Commending the Air Force Day Parade October 8 for their impressive turnout, precise and well-coordinated drill movements and spirited demonstration which truly reflected the sense of pride, professionalism and discipline of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha exhorted the air warriors to continue to serve the nation with honour and dignity in the highest traditions of the IAF to live up to its motto ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’. Major excerpts of the CAS’ address are given below:-
THE AIR Force Day is a momentous occasion as we look back on our glorious past with pride and satisfaction in our achievements over the last eight decades. On behalf of all the serving men and women of the Indian Air Force (IAF), I acknowledge with gratitude, the sterling contributions made by all our Veterans whose resilient spirit, leadership and vision have laid the foundation of today’s Air Force. As the IAF flies into the 84th year, there is increasing turbulence in the global and regional security environment. India is being increasingly seen as a ‘Net Security Provider’ in the Indian Ocean Region. The diffused nature of threats, pose new and greater challenges. As a vital instrument of national power, the IAF is being called upon as the first responder in most contingencies both in peace and in war. I am happy to state that over the last year, our operational preparedness has been of a very high order and the IAF achieved a number of milestones. The flying effort of more than 270,000 hours in the last year was the highest in decades and was 40,000 hours more than the last 10 years average. The successful conduct of Ex-Live Wire, the most intensive and extensive Air Force level exercise and the Fire Power Demonstration, Ex-Iron Fist-2016, conducted over day, dusk and night hours, aptly showcased the operational capability and readiness of the IAF.
Our participation in International Exercises like the recently completed deployment to Alaska for Ex-Red Flag and to UAE for Ex-Desert Eagle with a large contingent, demonstrated our growing strategic reach and power projection capabilities.
Continual Air Logistics missions for Police Forces flown towards Op Triveni and Air Maintenance of the Army, most of which were executed in challenging terrain and weather conditions, have been noteworthy.
Our Air Defence network has also been significantly strengthened by induction and integration of modern sensors and weapon systems. With the final phase of IACCS likely to be completed soon, we are progressively nearing our goal of establishing a robust Network Centric Operations capability. The pilot phase of the Electronic Maintenance Management System, i.e., E-MMS project has been operationalised at AF Station Pune for Su-30 aircraft in May this year. Post its implementation across all fleets and systems, the maintenance work environment will be more efficient, resulting in reduced down times, increased operational preparedness and enhancement in maintenance safety. This has been a historic year not only for the IAF and the Armed Forces but also for all the women of our country, as for the first time, three women officers have been commissioned as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force.
As always, the IAF fulfilled its important Nation building responsibilities with alacrity. The IAF’s swift and prompt response during the agitation in Haryana, floods in Chennai, suppressing forest fires in Kollam and Uttarakhand, airlift of relief material to Fiji and Sri Lanka and evacuation of our stranded diaspora from South Sudan was indicative of the IAF’s HADR capabilities, both within the country and abroad. Without regard for personal comfort and safety, our air-warriors braved daunting challenges and saved precious lives. Accomplishment of all tasks allotted to the IAF speaks volumes of the professionalism and operational capability of our air-warriors.
It is indeed noteworthy that all organs of the IAF, i.e., Operations, Maintenance and Administration have worked tirelessly with total synergy to sustain high levels of combat potential.
To augment the strength of fighter fleet several steps have been initiated. The Mid-Life Upgradation of M 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar fleets is already under way. Acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft in next few years and early decision on indigenous ‘Make in India’ fighter aircraft project would greatly enhance our operational capability in the near term. Induction of additional C-130J special operations aircraft, Apache Attack Helicopters, and Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters would further add to our capabilities.
However, to attain true strategic autonomy and be a credible Aerospace Power, the IAF is focussing on indigenous manufacturing of aircraft, radars, missiles and other aviation equipment. The first LCA squadron has been recently formed in Bangalore and orders for a total of 120 Tejas aircraft have also been placed. The induction of ALH, Akash SAGW, Air-to-Air Astra Missile, IACCS and AD Radars are some of the other success stories of our indigenisation effort. Induction of LCH, AEW&C, HTT – 40 basic trainer aircraft are also planned.
As I had mentioned earlier, the world today is in a flux and threats are no longer easy to identify. The terrorist attacks on Pathankot Air Base and Uri Army Base are stark reminders of the troubled times we live in. To counter any future sub-conventional threat to our Bases, we have instituted various new security measures. Courses are being conducted to increase security training and consciousness, physical fitness and combat efficiency of air-warriors. Procurement of state-of-the-art equipment is on fast track to further bolster our security infrastructure and capacities. Improving the standard of living and quality of life of our air-warriors and their families and providing a healthy work environment has been a key result area. Rapid progress has been made in creation of better accommodation and messes, schools, sports infrastructure, medical and recreation facilities in all our AF Stations. Towards re-employment of our air-veterans a MoU has been signed between the Ministry of efence and the Ministry of Skill Development. All air-warriors who have undergone skill certification courses as a part of this initiative have been absorbed in the Private Sector. The IAF is working with dedication to enhance ‘jointness’ amongst the Services. The core competence of each Service is being synergised to generate the desired effect and capability. Large scale participation by the IAF with the Army and the Navy in Joint exercises and vice-versa for AF exercises has been very rewarding. Recently, a Brigade level paradrop was conducted by night for the first time.
The Indian Air Force has truly transformed into a strategic Air Force with overwhelming precision strike capability, operating in a network centric environment. Pioneering spirit, capacity to embrace emerging technologies and to quickly operationalise them, will remain the abiding ethics of our future growth path. It is indeed a proud privilege to lead such a fine professional force of air-warriors.
The Indian Air Force is grateful for the People’s trust and confidence in our capabilities. I would like to express my gratitude to the Government for the support to our modernisation plans. On the 84th Anniversary of the IAF, I once again reassure the People of India of the IAF’s capability and commitment in meeting all National Security Challenges and defending the sovereignty of our aerospace frontiers.
Jai Hind
