India’s future combat power would be driven by JAI: Gen Chauhan
Reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan also said that the intensity of operations may have reduced but Operation Sindoor was continuing. Our strength will lie in our ability to stay awake every hour of every day.
Without naming any nation, he said that developments that point to institutional fragility and reactive regulations are frequently seen around us.
He emphasized that wars will be won not with rhetoric but with purposeful actions.
“We often witness developments around us that point to institutional fragility and reactive regulation. In contrast, India’s strength rests on solid institutions, democratic stability and unwavering professionalism of our armed forces.”
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) told the newly commissioned officers that they will enter the Indian Air Force in a phase of deep transformation of the armed forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations and the quest for national ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-sufficiency) in defense are shaping the future of India’s military power. He said the journey ahead for the newly commissioned officers will be guided by JAI, the first mention of Jai Hind.
Partnership signifies fighting as one nation and one force, and Atmanirbharta signifies reliable platforms and systems built not just for India but for the world. Innovation means daring to think ahead and stay ahead of others, he added.
“These three pillars will shape the future of India’s fighting power,” he said.
“You (new officers) join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal is firmly taking shape. An era defined by a high level of operational readiness 24×7, 365 days a week. The intensity of operations may have diminished, but Operation Sindoor continues,” CDS said. he said.
Asserting that war and wars are on the verge of a major revolution, General Chauhan said Defense forces are determined to adapt to the changing environment and absorb reforms to remain ready and updated.
He also said that wars in old areas will always remain controversial and often brutal. But in new areas they will be smart, fast and shaped by intelligence, innovation and initiative. The power that dominates new borders is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
This reality is even more stark in the field of air warfare, he said, as technology is not only an enabler but also a determining factor.
“A single breakthrough, a single disruptive system can shake the operational balance. That is why we are relentlessly pursuing new concepts and capabilities,” he said.
Artificial Intelligence-supported data fusion, autonomous and unmanned systems, cognitive domain operations and others are just a few of them.
General Chauhan reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course.
CGP marked the successful culmination of pre-commissioning training of Flying Cadets and Ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
General Chauhan handed over the Presidential Commission to the graduating Flying Cadets of 216 Course.
According to an official statement, a total of 244 Flight Cadets graduated on Saturday, including 215 males and 29 females.
At the event, six officers from the Indian Navy, eight officers from the Indian Coast Guard and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded ‘Wings’ to those who successfully completed flight training. It was stated that ‘Brevet’ was given to five officers who completed their navigation training.
The graduation parade was interspersed with well-coordinated and synchronized flights of Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak aircraft.
The exciting display of Akash Ganga team and Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) left the audience mesmerized.
The parade culminated in a special, emotional moment with the newly commissioned officers marching slowly in two columns and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, flying overhead and leading the three-aircraft Kiran formation.
