IAF displays air power, Aatmanirbharta on its 92nd anniversary celebrations
Chief of Defence Staff graces the event; Chief of Air Staff reviews
ceremonial parade
Current global security environment demonstrates an inescapable need
of a strong, capable Air Force: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
“Adopting latest tech with innovative thinking will play a decisive role in
today’s multi-domain environment”
Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 1:24PM by PIB
Delhi
An immaculate ceremonial parade, a breath-taking demonstration of air
power and a spectacular static display of state-of-the-art
equipment marked the celebrations of the 92nd anniversary of the
Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Air Force Station, Tambaram in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu on October 08, 2024. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil
Chauhan graced the celebrations, while the ceremonial parade was reviewed by
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
In his address, the Chief of Air Staff underscored the need for IAF to
remain prepared to meet any contingency that challenges the national interests.
He stated that the current global security environment is in a state of
constant flux and ongoing conflicts have demonstrated an inescapable need to
have a strong and capable Air Force. Adopting the latest technology along
with innovative and out-of-the-box thinking will play a decisive role in
today’s multi-domain environment, he added.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasised that the theme of Air Force
Day 2024, ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar’ perfectly
describes the aspirations of IAF. “Over the years, we have become more
empowered with better technology and achieved new levels op-exploitation of
systems & weapons. Aatmanirbharta in the field of defence R&D and
manufacturing is our priority. Concrete steps have been taken to support Make
in India initiatives by engaging MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators,
professionals, R&D institutes and academia,” he added.
The Chief of Air Staff described the Air Force Day as an occasion
for the air warriors to rededicate themselves in the service of the nation,
introspect on the previous year, celebrate the achievements, recognise the
areas of improvement and realign to the present & future requirements. On
the previous year’s achievements, he said that IAF has proved its mettle
on various fronts. “One of our primary objective is to deliver weapons, on
target, on time, every time and this capability was aptly showcased during the
firepower demonstration exercise ‘Vayu Shakti’ at Pokhran Range in February
2024,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh added that the IAF, this year, expanded its
participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises with friendly countries.
He stated that the successful conduct of the largest
multi-national exercise on Indian soil ‘Tarang Shakti’ was a
testimony to the competence and professionalism of India’s air warriors.
The Chief of Air Staff asserted that IAF has always been the first
responders in calls of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief both within
the country & abroad, highlighting the various ops conducted in the last
one year. He reaffirmed IAF’s full commitment towards providing a
conducive and working environment to the air warriors, terming the welfare
and well-being of the personnel & their families as of utmost importance.
Parade
The parade commenced with the marching-in of the President’s Colours,
symbolising pride, unity, strength and esprit-de-corps. The atmosphere became even
more melodious through the performance of a Tri-Services Band, which
filled the air with patriotic fervor. The Air Warrior Drill Team
captivated the audience with their sharp and synchronised movements, leaving a
lasting impression on all present.
Airshow
The parade was followed by an aerial display, with various jets
including Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Sukhoi-30 MKI and Pilatus performing
daring low-level aerobatic manoeuvres. The skies over Chennai were painted in
the colours of the national flag as the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team and
Sarang Helicopter Team mesmerised the crowd with thrilling performances.
Static display
The static display featured state-of-the-art such as ALH Mk-4,
C-295 Transport aircraft, Akash Missile Defence System, HTT-40, and Rohini
radar.
The event was a fitting tribute to IAF’s nearly a century of unwavering
dedication and unparalleled service to the nation, embodying the theme of
‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar’.