DR. A.P.J. Abdul KalamFORMER PRESIDENT OF INDIATerm of Office: 25th July 2002 - 25th July 2007

Address During the Presentation of Presidential Standard to 37 Sqn Af and 48 Sqn Af, Bhuj, Gujarat

Bhuj, Gujarat : 15-02-2007

Mission of Air Force: Defending the Nation

"Securers of the air"

I am indeed delighted to be with you in this beautiful environment. I greet the Officers, Master Warrant Officers, Warrant Officers, other ranks, technicians and non-combatants of 37 Sqn AF and 48 Sqn AF. I commend all ranks for the yeoman service rendered by them while safeguarding the security of our nation. Indian Air force is indeed meeting all the challenging needs of our nation in peace time and war time. The 37 Sqn AF and 48 Sqn AF have done remarkable contributions.

Indian Air Force and Me

I have visited a number of Air Force establishments. Every time I visit a Air Force Station, I can see the integrated capacity of the Air Force to defend the nation through the use of technology. When I am with you, I recall the presentation of ?Standards? to the Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore; Aircrew Examining Board (AEB), Kanpur; and Colour to 1 Base Repair Depot (1 BRD), Kanpur and Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore. It gives me great pleasure to present the standards to the 37 and 48 Squadrons today.

I have visited all the MiG Squadrons of Indian Air Force with my team as Chairman of Committee on Fighter Aircraft Accidents (COFAA). I understand that many of the recommendations made by COFAA have been implemented. I recall my supersonic flight experience of Sukhoi -30 MKI of 20 Squadron on 8th June 2006 at Pune. I also experienced the ?g? conditions during the flight maneuver. Of course, Air Force Stations are all well laid out and air worthy. I want to share with you a recent experience while flying to Majitar in Sikkim from Bagdogra Air Force Station. I had a wonderful aerial view of well laid out Bagdogra Air Force Station. It looks to me friends, one way or the other I am part of you. My career itself started with Aircraft and Armament testing unit when I joined the Defence Science Organization (now DRDO).

I am very happy to be with the 37 and 48 Squadrons now, who have been contributing in the National Defense Mission both in peace and war during the last five decades. These two Squadrons have set a unique pursuit of excellence in air warfare. Nation is proud to honour you today for your dedication, professionalism and supreme sacrifices during war and peace.

Contribution of 37 Squadron

I am happy to know that 37 Squadron popularly known as ?Black Panthers? has given to the country great luminaries of the Indian Air Force who had the opportunity to meet the adversary in the air and protect the national interest. The battle experience of 37 Squadron both in 1965 and 1971 makes it one of the privileged combat units of the Indian Air Force. The Squadron played an important role in the liberation of Bangladesh by flying 187 sorties for fighter Reconnaissance, counter air and close air support from Hashimara and enabled faster accomplishment of the mission of the ground forces. The officers of the 37 Squadron were the recipients of a Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra for their gallantry in this operation. I congratulate the Squadron for its gallant and undertaking the important task of training and shaping the young pilots as a part of a formidable air force system. I am confident that in the years to come, these young men trained by this squadron will look beyond our frontiers and assume a global role in our skies and in space. Let me greet on this occasion, all the members of 37 Squadrons

Contribution of 48 Squadron

The second unit being honoured today is 48 Squadron. This Squadron called as ?Camels? has been the life line for our soldiers posted in the remotest area of the Himalayas. During my trip to Siachen through Thoise, I have myself seen how Air force does the mission of supporting our Siachen troops. The Squadron has the unique distinction of forming part of operational command of the IAF and has been at the forefront of major logistic missions involving the transport fleet. Apart from supplying necessities for sustenance of our troops and civilians in remote areas, the unit has also carried out perfect dropping of airborne troops and armament in hostile territory. The nation is proud of the 48 Squadron for the timely relief support provided during the earthquakes in Bhuj in 2001 and in J&K in 2005 and the Tsunami in 2004. Apart from being adjudged as the best transport squadron of Indian Air Force in 1992-93 and receiving flight safety trophy of Western Air Command for a number of years, 13 officers and airmen of 48 Squadron had been decorated with Shaurya Chakra, Vishist Seva Medal, Vayu Seva Medal for their unique contribution. May I greet all of you, friends, of the 48 Squadron.

Components of National Security

Dear members of 37 and 48 Squadrons, I would like to share with you an important aspect of national security. National security is born out of two important components. One is the economic growth and prosperity; second one is the capability to defend the nation against all types of threats. India is progressing on both fronts and you have roles in both. There will always be a dynamic environment along our borders needing eternal vigilance by our Air Force. You should remember that the national development and national security have to go together and you should set an example as a good human being to our brethren. Thus you are a partner in all the national development missions.

Future Warfare

Our Indian Air Force Squadrons should equip themselves for a technology driven warfare. The whole war environment will be a network centric warfare and it could be electronically controlled, combined with space encounters, deep sea encounters, and ballistic missiles encounters. The winner of future warfare will be the force, who can visualize the strength of the enemy, not based on the previous war but based on the current capabilities, and technological advancements in the global scenario. You have got greater responsibilities of keeping an eye on the technological advancements in addition to keeping an eye on the borders of our country.

The force multiplier is essential to enhance the operational capabilities of our Fighter squadrons. I am sure, the IAF is in the mission of up-gradation continuously. Our commercial activities in space are increasing through Communication satellites, remote sensing satellites and meteorological satellites. I am glad that Air Space command is taking shape.

The nation is proud of you and in appreciation of your services, I am delighted to present the "Standards" to 37 and 48 Squadrons of Indian Air Force. I would emphasize that this honour bestowed upon your Squadrons carries with it added responsibilities. The professionalism now expected of you will be more than ever before. I am confident that you will strive with dedication, discipline and valour to maintain the best traditions of your Squadrons.

I congratulate you on your remarkable turnout, bearing and steadfastness in this parade. I wish you success in all your missions.

May God bless you.