NEW DELHI: As the Indian Air Force (IAF) approaches its 91st-anniversary celebration scheduled for October 9, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari shared significant updates and insights during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Under the theme “Air Power beyond Boundaries,” the upcoming event promises a display of aerial prowess and highlights the IAF’s dedication to its mission.

Chaudhari began by setting the stage for the anniversary, stating, “About 120 aircraft of various types will participate, from heritage aircraft like the Tigermoth and Harvard to the newly inducted C-295.”

Highlighting the Indian Air Force’s role in nation-building, the Chief Air Marshal said, “We’ve conducted rescue operations in Himachal and Ladakh during natural calamities.”

Turning to the IAF’s global involvement, Chaudhari remarked, “From Sudan to Turkey, the IAF has played a role in aiding nations facing turmoil.”

Chaudhari then shifted focus to modernisation, sharing, “Our annual acquisition scheme for this year will amount to approximately 42,000 crores.”

He stressed the importance of human resources, stating, “Human resource management is a top priority, and we aim to place the right individuals in the right positions. We’ve forged partnerships with academic institutions for Agniveer Vayus.”

Addressing the subject of gender equality in Air forces, Chaudhari said, “The IAF has always been gender-agnostic. We’re proud to have appointed the world’s first female combat commander.”

Regarding national security with neighbours China and Pakistan, Chaudhari outlined, “We maintain vigilant border monitoring. Our operational plans remain adaptable and dynamic. In places where we cannot counter through numbers, we’ll counter through tactics with our nation’s enemies.”

Chaudhari highlighted the beneficiaries of the Agneepath scheme, explaining, “This programme has revolutionised air warrior training, reducing the duration from 36 to 22 weeks and enhancing the overall training process.”

The Chief Marshal also touched on regional developments, stating, “We’ve trained aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh for the North East project, and similar work will commence in Ladakh. We aim to establish modern urban aircraft centers in border areas.”

The 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force is scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district. The event is expected to attract an audience of over 20,000 school children.