Lucknow: There is a need to understand the nuances of growing air power, preserve peace and if necessary, fight and win wars, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said here Sunday at a time of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Palestine-Israel face-off.
Chaudhari was addressing the parade in Prayagraj’s Bamrauli on the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 91st anniversary, one of whose highlights was the unveiling of its new ensign.
The IAF chief pushed for faster adoption of technology. “We must strive to be leaders in technology and innovation and invest in cutting-edge research, development and acquisition. Innovation must become part of our DNA, enabling us to adapt to emerging threats and challenges with ease. The force structure we develop must be future-ready,” Chaudhari said.
This was the first IAF parade commanded by a woman, Group Capt Shaliza Dhami. Chaudhari underscored its significance. “Our Air Force is recognised as a service that provides excellent opportunities to bond together as a community, with newer avenues for women empowerment,” he said.
This was also the first IAF parade where an all-women contingent, composed of the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu women, marched with their male counterparts.
In the context of readiness, the IAF chief flagged rapidly shifting realities. “There is a need to assess ourselves candidly and to address any inhibitions to change,” Chaudhari said.
From multi-domain operations to hybrid warfare, there was a need to recognise that modern warfare transcends traditional boundaries. “The world is changing at a rapid pace and we must meet all new challenges coming our way. The Indian Air Force is not just a military force, it is a symbol of our nation’s collective strength and determination,” said Chaudhari, quoting a shloka (verse) from the Bhagwat Gita to buttress his point.
The Gita also found an echo in the new IAF ensign that Chaudhari unveiled on the occasion — in the force’s motto “Nabh Sprisham Deeptam (touching the sky with glory)” . Changes have been made to the upper right corner of the flag in the new ensign as the Air Force crest has been incorporated on the fly side.
This crest prominently features the national symbol, the Ashoka Lion at the top, with the words ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in Devanagari script below it. Beneath the Ashoka Lion is a Himalayan eagle with outstretched wings, symbolising the fighting spirit of the IAF.
Encircling the Himalayan eagle is a light blue ring with the words ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’. The IAF motto from the Gita is inscribed below the eagle.
As the Air Chief unveiled the ensign, two drones lifted a large flag from behind a curtain wall. The ensign was then hoisted, while the previous version was lowered, folded with full honours and handed over to the Air Chief. It will now become part of exhibits at the Air Force Museum. The IAF has changed its ensign after 72 years.
Another highlight of the event was an air show that delighted denizens. It featured IAF paragliders taking a 360-degree turn in the air, paratroopers jumping from 8,000 feet at 150km/hr towards the ground. The bravery of Garud Commandos was on display, too.
