Lagatar24 Desk
Chandigarh, Oct 8: Today marks the Indian Air Force’s 90th anniversary, and for the first time, the festivities are being held outside of Delhi. The Chandigarh celebrations will include an eye-catching hour-long air display with up to 80 planes over the Sukhna Lake. A new combat uniform was also unveiled.
The chief guest, Air Chief Marshall VR Chaudhary, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade and made the announcement that a new operational branch of the Air Force had been established.
#WATCH | The 90th-anniversary celebrations of #IndianAirForce, underway in Chandigarh. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari also present on the occasion.
(Source: Indian Air Force) pic.twitter.com/e0DXXylz1M
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2022
“On this historic occasion, it’s my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a Weapon System Branch for the officers in the IAF. This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created. This will essentially be for manning of force specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft,” said Air chief VR Chaudhary. He added that it will save the government over Rs 3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training.
He also said that the force is planning on the induction of women Agniveers starting next year. “Creation of infrastructure is in progress and streamlining of trade structure is being finalised,” he said.
This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created…Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 cr due to the reduced expenditure on flying training: IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari#IndianAirForceDay pic.twitter.com/2QJRLhphdU
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2022
IAF Day this year has ‘atmanirbharta’, or indigenisation, as its theme. The day will highlight a number of made-in-India platforms, including the recently inducted Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, which entered service last week.
President Draupadi Murmu, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present at the ceremonies, which will take place throughout the morning and afternoon.
At Chandigarh Air Base, things began at nine in the morning with a speech by the IAF Chief and the debut of the new battle uniform. The fly-past above Sukhna Lake will start at 2:45 pm.
The official induction of the Indian Air Component as a supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in 1932 is commemorated on Air Force Day. The chief of the Indian Air Force and senior officers attend each year’s celebration of the day.
