Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari while addressing the Air Force Day parade organised at Bamrauli here on Sunday, said that India wants to see itself as a developed country in 2047. In such a situation, it becomes most important that by the time the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2032, it should develop into one of the best air forces in the world.
He said the modern IAF is not only an air force, but it is also emerging in front of the world as a space super power. In such a situation, it becomes necessary that in view of the global competition, the IAF and airmen make themselves technically more efficient and capable.
Air Chief Marshal said the theme of this year’s Air Force Day is - Air Power Beyond Boundaries. This theme shows the inherent global reach of air power. Air Force operations span the globe, providing rapid mobility and global reach. This reach allows a nation to project air power beyond borders in the form of rapid deployment, HADR and peacekeeping missions. We need to understand the nuances of developing air power, setting the pace for maintaining peace and fighting and winning wars if necessary.
The Air Chief Marshal said the IAF has continuously evolved in the last nine decades. Today it is one of the best air forces in the world. But, is this enough? If India is on track to become a developed nation by 2047, then by the time we complete 100 years in 2032, the IAF should be one of the best.
Group Captain Shalija Dhami took charge of the IAF Day parade. She is the first woman Air Force officer to receive a command appointment in a combat unit. She has more than 2,800 hours of flying experience.
The Air Force celebrated its 91st Foundation Day. There was an air show of 120 aircraft on Sunday.
Showcasing a spectacular stunt, Air Force personnel jumped from a height of 8,000 feet. As many as 10 paratroopers performed their feat by jumping from AN-32 aircraft. The personnel untied and tied the Maruti Gypsy in five minutes. Three commandos hung from the helicopter in the sky and saluted the Air Chief Marshal.
A Kumbh-like crowd gathered at the Sangam. To control the crowd, the administration also installed barricades at many places. Showing a feat of indomitable courage and bravery, the air show started at Sangam in the afternoon. Vintage aircraft of the Navy and Army also took part. Helicopters like Chinook, Surya Kiran surprised everyone with their amazing feats.
Earlier, the new flag of the Air Force was unveiled. The emblem of the Air Force has been included in this. The Air Force was established in 1932. At that time it was the flag of the Royal Air Force. After the independence of the country, the tricolour and the Air Force goal sign were included for the first time in 1952. Since then this flag has been the identity of the Air Force. For the first time in the history of the Air Force, the flag has been changed on the occasion of the 91st Foundation Day.
Parade and fly past has been taking place in Delhi on the occasion of the Foundation Day of the Air Force. But, last year it was organised in Chandigarh and this time in Prayagraj. This was the second time that the air show was held outside Delhi.
On October 6, the sky of Prayagraj became a witness to indomitable bravery when Air Force fighter planes rehearsed before the air show.
Planes like Rafale, Sukhoi, MiG and Jaguar were seen performing acrobatics in the sky. Lakhs of people had come to see them at the Sangam on Sunday. Jaguars suddenly came roaring from among the clouds, then disappear within a few seconds. Tejas and MiG planes were seen performing acrobatics in 360 degrees. Apache aircraft were seen coming from the other side releasing fire balls into the sky, giving the audience a sense of his prowess.
The completely indigenous C-295 aircraft, manufactured by India and in Indian service, flew for the first time at Sangam.
At the same time, MiG-21 BISON left its historical legacy and flew its last flight. Two planes in the air gave it last salute in the sky itself. In the evening, when the sun started setting, the MiG-21 BISON disappeared in the sky forever.