Hyderabad: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said that she is happy to note that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking steps to be ever-ready, especially future-ready keeping in view of the overall security scenario, including the challenges of fighting a high technology war in a network-centric future battle space.
Speaking after reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 211th course with full military splendor at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal near here, she said ‘the great role played by the brave warriors of the Indian Air Force in defending the country in the wars with the hostile neighbour in 1948, 1965 and 1971 is written in golden letters.
They demonstrated the same resolve and skills at the Kargil conflict and later, in destroying the terror hideout at Balakot.’
The President also said that the IAF also contributes to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Recently the IAF sprang into action despite adverse weather conditions during the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria to provide medical aid and disaster relief.
Earlier, ‘the successful evacuation operation to airlift more than 600 Indians and other nationals stuck in Kabul, involving flying and landing in a hostile environment is a testimony to the high capabilities of the IAF.’
Murmu said ‘I am glad that the Indian Air Force is now inducting women officers in all roles and branches. There is a substantial number of women fighter pilots which is bound to increase”.
The parade was followed by an aerobatic display by a Pilatus PC-7 trainer aircraft, a flypast by the formation of PC-7, an aerobatic show by Su-30, and synchronous aerobatic displays by the helicopter display team ‘Sarang’ and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Choudhari were present on the occasion.
