian authorities.
The prompt response of the Indian Air Force during the Leh disaster was exemplary and the professionalism displayed by our air warriors has been appreciated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Hon'ble Defence Minister. It was another example of what a group of well trained and motivated professionals can achieve in the face of adversity.
The Air Chief also recalled the impressive performance of IAF in simulated combat exercises with the air forces of France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as at the Fire Power Demonstration 'Vayu Shakti 2010' at Pokharan which showcased day and night capabilities.
He described the setting up of the Air Force Net (AFNET) for netconnectivity and between aircraft and ground assets and secure net-centric operations as a major achievement. "The whole thing has been done in record time and the AFNET will form the backbone of our capability. I am sure this is going to change the very manner in which we conduct our operations."
Air Chief Marshal Naik pointed out that while new inductions would follow one after another, the legacy systems had got to carry on. "A great responsibility lies on all of us to ensure that while we absorb new technology, we continue operating all current systems, effectively and efficiently. We need to develop in-house expertise and ensure that all such expertise coupled with our traditions and military ethos is passed on to the younger generations.
"We also need to secure, protect and preserve our air and ground assets with diligence and utmost prudence."
The Air Chief paid tributes to the fallen heroes, saying "we are proud of their feats and would always look upon them as our guiding spirits."
Air Chief Marshal Naik thanked all IAF personnel, including those retired, and exhorted: As Air Warriors, let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the Nation and renew our pledge to do our sovereign duty – "with honour and pride" and indeed "Touch the Sky with Glory."
..:: India Strategic ::.. Indian Air Force: Indian Air Force is 78, And Flying Higher
