This year the Indian Air Force completes 79 years of unparalleled service to the nation. Our journey so far has been paved with the sacrifices, sweat and toil of our predecessors. Facing challenges is nothing new to our men and women in blue; indeed, we see them as unique opportunities to grow and to prove ourselves. The proud men and women in blue have always risen to meet the challenges facing our Nation. This glorious AF tradition beginning with the air operations in 1948 to save Srinagar valley from the marauding intruders continues to this very day. The near impossible recovery of a Mi-17 IV helicopter from the freezing heights of Chungtash at 15,600 ft in June 2010 as well as the recent conquest of Mt Everest by three of our brave women officers, are glowing tributes to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Air Force. In the recent earthquake tragedy which shook the north-east region in Sikkim, we responded at short notice and activated for the first time our C-130J Special Operations aircraft, thus spearheading the relief effort to be the first aircraft to arrive on the scene with relief material and personnel. I am indeed extremely proud of you. The rich heritage of unmatched professionalism and service mindedness shines as our guiding beacon as we move forward on this challenging path.

IAF is in the midst of an unprecedented phase of modernisation and accelerated capability enhancement. This is indeed a defining phase in our glorious history where we move into the strategic realm. We believe that inducting advanced technology can only increase our operational potential, but to translate this potential into actual ‘capabilities’ we require trained, committed and motivated people. Our focus therefore, as defined in our vision statement “People First – Mission Always”, will always remain on our “people”. Their morale and professional calibre would prove to be the real force multipliers as we move towards acquiring full spectrum strategic capability. On this Air Force Day, I take this opportunity to assure our countrymen of our resolve and commitment and thank the country’s leadership for its support to our modernisation efforts.

My compliments to SP’s Aviation team for their insightful publication and carving a niche for themselves in the aerospace fraternity. My compliments and best wishes to the Editorial Board and staff of SP’s Aviation for their reporting on the IAF and the excellent work that it is doing in the service of the Nation.

Jai Hind!

In its 77th year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has evolved into a very capable and professional force. It is on the path towards acquiring an entirely new set of capabilities that will enable our country to apply aerospace power wherever and whenever required.

The challenge before us is to absorb new technologies and translate them into operational effectiveness. Managing this period of transition is the task before all of us and we are confident that we shall find new and innovative ways to fully exploit our new inductions.

Our Air Warriors are our greatest asset and the vision and professionalism of airmen, past and present, is largely responsible for the present stature of the IAF. We continue to remain on watch silently, keeping national integrity intact and coming to the aid of our fellow countrymen during times of stress.

SP’s Aviation has grown and proved to be a widely read magazine. The details and the analysis provided by the magazine make for informative and interesting reading. I compliment the Editorial Board and staff of SP’s Aviation for their reporting on the IAF and its capabilities.

I convey my best wishes to all our citizens and assure them that they can be justifiably proud of their air force.

Jai Hind!

SP’s Group is a premier group of publications that has served to build increasing awareness on defence matters in India and abroad. It has maintained high standards of credible journalism and informed opinion. On the 61st Independence Day, I wish the Group and its staff, many more laurels. Keep up the good work.

Jai Hind.