External forces will not be allowed to violate Indian territory: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Friday said that the force will not allow the external forces to violate the country's territory and pledged to do all he can to provide the force with clear directions, good leadership and the best of resources that he can muster. While addressing the force on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff exhorted the Air Warriors that they must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate the country's territory. "When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed command at a crucial time. We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory," Air Marshal Chaudhari said. He pledged to do all he can to provide the force with clear directions, good leadership and the best of resources that he can muster. [caption id="attachment_768" data-align="alignnone" data-width="640"] Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari laying wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of 89th Air Force Day on October 08, 2021.[/caption] On behalf of all Air Warriors, he paid homage to fallen braves, who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. "Today, it is an occasion to renew our solemn pledge for preserving IAF's rich heritage and passing it on to the future generations," he said. IAF chief said that the last year had been quite challenging, yet extremely rewarding. The prompt actions in response to developments in Eastern Ladakh were a testament of IAF's combat readiness. India and China are engaged into border dispute in Eastern Ladakh since may last year. "Your accomplishments have been impressive and you have helped achieve significant progress in many areas. I want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make, while serving in this glorious service. I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead," he said He said that the force sacred duty to protect nation's sovereignty and integrity at any cost. "...you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down," he said. The security environment in the region and beyond has been impacted by a complex interplay of geo-political forces. Moreover, the advent of new domains - over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air - have resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted. In sync with the changing nature of war-fighting, ongoing capability enhancement in the Indian Air Force is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired effects across domains - swiftly and decisively. He said that theme for this year's anniversary celebrations is being self reliant and being capable. Indian Air Force chief said that the force has been at the vanguard of indigenisation in domestic aerospace sector, and due to concerted efforts at all levels, a large number of low tech, low cost and high volume spares have been indigenised across all fleets. The need of the hour is to reassess and realign with emerging trends, in order to gain from ongoing efforts towards greater self-reliance in high tech items. "I am happy to report that several projects are well underway for harnessing the potential of Automation, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in order to transform the way we fight future wars," he said. He stressed that force have to upgrade operational training methodology so that the young air warriors are equipped with the right skills and knowledge - for confident and audacious use in battle. "In fact, I am of the view that while we are actively pursuing self-reliance in hardware, innovative thought has historically been our core strength and I look forward to skilful and creative employment of these capabilities through development of our own unique tactics and ‘out-of-the-box' operational plans," he said. Talking of jointness among three services -- Air Force, Army and Navy, he said the Indian Air Force remains steadfast in its view that ‘integrated jointness' is the way ahead. "It is also our belief that the core competence of each service, indeed, of all organs of national power must be synergised to generate the desired effect and capability," he said. He wished to assure the nation of the force unwavering commitment towards delivering joint capability and generating integrated response options as part of a coherent national strategy. In the end, he told all the air warriors to do their best every day and he also promised to do the same. "We must look into the future with clear eyes, confronting the challenges before us and not forgetting the sacrifices made by our predecessors in service of the nation. I urge each one of you to continue to serve with pride and always remain true to the hallowed values that the Indian Air Force represents," he said.