Confronting Challenges

The IAF stands today at the threshold of acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities, synonymous with India’s growing regional stature and expanding national interests

OON THE OCCASION OF

the 84th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF), I extend my warm felicitations to all air-warriors, NCs (E), DSC personnel, civilians and their families. My special greetings to our esteemed air veterans and their families. The Air Force Day is a momentous occasion as we look back on our rich past with a deep sense of pride on our achievements over the last eight decades. The IAF stands today at the threshold of acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities, synonymous with India’s growing regional stature and expanding national interests. In the year gone by, the IAF has continued to grow from strength to strength. The flying effort of the IAF of more than 2,70,000 hours during the year gone by, is the highest in decades. The IAF not only flew 40,000 hours more than the average over the last ten years, it also recorded the second lowest ever accident rate of 0.22. However, the tragic loss of 29 personnel onboard the missing An-32 aircraft reminds us of the inherent risks and challenges of military aviation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the personnel who were onboard the An-32 aircraft. The IAF achieved a number of operational milestones during the year. The successful conduct of Exercise Live Wire, an Air Force level exercise and the Fire Power Demonstration, Exercise Iron Fist-16 at Pokhran range, aptly showcased the operational capability and readiness of