Bhuj, February 15
Calling upon Air Force squadrons to equip themselves for technology driven warfare, the President and Supreme Commander of the armed forces, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, said the winner of future warfare would be the force which could visualise the strength of the enemy, not based on the previous war, but based on the current capabilities, and technological advancements in the global scenario.
“You have got greater responsibilities of keeping an eye on the technological advancements in addition to keeping an eye on the borders of our country”, Dr Kalam said while addressing IAF officers after presenting the President’s Standard to No. 37 squadron, a fighter outfit, and No. 48 Squadron, a transport unit, here today.
Stating that force multipliers were essential to enhance operational capabilities of the IAF’s fighter squadrons, the President said the whole future war environment will be a network-centric warfare and it could be electronically controlled, combined with space encounters, deep sea encounters, and ballistic missiles encounters.
He said India’s commercial activities in space had been increasing through communication, remote sensing and meteorological satellites and he was glad that the proposed aerospace command was taking shape.
Terming the armed forces as partners in all development missions, the President said national security was born out of economic growth and the capability to defend the nation against all types of threats.
“India is progressing on both fronts and you have roles in both. There will always be a dynamic environment along our borders needing eternal vigilance by our Air Force. You should remember that national development and national security have to go together and you should set an example as a good human being to our brethren”, he said.
Felicitating officers and men of both squadrons for the yeoman’s service rendered by them in the last five decades, he said their achievements had been remarkable in war as well as peace and had set a unique pursuit of excellence in air warfare.
An impressive parade, commanded by Wg Cdr Puneet Sharma was held, where the Standards were presented the squadrons.
The Standards were received by the Commanding Officer, 48 squadron, Gp Capt Parag Sharma, and Wg Cdr P. Mohan, Commanding Officer, 37 Squadron.
Flt Lt M.P. Khairnar and Flr Offr Kartik Ramesh were the Standard Bearers of the respective squadrons.
The President also released special first day covers to commemorate the occasion.
A photo exhibition, depicting the history and achievements of the squadrons was set up.
A fly-past by Mi-8 helicopters flying the Tricolour and the IAF ensign, AN-32, MiG-21 and MiG 29 aircraft was also organised, which was capped by a formation of three Su-30s executing a Trishul manoeuvre.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief South-Western Air Command Air Marshal P.K. Mehra, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command Air Marshal P.S. Ahluwalia and Commodore Commandant 37 Squadron Air Marshal S. Radhakrishnan were present.
