- Thursday, November 28, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday (8) unveiled a new combat uniform for its personnel as part of its celebrations held in Chandigarh to commemorate the 90th anniversary.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari revealed the first look of what is described as a digitally camouflaged uniform for the air forces’ ground personnel. The uniforms bear pixelated designs that are suitable for all terrains.
The Indian Air Force’s new combat uniform unveiled! #AirForceDay2022 pic.twitter.com/odJa4DDC0C
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) October 8, 2022
Chaudhari said on the occasion that the Narendra Modi government has approved creation of a weapon system branch for IAF personnel.
“It is my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for officers in the IAF. This is the first time since the independence that a new operational branch has been created,” he said.
The new branch will man the specialised streams of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles; remotely piloted aircraft; and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft, the air chief marshal added.
He also said that the creation of the branch would save more than Rs 3,400 crore due to reduced expenditure on flying training.
Chaudhari inspected a ceremonial parade that was organised at the air force station in Chandigarh in the morning to mark the IAF’s anniversary. A march past followed soon after. Ensign formation by three Mi-17V5 helicopters did a fly-past when the IAF chief arrived.
This year’s anniversary celebrations theme was ‘IAF: Transforming for the Future’. This is the first time that the annual parade and fly-past are being held outside Delhi-National Capital Region.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi wished the IAF saying, “On Air Force Day, my greetings to the courageous air warriors and their families. In line with the motto of नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्, the Indian Air Force has shown exceptional dexterity for decades. They have secured the nation and also shown remarkable human spirit during disasters.”
On Air Force Day, my greetings to the courageous air warriors and their families. In line with the motto of नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्, the Indian Air Force has shown exceptional dexterity for decades. They have secured the nation and also shown remarkable human spirit during disasters. pic.twitter.com/6g9twDJAGx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2022
Earlier in the day, Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh wished the force, tweeting, “Greetings and best wishes to all courageous IAF air warriors and their families on the Indian Air Force Day. The IAF is known for its valour, excellence, performance and professionalism. India is proud of its men and women in blue. Wishing them blue skies and happy landings.”
Greetings and best wishes to all courageous IAF air warriors and their families on the Indian Air Force Day. The IAF is known for its valour, excellence, performance and professionalism. India is proud of its men and women in blue. Wishing them blue skies and happy landings. pic.twitter.com/PItTFHZX7T
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2022
The Air Force Day marks the official induction of the IAF in October 1932.
The air force was officially raised as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the UK in 1932 and the first operational squadron was created in 1933.
Major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai since 1950.
