Having completed 88 years of glorious service to the nation, the Indian Air Force can boast of immence operational successes in its role as the guardian of the nation’s sovereignty and its skies.
The IAF has currently become the weapon of first choice in the fast changing strategic paradigm of war-fighting. Day night and in all weather, the IAF is always ready to undertake any task with exceptional professional skills.
Having attained a status of a modern technologically superior force with some of the most lethal weapon systems in the world, the IAF is a force which provides true deterrence against its adversaries in the region.
Swift response and long range precision attacks define IAF capabilities. The Air Warriors of IAF are known for their high motivation, determination and successful results. That motivation and determination to defend the nation is at any cost, at any time, with high professional competence.
IAF is currently in the midst of a significant transformation towards modernization. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria has stated:-
“ ….we are changing the way we fight, train and maintain. The focus is on integration within the Service and with our sister Services. Modern weapon systems, sensors and cutting edge technologies are entering our daily activities and we need to operationalize these without delay. Given budget constraints, we need to be innovative in our drive to attain high combat capability. The IAF assures the nation of its unflinching resolve to safeguard the nations sovereignty and no cost is too high for us”.
The IAF’s transformation is taking place at a rapid pace with focused upgrades and application of modern technologies. IAF has acquired state of the art systems in the air and on ground, and has armed its air warriors with lethal weaponry to fight and win wars.
From most modern fighter jet, Rafale, to the most advanced Apache and Chinook helicopters. With aerial weapons that can be delivered at ranges of 300 km with pin point accuracy to Surface to Air Missile systems of high lethality at long ranges.
Towards attaining strategic autonomy IAF is focusing on indigenous designs to develop latest technology systems in consonance with the nations drive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Make in India. It is a matter of pride that IAF is inducting modern Indigenised weapon systems in order to promote homegrown products and systems .IAF’s training is constantly evolving to ensure its engineers and technicians are always prepared to meet the challenges of operating modern technologies.
IAF has been training with friendly air forces, promoting exchange of operational experience and knowledge, and to enhance interoperability.
IAF believes that jointness and international cooperation are the mantra for moving forward in the current geo-strategic environment. Combat capability of Indian Armed Forces is being synergized to fight futuristic wars. IAF excels in execution of its operational tasks to defend the nations skies while contributing the efforts of nation building.
The Air Warriors of Indian Air Force not only display professionalism and fortitude in safeguarding the nation, but also respond with same swiftness and alacrity in the hour of humanitarian crisis, disasters and relief operations. During India’s fight against COVID pandemic, stranded Indian nationals were airlifted from across the globe, while all possible assistance was extended to friendly nations. The role of IAF in nation building and supporting the civil authorities, has been of high priority which indicates its readiness to respond to mitigate challenges of varied nature.
Over the years IAF has planned and trained to carry out effect based operations with swift response, thereby enhancing reach and precision strikes. The indomitable spirit of the IAF continues to maintain a substantial edge over its adversaries. IAF remains proud of its highly motivated and skilled air warriors to undertake any task, any where at day night and in all weather, in service of the nation. Always determined and dedicated to TOUCH THE SKY WITH GLORY.
Courtesy … Air Mshl Ajit Bhavnani (Retd)