Kalam unveils vision for futuristic Indian Air Force

India
Kalam unveils vision for futuristic Indian Air Force
By IANS, Mar 7, 2007 - 4:12:04 PM

Chandigarh, March 7 - President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Wednesday utilized a military parade here to walk down memory land and also unveil his vision for a futuristic Indian Air Force - by 2025.

'I visualize the IAF of 2025 to be based on our scientific and technological competence in the development of communication satellites, high precision resource mapping satellites, missile systems, unmanned super-sonic aerial vehicles and electronics and communication systems,' the president declared.

He was speaking after taking the salute at the president's review of IAF. This is only the fourth time such an event has been conducted and coincides with the IAF's platinum jubilee celebrations.

'This capability will enable the air force to succeed in the electronically controlled warfare in the midst of space encounters, deep-sea encounters and ballistic missiles encounters.

'The winner of future warfare will be the warriors who can visualize the strength of the enemy, based on the current scientific and technological capabilities and develop suitable strategies for meeting any eventuality,' the president said.

The entire range of 27 aircraft types IAF operates were on display on the ground and in the air during the review. Among the highlights was formation flying by 17 Jaguar combat jets, forming the figures 75 in the sky.

There was nostalgia too as the show featured perhaps the last public display of the Canberra bomber-turned reconnaissance aircraft, which are being retired this year after 50 years in service.

According to Kalam, the IAF by 2025 'will be a model air force for the rest of the world to emulate, endowed with the very best of technology in the world, alert and agile strategic planning capability and above all the most professional and dedicated air warriors'.

Earlier, Kalam recalled his flight in a Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jet in June, saying he had learnt much from the flight and from the pilot.

'The previous night, Wing Commander Ajay Rathore briefed me on how to fly. Though I was an aeronautical engineer myself fully familiar with the theory of flight and the design of the aerospace vehicles, I listened to Wing Commander Ajay Rathore with intent and seriousness, because I always considered myself to be a student of flying.

'Wing Commander Ajay taught me how to pilot the plane as well as handle warfare control successfully of Su-30. It was a dream for me since 1958, when I became an engineer, to fly a fighter aircraft,' the president added.

Explained Air Marshal P.S. Ahluwalia, who heads IAF's Western Command that coordinated the event: 'Presidential reviews are historic occasions when the president ceremoniously mark his appreciation of our work.'

The IAF operates 27 types of helicopters, combat jets, trainers and transport aircraft. At least one aircraft of each type was on view - either as part of the static display or as part of a fly past that was also staged on the occasion.

There was also a display of combat air patrolling - by Mi-35 helicopter gun ships, and the staging of helicopter-borne operations by IAF's special 'Garud' force of commandoes.

Another unique feature was that all the 41 presidential colours or standards that have been awarded so far to IAF squadrons and establishments were displayed during the parade.

The grand finale was an enthralling aerobatic display by the four-helicopter Sarang team and the nine-aircraft Suryakiran team.

The event was held for the first time April 1, 1954 when then president Rajendra Prasad reviewed a parade and presented colours to IAF. At that time, there was only a static display of aircraft.

This event coincided with the assumption of charge by the first IAF chief, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee.

The second review took place April 1, 1972 when V.V. Giri was president. This was the first time an aerial display was also conducted. The third was conducted Jan 19, 1976 when Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was president.

Among the aircraft the IAF operates are:

Helicopters: Cheetah, Chetak, Chetal, MI-8, MI-17, MI-26, MI-35, Dhruv -.

Fighters/Bombers: MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Sukhoi SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Canberra.

Transports: HS-748, AN-32, Il-76.

VIP aircraft: Boeing-737, Embraer.

Refullers: Il-78.

Trainers: HPT-32, HJT-16 -, Iskara TS-11.

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