We Must Reform Or Become Relic: Air Chief Chaudhari In Air Force Day Speech 

By 2047, the Indian Air Force should become one of the best by being more 'agile and adaptive' to address the evolving challenges and to 'remain relevant', Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said. 

Bamrauli Air Base: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Indian Air Force chief, Sunday stressed the need to “remain relevant” with changing geopolitical dynamics, and urged the force to reform and not turn into a relic. Addressing the air warriors on the occasion of the Air Force Day, the Air Chief said, the IAF must become one of the best forces in the world by 2047 as the country is poised to become a developed country by 2047.

“If India is on the path to become a developed nation by 2047, then IAF must be one of the best, if not the best, by the time we complete 100 years in 2032. The vision, as laid down in our doctrine, is to be an agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests,” the IAF chief said.

He added: “In order to make our vision a reality, we must all play our respective parts diligently. We must reform, or become a relic. We must innovate, else become mundane and we must transform, else become irrelevant.”

Reiterating the fact that how hybrid warfare and multi-domain operations highlight the need to “redefine, reimagine and recalibrate” for the IAF, the Air Chief said going forward air power will “prove decisive in future conflicts".

He stressed: “Air Force operations extend worldwide, providing rapid mobility and global reach. 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 evolving air power, setting the pace to preserve peace and if and when necessary, to fight and win wars.” 

In 2023, the IAF has carried out eight exercises across the world with friendly foreign countries. For the first time, the indigenously built LCAs have participated in an overseas exercise. The IAF carried out extensive humanitarian disaster relief operations in Turkiye, Sudan and Syria, airlifting critical supplies and rescuing stranded Indian nationals. 

‘Complex And Dynamic Strategic Environment’

The Air Chief urged the air warriors to develop a flexible mindset in order to be able to fight future wars.“In this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building robust all round capabilities and more importantly, developing a flexible mind-set to prosecute future wars will prove decisive. In our quest for becoming an air and space force, we must recognise the importance of the space domain and continue developing our space capabilities,” he said.

Chaudhari added: “The world is changing at a rapid pace and we must meet all new challenges coming our way. We must continue to foster a culture of discipline, integrity and remain ever vigilant in the face of emerging threats. Our commitment to the defence of our nation remains steadfast and we will continue to protect our territory, deter potential adversaries and ensure the safety and security of our people. Indian Air Force is not just a military force, it is a symbol of our nation’s collective strength and determination.” 

The IAF Sunday celebrated its 91st anniversary at Air Force Station Bamrauli in Prayagraj. The morning parade was followed by an air display on the banks of the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj. 

General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), was also present on the occasion.

This is the first Air Force Day Parade that was commanded by a woman officer, Gp Capt Shaliza Dhami. She is also the first woman officer of the IAF to command a combat unit. The parade also included a flight of Garud Commandos of the IAF for the first time. The Garuds have recently completed 20 years of service to the nation.

The air display showcased about 108 aircraft of the IAF, along with ALH Dhruv helicopters of the Indian Army and a P-8l aircraft of the India Navy. The display featured the lAF's celebrated display teams, the Surya Kiran and the Sarang.

The newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft marked its first appearance in any air display in India, whereas the legendary MiG-21 Bison made its last appearance in an air display, prior to the planned phasing out by the year 2025.

The Air Chief Marshal Sunday also unveiled the Air Force's new ensign at Prayagraj. In the new ensign, the IAF's crest will be in the top right corner. This is the first time in 72 years such an exercise was undertaken by the IAF.