Guwahati: The Indian government gave its approval for the establishment of a weapon system branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.
A ceremonial parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the IAF was staged this morning at the air force base in Chandigarh.
The celebration’s theme this year was “IAF: Transforming for the Future.” This effectively emphasises the necessity for the Indian Air Force to rethink, reimagine, and recalibrate in order to become a modern, future-ready force.
“It is my pleasure to inform you that the government has given its approval for the establishment of a Weapon System Branch for IAF Officers. This is the first new operational branch to be established after independence, “said Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.
The main purpose of the transfer will be to staff four specialised streams in twin and multi-crew aircraft, including Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, and Weapon System Operators.
Chaudhari further disclosed that by cutting back on the cost of flying training, the opening of this branch would save more than Rs 3,400 crore.
He also emphasised the chance to utilise the potential of India’s young by integrating airmen into the IAF through the Agnipath programme.
“To ensure that every Agniveer is prepared to begin their career in the Air Force, we have modified our operational training technique. We are going to begin teaching 3,000 Agniveer Vayus in December of this year. To assure enough staffing in the years to come, this number will only increase “he added.
The construction of infrastructure and the streamlining of trade structure were both mentioned, along with plans for the induction of women Agniveers beginning the following year.
He emphasised the coordination between the three defence forces, adding, “Planning is required for the combined and integrated employment of combat power. The ability of a joint force to dominate across domains is made possible by having flexible, reliable, and redundant command and control structures. The three services are now working to improve their cooperation.”
The IAF started its 90th anniversary festivities at Sukhna Lake on Saturday.
The yearly parade and fly-past are being staged outside of Delhi-NCR for the first time.
Nearly 80 military aircraft and helicopters, including the recently introduced locally-built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) “Prachand,” took part in the IAF’s hour-long air display at the lake. They will demonstrate their aerial capabilities during the fly-past.