Air Force Station, Hakimpet awarded Colours by President Ramnath Kovind

HYDERABAD: President Ramnath Kovind on Monday said the IAF’s valour and professionalism was on display during the ‘pre-emptive strikes on a known terrorist camp’.

The President said keeping the aircraft airworthy was a crucial task and appreciated the 5 Base Repair Depot at Air Force Station Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu for repairing and overhauling the Kiran, Avro and Dornier aircraft, many of which are maintained airworthy even after 30 years. At a function held there, the president also presented Colours to the Air Force Station, Hakimpet in Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that India’s growing stature in the comity of nations was consistent with the strength and capabilities of our armed forces. “India remains firmly committed to peace, but in case the need arises, we will use all our might to protect the nation’s sovereignty,” he said.

The President said both the 5 Base Repair Depot at AFS Sulur and AFS Hakimpet have a rich history of professional excellence. He said the IAF had grown over the years grown into a modern, technology-intensive force distinguished by its commitment to excellence and professionalism. Keeping pace with the demands of contemporary advancements, the Indian Air Force continues to modernize in a rapid manner and is in the process of a very comprehensive modernisation plan. Besides safeguarding the sovereign skies of our nation, the Indian Air Force has also been at the forefront of all Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The resilience and tenacity displayed by our valiant air warriors is a great source of pride for the nation, he said.

Ramnath Kovind while appreciating the 5 Base Repair Depot said the numerous unique indigenisation measures adopted by this Base Repair Depot to promote self reliance, had effectively contributed towards enhancing the organisational potential. “5 Base Repair Depot has truly epitomised its motto ‘Kaya Kalpa’ with continuous rejuvenation through infusion of new ideas, innovations and technological developments. The Base Repair Depot’s efforts to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment for achieving substantive self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative are praiseworthy,” he said.

The President said Air Force Station Hakimpet had served the nation with distinction. “The station has been imparting quality training to pilots of the Indian Air Force. The strong foundation gained by the pilots facilitated their successful further graduation to higher performance aircraft. During the wars of 1965 and 1971, the flying instructors and technical personnel of the station joined operational unit and served with remarkable courage and professionalism,” he pointed out.

He said it was also to the credit of Air Force Station Hakimpet for having commenced flying training for lady pilots in Helicopter Stream in 1995 and on Fighter Stream in 2016. The station personnel have also been involved in various Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation, he said

“In acknowledgement and recognition of their outstanding performance, I am pleased to award Colours to Air Force Station Hakimpet and 5 Base Repair Depot. I take the opportunity to compliment the personnel and families of both the stations, past and present, for their selfless sacrifice and service to the nation,” he said.