New Delhi - The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 91st anniversary today, marking the occasion with a comprehensive briefing at Air Headquarters in New Delhi. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary, the Chief of the Air Staff assured the nation that Indian skies including skies over Himalaya and seas are safe and secure and IAF is progressing on Atamnirbharta in the Defence Sector.
During the briefing, the Air Chief Marshal also provided insights into several significant projects and contracts the Indian Air Force is currently supporting.
He told media that they IAF was monitoring the situation along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh Sector. 
IAF has airlifted over 220 people from the disaster hit high land areas of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal during July 10-August 15 disaster in 2023.
Among the key projects he mentioned were:
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas: The IAF has signed a contract for 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft, with plans to supplement it by acquiring an additional 97 aircraft, bringing the total to around 180. The estimated value of this contract is over 1.15 lakh crore INR.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): The IAF had inducted ten LCHs last year and is set to sign a contract for 156 more in the coming year, with approximately 45,000 crores INR anticipated for this contract.
Trainer Aircraft: A contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft is in progress, with an estimated value of over 6,000 crores INR.
Upgrades: The IAF is planning to upgrade 84 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, with a projected value of over 60,000 crores INR.
Weapon Systems: The IAF is looking to acquire indigenous weapon systems like Akash New Generation and MR-SAM, as well as air defense systems, ballistic missile systems, and more.
In total, the cumulative worth of these projects is estimated to be between 2.5 to 3,00,000 crores INR. The Air Chief Marshal emphasized that most of these acquisitions would be indigenous, highlighting the focus on self-reliance in defense production.
Regarding the retirement of MiG-21 aircraft, it was confirmed that the MiG-21 squadrons would be replaced by the LCA Mk1A, with the induction process already underway.
The briefing also included updates on the deployment of the US 400 missile defense system, with three systems already delivered, and two more expected to resume delivery within the next year.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary emphasized the IAF's commitment to safeguarding India's skies and its technological superiority in doing so.
The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was mentioned as a vital tool for securing India's skies, which integrates inputs from various sources, including the Army, Navy, and civilian radars.
Additionally, the IAF highlighted its support for the indigenous defense industry, including collaborations with public sector units (PSUs), private industry, and academia. The Air Chief Marshal mentioned recent achievements such as the induction of the Light Combat Helicopter and the HTT-40 trainer aircraft.
The IAF's contributions beyond India's borders were also recognized, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, international exercises, and gender diversity milestones. The Indian Air Force has demonstrated its readiness to operate in various challenging environments, including long-range maritime missions.
On the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary extended warm greetings to all those associated with the force.
He urged everyone to carry forward the rich heritage of the IAF by performing their duties to the best of their ability, making this a remarkable era of enhancement in capability for the force.
The Indian Air Force continues to play a crucial role in defending the nation's skies and projecting its power beyond boundaries, showcasing its commitment to safeguarding the nation's interests and contributing to a safer and more secure region.
