IAF turns 90: Celebrates its magnificent air warriors & their flying machines

Chandigarh. From the single-engine Wapiti biplane to the supersonic Rafale and the SU-30, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 8 turned 90 with a grand parade here, for the first time outside the National Capital Region, and the announcement that a weapons systems branch had been created to improve operational capabilities.

Addressing the gathering after inspecting a smartly turned-out parade, the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, said: “It is my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a weapon systems branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force.”

“This is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being created. The creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training,” he said.

“In a historic step for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the government has approved the creation of a new branch called the weapon systems branch,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The creation of this branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.

The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams — surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft and weapon system operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. It will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force.

“We are increasingly seeing the convergence of all these domains in one continuum in the form of hybrid warfare. The conventional systems and weapons will need to be augmented by modern, flexible and adaptive technology,” Chaudhari said while emphasising on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

“We’ve inherited the proud legacy curated by sheer hard work, perseverance and vision of our predecessors. We must acknowledge the contributions of our veterans who chartered this course. Now the onus is on us to usher IAF into the centenary decade.”

Referring to the recently-launched Agnipath scheme, ACM Chaudhary said: “Induction of air warriors into IAF through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge for all of us. But more importantly, it’s an opportunity for us to harness the potential of India’s youth and channelise it towards the service of the nation.

“We’ve changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start a career in IAF. In December this year, we’d be inducting 3,000 ‘Agniveer Vayu’ for initial training. This number will go up in the years to come.”

“We are also planning to induct women Agniveers starting next year. Creation of infrastructure is in progress and streamlining of trade structures is being finalised,” he said.