Opportunity to reduce dependency on imports, develop indigenous capability: Air Chief on 91st anniversary of IAF

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 8 (ANI): Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, wished the air warriors on the 91st anniversary or founding day of the force on Sunday.
Addressing a gilded event to mark the Air Force Day at Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, the Air Force Chief said, " I extend best wishes to all the Indian Air Force personnel on our 91st anniversary. I wish to convey my compliments to the Air Chief Central Air Command and Air Chief Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj for putting up a befitting show. I also wish to compliment the parade commander and all the air warriors, keep it up."
Also underlining the need to reduce defence imports, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), the Air Chief said, "The current geopolitical landscape has provided an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports and develop indigenous capability. We have inducted the first batch of Agniveers and subsequent batches, including women Agniveers presently undergoing training. The rigour of the training has been increased for all training curricula with more emphasis on self-learning. In this year alone, the IAF carried out eight exercises with friendly foreign countries and performed exceptionally well. The LCAs, for the first time in overseas exercises, showcased their professional acumen, enhancing our stature as a potent air force."
On the humanitarian operations of the IAF, he said, "IAF carried out extensive HADR operations in Turkey, Sudan, and Seria, airlifting critical supplies and rescuing stranded Indian nationals"
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari added that as custodians of the country's "sovereignty and territorial integrity", the Air Force has inherited a "proud legacy of professionalism, perseverance, and passion".
He said, "Today we come together not only to celebrate this day but also to reflect on our rich history, and present achievements while charting the future. As custodians of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we have inherited a proud legacy of professionalism, perseverance, and passion. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our veterans, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the Air Force's identity, capability, and ethos. On behalf of all air warriors, I would like to pay homage to our braves who made supreme sacrifices in the line of duty. It is our solemn responsibility to preserve their legacy and uphold the values for which they thought."
"Last year had its fair share of challenges, and I am happy to note that the Indian Air Force has performed well and passed every test with flying colours," he added. (ANI)