Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC

On the occasion of the 91st anniversary of IAF, I would like to convey my best wishes to all enthusiastic readers of SP’s Aviation magazine.

On behalf of all air warriors, I pay homage to our fallen braves who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and acknowledge the sheer hard work, perseverance and vision of our predecessors for their contributions and selfless service. As custodians of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is indeed a momentous day for us to celebrate our achievements and reaffirm our commitment to the nation.

Over the last nine decades, Indian Air Force has grown from strength to strength and we can look back with justified pride and satisfaction at our accomplishments. While the IAF is exclusive by profession, we remain inclusive in our service to the nation. From Operation Kaveri in Sudan, Operation Dost in Turkiye and Syria to HADR operations in Punjab, Haryana, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttarakhand, the IAF has swiftly responded to all contingencies and come out with flying colours.

With an aim to retain our strategic autonomy, the transformation of IAF will be with Atmanirbharta as the cornerstone and we are well and truly on the path of acquiring multidomain capabilities, synonymous with India’s growing global stature and expanding national interests. The centennial decade will usher in a technological transformation of the IAF to become an agile and adaptable air force that will provide decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests.

My compliments to SP’s Aviation team for informative and credible reportage on contemporary aerospace issues over the past six decades and wish you success in all future endeavours. My best wishes to all readers of SP’s Aviation on the occasion of the 91st anniversary of IAF.

Happy Landings and Jai Hind!

September 21, 2023

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL
CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
INDIAN AIR FORCE