Speaking at the 82nd Air Force Day celebrations, Indian Air force chief Arup Raha said here on Wednesday that the IAF remains deeply committed to their important nation building responsibilities.
"The IAF plays a major role in not only combating external and internal threats but also contributes immensely in aid to civil authorities. We remain deeply committed to our important nation building responsibilities," said Raha.
"The IAF is inducting new systems with cutting edge technology to enhance its operational capability while maintaining high serviceability state of legacy equipment," he added.
Raha also underlined how the Air Force had helped in massive relief and rescue operations in times of natural calamities.
"Last year during Op Rahat in Uttarakhand, the IAF undertook the largest ever helicopter rescue operations. This year, during the unprecedented floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the IAF responded swiftly and our Air warriors braved daunting challenges to rescue thousands of people," the Air Force chief pointed out.
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"More than 70 aircrafts are deployed and the IAF flew 3,000 sorties and airlifted 4,500 tonnes of relief material and 53,000 people," he added.
The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 82nd anniversary today, where retired cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also seen in attendance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also saluted the IAF personnel saying, "On Air Force Day, I salute our air force personnel. They are our pride and their bravery, commitment and dedication continues to inspire."
The Indian Air Force has 1,70,000 personnel and more than 1,400 aircraft. It is considered one of the leading air forces of world.
