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Uttar Pradesh: Another new chapter has been added to the Air Force’s 91st anniversary on Sunday. Today the Indian Air Force got a new flag. On Sunday, Air Force President Chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhary changed the flag during the parade and also administered oath to the air warriors. This change has been made after 72 years. In the new ensign, the IAF crest features in the top right corner.
Addressing air warriors on the occasion of Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary said that the current geopolitical scenario has provided an opportunity for the force to reduce its dependence on imports by developing indigenous capabilities. The unveiling of the new ensign by the IAF came over a year after the Navy made changes in its ensign shedding its colonial past. He said that the world is changing rapidly and the Indian Air Force will have to face all the new challenges coming its way.
Air Chief Marshal Choudhary also outlined the need to understand the nuances of developing air power, “determine the pace of maintaining peace and, if necessary, fight and win wars.” He said that in this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building strong all-round capabilities and more importantly, developing a flexible mindset to prosecute future wars will prove crucial. He said, ‘In our quest to become an air and space force, we must recognize the importance of space and continue to develop our space capabilities.
The existing ensign was adopted in 1950, replacing the Royal Indian Air Force ensign that featured the Union Jack and the RIAF roundel (red, white and blue).Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said in his Air Force Day address,”As we start a new chapter in the history of IAF, let us all strive to be the change that we want to see.”
The Air Chief emphasized that innovation should be part of our DNA to enable the Air Force to easily deal with emerging threats and challenges. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards in every aspect of our operations, training, maintenance and administration. Why should we strive to become pioneers in technology and innovation? We must invest in cutting-edge research, development and acquisition to create technological superiority.
Innovation should become part of our DNA so that we can easily deal with emerging threats and challenges. Underscoring the need to clearly understand and address any obstacles to change, he said joint planning and integrated application of war power will be indispensable for future wars. “Developing a unique strategy, conducting realistic training and incorporating relevant lessons learned will be very helpful,” he said.
He said, “From multi-domain operations to hybrid warfare, the Air Force needs to recognize that modern warfare is beyond traditional boundaries. We have to seamlessly integrate air, space, cyber and land capabilities to dominate the battlefield.’ He said that in the last nine decades, the Indian Air Force has continuously evolved and transformed into one of the finest air forces in the world. “But is it enough? If India is to become a developed nation by 2047, when we turn 100 in 2032, the Indian Air Force must be one of the best.
Defense Minister Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Amit Shah, on Sunday greeted all Indian Air Force personnel on the 91st Air Force Foundation Day. The Indian Air Force kicked off its 91st anniversary celebrations with a ceremonial parade at Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj on Sunday morning.
