Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat
On the occasion of the 88th Anniversary of Indian Air Force, our warm greetings to all Air Force personnel, defence civilians and their families.
The Indian Air Force has served the nation with utmost dedication, total commitment and unswerving loyalty. The recent induction of high-end combat platforms and weapons has transformed the Indian Air Force into a formidable force with multi-spectrum capability. IAF personnel have conducted themselves with the highest standards of professionalism and valour, in times of war and peace. The selfless devotion to duty displayed by the men and women in blue during the recent operational deployment reflects on their commitment to remain prepared to touch the sky with glory.
We compliment the contribution of each and every member of the Indian Air Force and extend our best wishes to all ranks and civilians on this momentous occasion.
Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal, RKS Bhadauria, PVSM AVSM VM ADC
On the occasion of the 88th Anniversary of the Indian Air Force, I extend my felicitations to all Air Warriors, NCs(E), DSC personnel, civilians and their families. My special greetings to our esteemed Air Veterans and their families.
Air Force Day is celebrated to mark the inception of IAF and to honour the courage, bravery and valour of our Air Warriors, past and present. As we pay tribute to our brave Air Warriors who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, we pledge to rededicate ourselves in service to our nation.
In the past year, we have witnessed contingencies as varied as the COVID-19 pandemic to the military face off along the LAC. The prompt response by our transport and helicopter fleets in providing 24 x 7 support for COVID-19 tasks was highly praiseworthy. Our squadrons and units remain on high alert in order to suitably address any adverse situation along our Northern borders. We have fulfilled our operational charter while undertaking all pre-planned and urgent ‘Air Maintenance’ efforts for the Indian Army, Para-military organisations and civil agencies, in some of the most challenging terrains and weather conditions. I commend all Air Warriors on their indomitable courage in discharging their duties and adapting to the new normal in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A dynamic security scenario with both conventional and sub-conventional threats, emanating at short notice, make it incumbent for us to train hard and prepare ourselves for all eventualities. We must maintain very high levels of operational preparedness and hone our skills by training in realistic environment.
The high value inductions and up-gradation of legacy equipment in past few months has ensured that we gain substantially in technology and capability. It is our individual and collective responsibility to absorb the changes and operationalise rapidly. While we work professionally to ensure physical security of our borders, we need to pay serious attention to safeguarding our critical information and infrastructure from cyber threats.
I urge all Air Warriors to prepare well and participate whole heartedly in the various training exercises that are being conducted to enhance our levels of readiness and capability. We are in the process of adopting a paperless, digital work environment by this year end with the induction of e-office, e-Maintenance Management System and host of operational software to optimally utilise all resources and expedite the work flow across the IAF. Numerous HR and administrative decisions have also been taken to improve our work and social environment. We all must ensure completion of all such measures in full. Be rest assured that along with professional growth, welfare and well-being of all our personnel and families is uppermost in my mind.
I congratulate all of you for the successes of IAF which would not have been possible without your sincere and dedicated efforts as a team. My compliments to all the commanders and supervisors in the field, who have worked admirably, in spite of the difficult environment due the pandemic, and delivered on all our operational goals. I feel proud and honoured to lead this great team of IAF.
My wife Asha and I, convey our greetings to all Air Warriors, NCs(E), DSC personnel, civilians and their families. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavours.