New Delhi (NVI): Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, on its 88th foundation day of the Indian Air Force, said that IAF demonstrated its operational capability in northern frontiers amid the India-China face-off recently and expressed confidence that Rafale induction will boost the force’s combat capability.
While inspecting the 88th Indian Air Force Day parade at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad today, the IAF chief said that the IAF stands ever ready to protect the nation’s sovereignty and interests ‘in all circumstances.’ He said the IAF is undergoing a transformational change as it entered its 89th year.
Air Force Day Parade 2020. Live from Air Force Station Hindan. https://t.co/QNWdvkvjZG
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 8, 2020
“I would like to commend all warriors for the quick response, in the recent stand-off on our northern frontiers, when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality and provided proactive support to all the requirements of deployment and sustenance for the Indian Army,” Bhadauria said in his speech.
“We have clearly demonstrated our resolve, operational capability, and the will to effectively engage the adversary, should the need arise,” the IAF chief added.
The IAF chief said that the force is undergoing a transformational change and is entering an era that will redefine where it employs aerospace power and conduct integrated multi-domain operations.
“I want to assure the nation the IAF will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and interests,” the air chief further said.
“I commend all air warriors for a quick response in the recent standoff on the northern frontiers, when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality and provided proactive support to all requirements of deployment and sustenance for Indian Army,” Bhadauria said.
The Air Chief further said that 2020 has been an ‘unprecedented year’ as said the nation’s response to Covid-19 spread was firm as it spread across the globe. “The tenacity and resolve of our air warriors ensured that the IAF continued to retain its capability to undertake full-scale operations throughout this period,” Bhadauria said.
Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army chief General MM Naravane and Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh also attended the grand parade organised by Indian Air Force at the Hindon airbase.
Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and others extended their greetings to the IAF on its 88th anniversary.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Our Army is known for its valour and professionalism. It is also respected for its humanitarian spirit. Whenever people have needed help, our Army has risen to the occasion and done everything possible! Proud of our Army.”
एयर फोर्स डे पर भारतीय वायुसेना के सभी वीर योद्धाओं को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। आप न सिर्फ देश के आसमान को सुरक्षित रखते हैं, बल्कि आपदा के समय मानवता की सेवा में भी अग्रणी भूमिका निभाते हैं। मां भारती की रक्षा के लिए आपका साहस, शौर्य और समर्पण हर किसी को प्रेरित करने वाला है।#AFDay2020 pic.twitter.com/0DYlI7zpe6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020
Indian Air Force Day is commemorated on October 8 every year to mark the foundation day of the Air Force.
This year IAF day is special as the newly-inducted Rafale fighter aircraft are being featured in the IAF Day parade. Two newly inducted Rafale jets are a part of the flypast.
A total of 56 aircraft are there for aerial display and 11 jets on static display.
Nishan Toli being led by Squadron Leader Shivangi Rajawat marched at the Hindon Air Force Station on the occasion.
-CHK/ARK
