Solid Defence

12/03/2024

𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬

SD, 12th of March, 2024: In a dazzling display of national pride and military prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF) achieved a historic milestone on March 8, 2024. In a ceremony held at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, adorned 45 Squadron, 221 Squadron, 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD), and 509 Signal Unit (SU) with the prestigious President's Standard and Colours.

This unprecedented event marked a watershed moment in the IAF's storied history. Four distinguished units were simultaneously honoured, reaffirming their unwavering dedication to the nation's defence and security.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩'𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 ?

The President's Standard and Colours are the highest accolades a military unit can receive, symbolising excellence, courage, and an unyielding commitment to duty. These honours are not merely symbols; they encapsulate the essence of the sacrifices, discipline, and exceptional contributions made by these units in the nation's service.

The ceremony was breathtaking, with an awe-inspiring aerial salute led by three Mi-171V helicopters in the 'Dhwaj' formation trooping the National flag. The presence of General VK Singh (Retd), Minister of State for Civil Aviation, and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, alongside other esteemed officers of the IAF, added a layer of prestige to the event.

Under the command of Group Captain KS Sanu Nair of 11 BRD, the ceremonial parade showcased military precision and discipline, underscoring the dedication of these units. The release of First Day covers for 45 Squadron, 221 Squadron, 11 BRD, and 509 SU by the Hon'ble President further solidified the historical significance of the occasion.

Group Captain M Surendran, Commanding Officer of 45 Squadron, and Group Captain Shubhankan, Commanding Officer of 221 Squadron, proudly received the President's Standard. Equally commendable were the recipients of the President's Colours: Air Commodore Ashutosh Vaidya, Air Officer Commanding 11 BRD, and Group Captain Vivek Sharma, Commanding Officer of 509 SU.

In her address to the parade, the President congratulated the units and acknowledged their outstanding service to the nation. She praised the IAF's valour, commitment, and sacrifices, emphasising its pivotal role in both wartime and peacetime, including its integral contributions to the country's space programs and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the President lauded the women personnel of the IAF as well, highlighting the strides made in gender equality and career advancement within the force. The IAF's commitment to providing equal opportunities to women officers across all branches was hailed as a beacon of progress.

The President's Standard and Colours presentation ceremony not only stands as a testament to the IAF's unwavering commitment to excellence and national security but also as a source of inspiration for the nation. The IAF's achievements and contributions, both in the skies and beyond, continue to elevate India's global stature. As the tricolour flutters alongside these honoured units, let’s salute the defenders of our skies and the guardians of our sovereignty.

31/01/2024

⚓️

𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!

In a remarkable display of maritime prowess, INS Sumitra has emerged victorious in thwarting armed piracy near Somalia, ensuring the safety of innocent lives and vessels.

🚁 Rescue Mission 1 - "Iman" Saved!
Responding swiftly to distress calls, INS Sumitra rescued 17 crew members aboard the Iranian fishing boat "Iman." The pirates had seized control, but our naval heroes executed a flawless operation, forcing the pirates to release the crew. The Iman continued its journey unharmed.

🚤 Rescue Mission 2 - "Al Naeemi" Safeguarded!
On the evening of January 29, INS Sumitra received another distress call, this time from the Iranian fishing boat "Al Naeemi" carrying 19 Pakistani crew members. Facing 11 armed pirates, the naval vessel utilized smart tactics, deploying its helicopter and boats to secure the safe release of the hostages. Thorough sanitization of the boats was carried out to thwart future pirate activities.

🌊 Total Impact: 36 Lives Safeguarded!
As part of the Indian Navy's unwavering commitment to maritime safety, INS Sumitra's anti-piracy operations have ensured the protection of 36 crew members and the Southern Arabian Sea from piracy threats.

🤝 A Testament to Indian Navy's Commitment
This accomplishment underscores the Indian Navy's resolute dedication to safeguarding both lives and vessels from maritime perils in the region. The meticulous ex*****on of these operations stands as evidence of the Indian Navy's effectiveness in curbing piracy along the East Coast of Somalia.

👏 Salute to INS Sumitra and the Indian Navy for Keeping Our Seas Safe! 🇮🇳⚓️

31/01/2024

#𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐢𝐧𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮!

In our endeavour to rejuvenate and deliver top-notch content from the realm of defence, we are eager to learn about the news topics that captivate and engage you as a dedicated reader or defence enthusiast.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀.

09/10/2023

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟗𝟏 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐦

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙁𝘿𝙋 - 2023

• Female Parade Commander leading the procession.
• Introduction of the new IAF flag after a 72-year hiatus.
• A demonstration by the Special Forces unit known as the Garuds.
• The MiG 21's farewell flight marking its final mission.
• Involvement of the Indian Army's ALH Dhruv helicopter and the Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft.

Solid Defence: The genesis of the Indian Air Force can be traced back to the year 1932, during the era of British colonial rule, when it was initially established as the Royal Indian Air Force. However, it underwent a pivotal transformation in 1950 when its nomenclature was altered to the Indian Air Force. A momentous historical juncture occurred on April 1, 1954, when the prestigious President's Colour was conferred upon the IAF by the then-President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in a ceremony held at Palam. Since that significant occasion, the Indian Air Force Day has been commemorated every year on October 8, marking the inception of our nation's formidable aerial military force.

To provide a more comprehensive historical backdrop, it is noteworthy that the Indian Air Force, officially established on October 8, 1932, boasts a rich heritage deeply rooted in its pivotal role during World War II and the years leading up to India's independence in 1947. During the war, the Royal Indian Air Force, as it was then known, played a substantial role in various theaters of operation, including the Burma Campaign and the Eastern Front. This underscored India's contribution to the allied war effort and underscored the paramount importance of air power in contemporary warfare.

This year, the Indian Air Force marked its 91st Anniversary at the revered religious site of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The decision to hold Air Force Day celebrations at multiple locations across the country underscores the tradition of showcasing the nation's military prowess and unity through these flagship events. This shift symbolizes the decentralized nature of modern military operations and the Indian Air Force's capability to operate from various strategic locations within the nation.

Furthermore, the choice of Prayagraj, with its profound historical significance as the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, adds a layer of cultural and historical depth to this year's celebration. This aligns with past practices where military displays and parades were often held at significant cultural or historical sites to underscore the unity and heritage of the nation. The Air Force Day parade commenced at Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj and featured para hand gliders, para-motoring, demonstrations, and flag-bearing skydivers from the Akash Ganga team. Alongside displays of heritage and modern aircraft fleet, the Indian Air Force marked the grand parade with awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers.

Dignitaries of note, including the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and Air Marshal RGK Kapoor, graced the occasion. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, unveiled the new ensign of the Indian Air Force, signifying a change initiated after 72 years.

The breathtaking air show at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers showcased over 100 Indian Air Force aircraft, highlighting the interoperability and collaborative capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. Prominent aircraft in the display included the ALH Dhruv helicopter of the Indian Army and the P-8I aircraft of the Indian Navy, known for their versatility and capabilities. The inclusion of the newly acquired C-295 transport aircraft, alongside renowned aircraft such as the Apache, Rafale, Chinook, Jaguar, Tejas, Su30-MKi, MiG-29s, AN-32s, C-17, C-130J, IL-76, Tigermoth, Pilatus, Kirans, and Hawk, emphasized the Indian Air Force's diverse operational capabilities.

A historic moment was marked by the participation of a female parade commander, Group Captain. Shaliza Dhami, led the march of IAF personnel for the first time. The air show featured impressive displays by various aircraft, including the Su-30 Mki, LCA Tejas, and other display teams. The vintage fleet of the Indian Air Force, comprising Dakota vintage aircraft, Tiger Moth, and Harvard aircraft, joined the parade to commemorate the 91st anniversary.

The IAF's helicopter display team, ‘Sarang’, and the 'Suryakirans' showcased their remarkable signature aerial display tactics. The event witnessed the final flight of the MiG 21s, symbolizing the transition to the Rafales after nearly seven decades of service. Garuds, the Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force, made a strong statement with a captivating hell march and Special Tactics and Insertion/Extraction (STIE) display from a Mi-17V5 helicopter.

In his address to the IAF parade, the Chief of the Air Staff emphasized the Indian Air Force's exceptional performance in overcoming challenges and its unwavering commitment to developing indigenous capabilities. He outlined a visionary path for the Indian Air Force's future and its pivotal role in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

While the 91st-anniversary celebration proceeded without a hitch, it's worth noting that the local turnout for the air display was extraordinary and posed challenges for the local authorities. But, all's well that ends well. On that note, the Indian Air Force remains resolute in its dedication to 'integrated jointness,' synergizing the core competencies of each service to enhance the nation's defense capabilities. As it looks ahead to the future, the IAF continues to honor the sacrifices of its predecessors and uphold the revered values of the Indian Air Force.

02/09/2022

𝐑𝟏𝟏 - 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝

INS Vikrant, in 1971 embodied India's might and power in the liberation of a nation. 🎀

After 36 years of her service (then) she came to rest. But her legacy did not.

The new - Vikrant, India Navy's new flagship. Sea the power. Know more on this video about the floating fortress, as being
commissioned today.

Indian Navy Indian Coast Guard ADGPI - Indian ArmyIndian Air Force Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Solid Defence shared a post on Instagram: "R11 - Reincarnation of a legend. INS Vikrant, in 1971 embodied India's might and power in the liberation of a nation. 🎀 After 36 years of her service (then) she came to rest. But her legacy did not. The new - Vikrant, India Navy's new flagship. Sea the p...