Pranab presents President’s Standards to MiG-27’s two squadrons based in West Bengal’s Alipurduar
Hasimara (West Bengal), Nov 28
Calling for mature statesmanship from India and China, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said the country should not look at China as an adversary anymore.
“We are in the same region, we have common interests. I don’t think that we should look at them as adversaries anymore,” Raha said in Alipurduar district.
“Yes, we had fought a conflict, we have borders to settle. I think it’s time for mature statesmanship from both the countries to reconcile on many issues,” he said.
All MIG-27 fighter jets, which have not been upgraded, will be phased out in the next couple of years and there are plans to introduce Rafale and Tejas, he added.
President Pranab Mukherjee said India was firmly committed to peace but was always prepared to deploy its military might to safeguard its sovereignty as he decorated two gallant IAF fighter aircraft squadrons at a strategic border airbase here today.
Mukherjee presented the President’s Standards to the 22nd and 18th Squadrons of the Indian Air Force operating the strike and combat superior MiG-27 aircraft to secure Indian skies along the eastern theatre during peace times and war.
The Squadrons are based here in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, strategically located right across the India-Bhutan border with the task to keep a vigil over the entire north-east border skies of India.
“India’s increasing eminence in the comity of nations draws its strength from the capabilities of our armed forces. Though we remain firmly committed to peace, we will use all our might to protect the sovereignty of the nation. I am confident that our valiant men and women in uniform will rise to the occasion,” the President said.
The President’s Standards are given to armed forces’ units which render exceptional and dedicated service over a period of time. Both the units which got the honours today have been doing so for the past 50 years now.
While the 18th Squadron, called the “Flying Bullets”, was formed in 1965 in Ambala, the 22nd Squadron was raised in 1966 in Bareilly and subsequently based at the Hasimara Air Force Station here.
Mukherjee praised the IAF’s role in carrying out numerous humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations especially during the 2013 deluge in Uttarakhand and during the earthquake in Nepal in April this year.
“The nation is indeed proud of you,” he said complimenting the two units and the Air Force.
The two air strike units decorated today have played important roles during the 1971 Indo-Pak war with the 18th Squadron being the lone recipient of the highest battle-time gallantry medal — the Param Vir Chakra — for the daredevil operation of its Flying Officer NJS Sekhon, who successfully brought down Pakistani air force “Sabre” fighter jets in skilled dogfights.
The 22nd Squadron, also called “The Swifts” for their fast and precision skills, earned its laurels during the same war when its fighters brought down three Pakistani jets over Jessore in a single sortie.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and senior air force officers were present at the event along with state government officials. — PTI