AIR FORCE DAY IAF chief Dhanoa says they are geared up to face any challenge to country’s security, prepared for a warlike situation
From page 01 GHAZIABAD: The air warriors put up a spectacular show, both in air and at the event venue held at the air strips of the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad on the 85th Air Force Day celebrations on Sunday.
The series included ground and aerial display by the indigenous-built Tejas, the light combat aircraft.
Addressing IAF personnel on the occasion, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said the IAF is prepared to fight a war at short notice. “We are prepared to fight at a short notice,” he said.
Dhanoa said the air force is confident to take any threat and is fully prepared to undertake the full spectrum of air operations and respond to challenges in a befitting manner. He also asked the personnel to remain combat worthy and to maintain combat system operational for any contingency at short notice.
He also said that the Air Force was acquiring multi- spectrum strategic capabilities and
remained committed to building a “joint manship” with the Indian Army and the Navy.
Dhanoa said security of all Air Force stations have been enhanced to combat any threat, including sub-conventional threats, after the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base station in Pathankot last year.
In January last year, terrorists sneaked in from across the border and attacked the air base. The attack claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the air warriors and extended greetings on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day. “On Air Force Day, I salute the valour, commitment and dedication of our brave air warriors. They safeguard our skies,” Kovind tweeted.
In a tweet, Modi said: “On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors and their families. Their determination and prowess ensure that our skies are safe.” Union minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre also greeted air warriors and their families.
The show had a major part of the air display of acrobatics and battle tactics performed by LCA Tejas. Its first squadron was formed in July last year.
