Finance
The Indian Air Force (IAF) unveiled a new combat uniform pattern Saturday at the Air Force Day parade in Chandigarh in the presence of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
The digital pattern combat uniform, designed with the IAF’s operational tasks in mind, includes a new pattern of boots, a combat T-shirt, a new web belt, and a new pattern of caps and turbans.
The parade featured seven IAF personnel dressed in the IAF’s new combat uniform. The IAF has introduced the combat T-shirt for the first time.
Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari announced that the government has approved the establishment of a new weapon systems branch for the Indian Air Force. He claimed that this was the first time since independence that the IAF had established a new operational branch.
“This will essentially be for manning of four specialised streams of Surface to Surface missiles, Surface to Air Missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin and multi crew aircraft. Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3400 crores due to reduced expenditure on flying training,” he added in his address at the Air Force Day parade.
According to Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari, inducting air warriors into the IAF through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to harness the potential of India’s youth and channel it towards national service.
“We have changed our operational training methodology to ensure each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start their career in the Air Force. In December this year, we would be inducting 3,000 Agniveer Vayu for their initial training. This number will only go up in the years to come to ensure adequate staffing,” he said.
The Chief of Air Staff also revealed the IAF is planning on induction of Women Agniveers starting next year.
Source:IE
