Defence Minister calls
for modernizing Armed forces
Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony presenting the Chief of
Air Staff ‘Sword of Honour’
to Flying officer Ankur Saxena for standing first in overall order of
merit in Flying branch during Combined Graduation Parade held at Air Force
Academy in Hyderabad on 24 Dec’ 2009.
Hyderabad|India|December'2009: The
Defence Minister Shri A.K Antony has said that the
security environment in the region around the
country has necessitated the induction of
sophisticated and costly equipment in the armed
forces. Addressing the flying cadets after
reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade at the
Air Force Academy in Dundigal, near Hyderabad on
24th Dec, the Defence Minister asked the airmen to
fully understand and acquire knowledge of
application of new technologies, enable to exploit
Aerospace Power to the optimum, the coming years
will see rapid changes in weapon technology that
fundamentally alter the very nature of warfare. He
called upon the cadets, inducted in the Force to
keep abreast of the latest developments in the
spheres of Defence strategies, doctrines and
technology.
The Defence Minister has also presented Chief of
Air Staff of Honour and President’s Plaque to
Flying Officer Ankur Saxena for standing first in
overall order of Merit in 184 Pilots’ Course.
Flying Officer Pushkar Anil Nishpat Desai was
awarded with President’s Plaque for standing first
in overall order of merit in 109 AB Initio Nav
Course, while, Flying Officer Sumit Mishra has
received the President’s Plaque for standing first
in overall order of Merit in 125 Ground Duty
Officer’s Course.
A total of 175 Flight cadets including 37 women
cadets have passed out of the Air Force Academy to
join their new assignments. Six Officers from
Indian Navy and one Officer from Indian Coast
Guard also received their flying brevet at the
Combined Graduation Parade.
The passing out parade was culminated with an
impressive fly past show by Chetak helicopters,
Kiran-Mk 1, AN-32, Dornier and newly inducted Hawk
aircraft. An exhilarating and scintillating air
show by the world famous 'Surya Kiran' aerobatic
team led by Wing Commander JT Kurian and
breathtaking & outstanding display by 'Sarang'
helicopter display team led by Wing Commander
Ravuri Sheetal, kept the audience spell-bound. Air
Warrior Drill team and Akash Ganga Skydiving teams
were the added attraction. A large number of
retired and serving Defence officers, civilian
dignitaries, service personnel and their families
witnessed the colourful grand finale.
Later speaking to Media, the Defence Minister has
said that the security situation around the
country is a matter of serious concern and armed
forces needed to be vigilant. He said that Indian
armed forces must be prepared to meet any
challenge from any quarter to defend the
territorial integrity of the country, as a result
we are modernizing the armed forces, he said. On a
question, he said that the cross border security
situation in Jammu and Kashmir is improving slowly
and army assessing the situation as nothing has
been imposed by Government on them. He said that
cross border infiltration bids have also come down
and any attempt by terrorist outfit from
neighboring country will be crushed out by
determined Armed forces.
Reachout's News Bureau
December' 2009
