India’s geopolitical landscape conducive to develop indigenous arms capability: IAF Chief

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 8 (ANI): Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Sunday said that the India’s current geopolitical landscape has provided the IAF an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capability. The Air Chief Marshal was addressing the Air Force Day celebration parade at Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj.

“The last one year had brought its fair share of challenges our way. I am happy to note that the IAF has performed exceedingly well and passed every test with flying colours. We have not only circumvented challenges but also turned those challenges into opportunities. The current geopolitical landscape has provided us an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capability,” IAF Chief Chaudhari said.

The Air Chief Marshal also talked about the importance of understanding “evolving air power” in the world.

“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 (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief ) 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,” the IAF Chief said.

He said that over the past nine decades, the IAF has constantly evolved and transformed into one of the finest air forces in the world.

“But is that enough? If India is on the path to becoming 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,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said.

He also said that the IAF must recognise the importance of the space domain and continue developing its space capabilities.

“In this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building robust all-round capabilities and more importantly, developing a flexible mindset to prosecute future wars will prove decisive,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said.

“Indian Air Force is not just a military force, it is a symbol of our nation’s collective strength and determination,” he added.

Indian Air Force on Sunday morning started the 91st-anniversary celebration with a ceremonial parade at Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj. This will be followed by an Air Display over the Sangam area, in the vicinity of the Ordnance Depot Fort in Prayagraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished Indian Air Force personnel and their families on Air Force Day which is being celebrated in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

“Best wishes to all air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. India is proud of the valour, commitment and dedication of the Indian Air Force. Their great service and sacrifice ensure our skies are safe,” PM Modi wrote on X.