Addressing the IAF parade at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Chaudhari said, “The security environment in our region and beyond has been impacted by complex interplay of geopolitical forces… Moreover, the advent of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air have resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted.”

“As our challenges continue to rise, so does our strength and resolve to ensure best possible application of air power. When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed the command at a crucial time,” Chaudhari said.

The Chief of Air Staff also said the IAF must show the nation that external forces won’t be allowed to violate its territory. “We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. I pledge to do all I can to provide you with clear direction, good leadership and the best of resources that I can muster,” he added.

He said the year that went by was “quite challenging yet extremely rewarding” and that with the changing nature of fighting wars, the Air Force aims to “provide the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired effects across domains swiftly and decisively.”

“I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead. Remember that it is our sacred duty to protect the nation’s sovereignty and integrity at any cost and you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down,” he added.

President Kovind, PM Modi salute ‘air warriors’ on 89th anniversary of IAF

On the occasion of the 89th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the “air warriors and their families” of the country.

In a tweet, PM Modi said, “The Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence and professionalism. They have distinguished themselves in defending the country and through their humanitarian spirit in times of challenges.” He also attached a series of pictures of the Indian Air Force over the years.

Greetings to our air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence and professionalism. They have distinguished themselves in defending the country and through their humanitarian spirit in times of challenges. pic.twitter.com/UbMSOK3agP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind congratulated the IAF for its “competency and capability time and again during peace and war.”

“Greetings to air warriors, veterans & their families on Air Force Day. The nation is proud of the Indian Air Force which has proved its . I am sure the IAF will continue to maintain its cherished standards of excellence,” President Kovind said.

Greetings to air warriors, veterans & their families on Air Force Day. The nation is proud of the Indian Air Force which has proved its competency and capability time and again during peace and war. I am sure the IAF will continue to maintain its cherished standards of excellence

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2021

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu too extended his greetings. “Be it war or peace, our Air Warriors have always made the nation proud through their courage, professionalism and excellence. May these winged warriors keep soaring bringing glory to the nation,” he said.

My heartiest greetings on Air Force Day!

Be it war or peace, our Air Warriors have always made the nation proud through their courage, professionalism and excellence.

May these winged warriors keep soaring bringing glory to the nation. pic.twitter.com/VUCbIoxA48

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) October 8, 2021

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a video on Twitter and congratulated the IAF, calling it an “indomitable force.”

“We are proud of our airwarriors for responding to varied challenges with alacrity and resilience & being steadfast in the service to the Nation,” he said.

Greetings and warm wishes to all #IndianAirForce personnel & their families on the 89th anniversary of this indomitable force. We are proud of our airwarriors for responding to varied challenges with alacrity and resilience & being steadfast in the service to the Nation. @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/gnpbrKJoL8

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2021