Indian Air Force Day 2022 showcased 80 military aircraft and helicopters demonstrating its air strike capababilities in Chandigarh today.
The choppers and aircraft made a dazzling fly-past at the Sukhna Lake complex, the dress rehearsal for which took place on October 6. President Droupadi Murmu and Union defence minister Rajnath Singh were present at Sukhna Lake to witness the aerial show.
The Indian Air Force is celebrated its 90th anniversary today outside Delhi for the first time. A new combat uniform was also unveiled today.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall VR Chaudhary, the chief guest, reviewed the parade and announced the creation of a new operational branch of the Air Force.
“On this historic occasion, it’s my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a Weapon System Branch for the officers in the IAF. This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created. This will essentially be for manning of force specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft,” Air chief VR Chaudhary said, adding that it will save the government more than ₹ 3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training.
Air Force Day 2022: IAF inducts new Light Combat Helicopters
The Air Chief Marshall also said that the force is planning on induction of women Agniveers starting next year. “Creation of infrastructure is in progress and streamlining of trade structure is being finalised,” he said.
Air Force Day 2022: New Combat Uniform Revealed
The focus of IAF Day this year is on atmanirbharta, or indigenisation. Several made-in-India platforms will feature on IAF day – including the newly inducted Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, which were inducted into service last week.
President Draupadi Murmu is the chief guest today, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also attending the events, which are spread over the morning and afternoon.
It started at 9 am at Chandigarh air base with a speech by the IAF Chief and the unveiling of the new combat dress. The fly-past over Sukhna Lake begins at 2:45 pm.
