The IAF’s prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to its combat readiness and its ongoing capability enhancement programme is aimed at achieving desired results “swiftly and decisively” across domains, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said on Friday.
In an address on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, he also strongly called for upgrading the training modules for air warriors and asked senior officials to invest time and efforts in “nurturing and empowering” their subordinates and young officers and to consider it as their primary task.
Referring to the tri-services integration, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also “assured,” the nation of the Indian Air Force’s “unwavering commitment” towards delivering joint capability and generating integrated response options as a part of a coherent national strategy.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen M M Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command, Air Marshal Amit Dev, several top senior officials of the three services and defence attachés of various countries were among those present at the event.
The IAF also carried out a spectacular air display showcasing its vintage aircraft and modern fleet on the occasion. A total of 75 aircraft took part in the air show, also marking 75th year of India’s Independence.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings to the IAF on the occasion.