India's chief military officer, Anil Chauhan, emphasized on Sunday that the Indian Air Force was fully prepared to tackle the contemporary military challenges of the 21st century.
"The IAF is poised to embrace the challenges of the 21st century, with a commitment to modernisation, innovation, and international cooperation," the Chief of India's Defence Staff (CDS) said in a statement posted by India's Defence Ministry.
"On this 92nd IAF Day, let us all stand together in honoring the IAF and expressing our gratitude to the men and women who soar high to protect our skies and secure our future. It will continue to be a symbol of our nation's strength and resolve," he added.
Chauhan states that the IAF has taken remarkable measures to strengthen its capabilities in electronic warfare, incorporating cutting-edge drone technology such as the Swarm Unmanned Munition Systems, as well as advanced decision tools based on artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has implemented numerous initiatives to leverage its space and cyber capabilities in preparation for future warfare.
Chauhan emphasized that the IAF has played a vital role in safeguarding the nation from adversaries during wars. Additionally, he pointed out that the IAF has successfully executed preemptive airstrikes against extremists who have posed a threat to Indian interests along its borders.
"The IAF has played an important role in all wars fought by the country, undertaken punitive air strikes, extricated the Indian diaspora from conflict zones, and provided relief through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions within and beyond the borders," Chauhan noted.