Air Force celebrates 90th anniversary, “Aatmanirbharta” in focus
IAF Day this year has atmanirbharta, or indigenization, as its theme. IAF Day will highlight a number of made-in-India platforms, including the recently inducted Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, which entered service last week.
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Today marks the 90th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, and to mark the occasion, it is being held outside of Delhi for the first time. The Chandigarh celebrations will include an eye-catching hour-long air display with up to 80 planes over Sukhna Lake.
The Air Force day celebrations are usually held at the Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi.
Additionally, a new combat uniform was unveiled by the chief guest, Air Chief Marshall VR Chaudhary, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade and made the announcement that a new operational branch of the Air Force had been established.
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“On this historic occasion, it’s my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a Weapon System Branch for the officers in the IAF. This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created. This will essentially be for manning of force specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft,” Air chief VR Chaudhary said, adding that it will save the government more than ₹ 3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training.
The Air Chief Marshall also said that the force is planning on induction of women Agniveers starting next year. “Creation of infrastructure is in progress and streamlining of trade structure is being finalised,” he said
Things began at nine in the morning At Chandigarh Air Force Station, with a speech by the IAF Chief and the debut of the new battle uniform. At 2:45 pm, the fly-past above Sukhna Lake starts.
IAF Day this year has atmanirbharta, or indigenization, as its theme. IAF Day will highlight a number of made-in-India platforms, including the recently inducted Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, which entered service last week.
The chief guests today are President Draupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The official induction of the Indian Air Component as a supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in 1932 is commemorated on Air Force Day. The chief of the Indian Air Force and senior officers attend each year’s celebration of the day.
