Since its inception in 1932, the IAF has evolved into an exceptional, network-centric and multi-domain force that is alert and ready to meet any challenges, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Thursday.
In his address at the Air Force Day celebrations at the Hindan air base here,
the IAF chief also said conflicts in parts of the world have shown that air power is the primary means of protecting the interests of a nation.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the Indian Air Force (IAF) showed “speed of combat operations” with both its precision strike and air defence capabilities.
Air Force Day is observed on October 8 to commemorate the establishment of the force and the sacrifices made by air warriors.
Air Chief Marshal Singh credited the air warriors with lending strength to the IAF, and said the force is alert, committed and ready to meet any challenges.
“Our operational capabilities are growing in the right direction,” he said, adding that the force would leave no stone unturned to live up to expectations, rather exceed them.
The IAF chief recalled the proud legacy of the IAF and urged it to remain an agile and combat-ready force.
“From four Wapiti aircraft, the force has evolved into an exceptional, capable, network-centric and multi-domain force ranked among the finest in the world,” he said.
According to the IAF website, the force’s initial “aircraft inventory consisted of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road as the ‘A’ Flight nucleus of the planned No.1 (Army Co-operation) Squadron”.
Today, the IAF has 29 fighter squadrons.
On his superannuation on October 31, Air Chief Marshal Singh said serving as the IAF chief was “my biggest fortune” and it was a proud moment for him.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will be the next Chief of Air Staff.
The IAF marked the 94th anniversary of its establishment with a ceremonial parade, a static display of some of its prized combat assets such as Rafale and Tejas and a flypast by three Mi-17 helicopters. Aerial manoeuvres by a British-era Tiger Moth drew loud cheers from the audience.
Air Chief Marshal Singh arrived at the parade venue in a 1960s-era car, with the three helicopters in ‘Dhwaj’ formation flying past him.
An IAF drum band made its parade debut while ‘Team Shakti’, a group of women air warriors who performed skilful drills with rifles, also won the appreciation of the audience.
Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth and other senior military officials were also present at the event.
Several former IAF chiefs were also in attendance.
The IAF also put on display on the tarmac fighter jets such as Su-30 MKI, Jaguar; helicopters such as LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv; and critical weapon and air defence systems such as BrahMos and Akash, Rohini radar system and a Dornier aircraft.
-PTI
