Prayagraj

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, while addressing the 91st Indian Air Force Day on Sunday, said that if India is on the path to becoming a developed nation by 2047 the Indian Air Force must be one of the best by the time we complete 100 years.

"In my first address two years ago, I spoke about my experience with all air warriors, so that the Air Force remains relevant and contemporary. In my last year's address, I spoke about the requirements and transformation, and how hybrid warfare and multi-domain operations highlight the need to redefine, reimagine, and recalibrate ourselves. This year,  I would like to focus on making that vision a reality," he said.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said, "In the past nine decades, Indian Air Forces have constantly evolved and transformed as one of the finest air forces of the world, if India is on the path to becoming a developed nation by 2047, then India Air forces must be one of the best, if not, the best by the time we complete 100 years by 2032, the vision has laid down a doctrine, that is to be an agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive air power in furtherance of national interest, In order to make a vision a reality we must play our part diligently, we must reform or become a relic, we must innovate else become mundane, we must transform else become irrelevant."

"The theme for this year is 'Indian Air Force: Air Power Beyond Boundaries'. The theme aptly reflects the inherent global reach of air power and how air power will prove decisive in future conflict. Air force operations extend worldwide, providing rapid mobility and global reach, and this reach allows a nation to project air power beyond boundaries, in the form of rapid deployment, HADR, and peacekeeping missions. We need to understand the nuances of air power, setting to preserve peace if and when necessary to fight and win wars," added the IAF Chief.

While addressing the IAF personnel, he urged them to strive for excellence.

"First and foremost, I would like to urge you to strive for excellence in everything you do. This is non-negotiable. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards in every facet of our operations, training, maintenance, and administration," he said, adding, "We must strive to be leaders in technology and innovation. We must invest in cutting-edge research, development, and acquisition to build technological superiority. Innovation must become a part of our DNA, enabling us to easily adapt to emerging threats and challenges."

"The force structure that we need to develop must be future-ready. Joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the sine qua non of future wars. Developing unique tactics, carrying out realistic training, and incorporating relevant lessons learned will go a long way," he added.