QUEST FOR GLOBAL OUTREACH

On the occasion of the 91st IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force

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SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Heartiest Congratulations to you on the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force. As the Chief of the Air Staff, how do you perceive this great-long journey of our Air Force since its inception?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): From its modest beginning with four Westland Wapiti aircraft in 1932, the IAF has grown by leaps and bounds to become the fourth largest Air Force in the world. Since its inception, IAF has emerged as a crucial instrument of military power to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. From its baptism by fire in 1947-48 to executing a well calibrated punitive strike in 2019, it is a saga, the entire country is proud of.

IAF is equally proud to be at the forefront in nation building. Be it evacuation of Indian diaspora from conflict zones outside the country or timely aid to civil power in HADR operations, IAF has always taken the lead. Evacuation of Indians from Sudan as part of Operation Kaveri, is one such unique achievement of the IAF, which makes me proud of my dedicated air warriors and asserts IAF’s dedication to the nation.

The theme for this year’s Air Force Day is “Airpower beyond Boundaries”. In our quest for global outreach, we carried out eight exercises this year with various Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) across the globe. In addition, we also conducted six exercises in India and more are in the pipeline.

SP’s: There is a saying that never under-estimate your enemy who may otherwise appear to be smaller, on the face of it. Could you kindly elaborate on the key factors?