The President said the IAF was inducting women officers in all roles and branches, and the number of women fighter pilots was slated to rise.
Published Jun 17, 2023 | 11:09 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 17, 2023 | 11:09 PM
President Droupadi Murmu. (Twitter)
The Indian Air Force was taking steps to be ever-ready and future-ready keeping in view the overall security scenario, including the challenges of fighting a high-technology war in a network-centric future battle space, President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday, 17 June, in Hyderabad.
She was addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal.
Murmu also highlighted the role of brave warriors of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in defending the country in the wars with ”the hostile neighbour” (Pakistan) in 1948, 1965 and 1971.
She said that their names were written in golden letters in the country’s history.
President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. https://t.co/nWnZjUFjfA pic.twitter.com/3QqMSVabCQ
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 17, 2023
Murmu said that the ability to absorb technology at a rapid pace will be essential for the defence preparedness of India at land, sea, and air.
“I am happy to note that our Air Force is taking steps to be ever-ready, especially future-ready keeping in view the overall security scenario including the challenges of fighting a high technology war in a network-centric future battle space,” she said.
She added that modernisation of the IAF by the induction of Rafale fighter aircraft and Chinook heavy lift choppers strengthens the operational capabilities of the force.
Murmu pointed out the successful evacuation operation of the IAF to airlift more than 600 Indians and other nationals stuck in Kabul while speaking about the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief measures undertaken by the IAF during the crisis.
I am delighted to be here at the Combined Graduation Parade of Indian Air Force Officer Trainees. I congratulate all the trainees being commissioned into the different branches of the Indian Air Force. pic.twitter.com/mtBrY0aiVx
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 17, 2023
Murmu recalled her experience of flying a sortie in April 2023 in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tejpur Air Force station in Assam for nearly 30 minutes.
“I flew for nearly 30 minutes covering Brahmaputra and Tejpur valleys with a great view of the Himalayas before returning to the Air Force station. It was indeed a great experience to fly at a height of about 2 km above sea level at a speed of about 800 km/hour,” she said.
She said the IAF is now inducting women officers in all roles and branches, and the substantial number of women fighter pilots will increase in the future.
The President, who is the commander-in-chief of the three Armed forces, was the chief guest on the occasion and the Reviewing Officer of the CGP.
The CGP of the 211th course was held at the AFA. It marked the successful completion of the challenging pre-commissioning training of the flight cadets of various branches of the IAF.
