Two IAF units get Presidential Standard

JODHPUR: The President and the supreme commander of armed forces Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious Presidential Standard to 21 Squadron and 116 Helicopter Unit during a grand ceremonial parade on Wednesday morning at the air force station, Jodhpur. The commanding officer of 21 Squadron, Wing Commander AK Budhwar and commanding officer of 116 Helicopter Unit Wing Commander VS Rao received the Presidential Standard.
Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Mukherjee said that while embarking on the path of economic progress, it is essential to preserve peace, for which effective deterrence is necessary. He also said that professional excellence, grit and determination exhibited by both the units over the years is highly commendable. He also complimented all the personnel and families of 21 Squadron and 116 Helicopter Unit wishing them continued success in their future endeavours.
Governor Kalyan Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal SS Soman and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Air Command Air Marshal BS Dhanoa and minister of industries Gajendra Singh Khimsar along with other senior defence and civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The President also released the First Day Cover of 21 Squadron and 116 Helicopter Unit at the function. There was a spectacular display of a precision and daredevilry by the Air Warrior Drill Team and a fly-past consisting of Mi-17, MiG 21 and Su 30 on the occasion. The breathtaking fly-past was synchronized with significant events of the parade. The main attractions of the ceremony were an impressive display of Low Level Aerobatics by single Su-30MKI aircraft and performance by the Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic display team which enthused the gathering.
Interacting with media later, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said that Indian Air Force is on a trajectory of modernization and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full-spectrum capability. "Fresh acquisitions, replacement of obsolete equipment with state-of-the art inductions and upgradation of vintage weapon platforms would definitely go a long way in enhancing IAF capabilities," said Raha.
He said that the induction and speedy operationalisation of IAF's new assets and aircraft have afforded unprecedented response capabilities. He stated that the challenge for IAF is to manage the fast-paced change effectively, without compromising on the high operational standards.