The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major conveyed his warmest greetings and good wishes to all Air warriors, Non-Combatants Employees, Defence Security Corps personnel, civilians and all families on the eve of New Year’s Day 2009. In his message, he said,
“As the New Year dawns, the IAF celebrates by continuing its focused march towards becoming a truly balanced and modern Aerospace Force. The current and future inductions of a wide variety of assets would enhance our combat potential across the spectrum and promises to change the way we conduct operations. As air warriors, you are our true force enhancers and have full faith in your unwavering commitments, professionalism, ability to steer our force through this process of transformation.
The past year has been truly remarkable in many ways. We have accomplished all our assigned tasks successfully. The strategic community across the globe took notice of the new professional heights scaled by the Indian Air Force. We credibly demonstrated our strategic reach by deployment and sustenance of a potent composite force, thousands of miles away in USA, for more than two months. During this deployment, the IAF participated in the prestigious multilateral exercise Red Flag for the first time, winning the admiration of our peers. The Sarang and Surya Kiran Display Team (SKAT) also enthralled audiences in Germany, UK, China and Laos.
Training on the newly acquired Hawk AJT has commenced in right earnest. Our UN missions continue to bring us laurels. The IAF rendered timely assistance to our countrymen during the widespread floods across various parts of our country this year. We also provided aid to China after an earthquake in Chengdu, as also to Myanmar after a devastating cyclone.
I am confident that the numerous administrative measures like the implementation of the VIth CPC recommendations, increase in Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) cover, progress of Married Accommodation Plan (MAP) projects, and review of human resources policies, give all air warriors a reason to cheer.
The past year has also highlighted the danger posed to our Nation, by elements that seem intent on destroying our freedom. I exhort each one of you to remain increasingly vigilant at all our locations. I am convinced that, as we move into 2009, our Nation would increasingly look to us for solving the many security challenges that we face. I have no doubt, that the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our air warriors, will do us proud.
On this day, as we look back upon the achievements of the past year with pride, and usher in the New Year with hope, let us resolve to better our own high standards.”
Mission Mumbai 