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IAF celebrates 83rd Air Force Day; women fighter pilots to be inducted soon

IAF celebrates 83rd Air Force Day; women fighter pilots to be inducted soon

By :  DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-10-08 05:11 GMT
The Indian Air Force is now planning to induct women into the fighter aircraft stream, IAF Chief Arup Raha said on Thursday.
"Contribution of our Air Force is monumental. They are always at the forefront be it in protecting skies or in times of disasters," he said.
"I salute our air force personnel on Air Force Day. They have always served India with great courage and determination," Modi tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Air Force on its 83rd Anniversary, saying it has served the country with great courage and has always been at the forefront in protecting our skies as well as in times of disasters.
The air display commenced with flag bearing sky divers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies.
An air display by various aircraft is going be the hallmark of the Parade cum Investiture Ceremony here in Ghaziabad.
Earlier today, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who was present at the occasion, became the first sportsperson to be made an honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.
The air force currently has about 1500 women on its rolls of which 94 are pilots and 14 navigators. The move is in sync with global trends and will help IAF overcome shortage of officers in the fighter aircraft stream.
IAF currently has women in seven areas of administration, logistics, meteorology, navigation, education, aeronautical engineering -- mechanical and electrical -- and accounts.
The plan to induct women into a fighting arm is a first in the three services which were earlier not open to the idea of women taking part in combat role.
"We have women pilots flying transport aircraft and helicopters. We are now planning to induct them into the fighter stream to meet the aspirations of young women in India," Air Chief Marshal Raha said here as IAF celebrated its 83rd anniversary.
IAF celebrates 83rd Air Force Day; women fighter pilots to be inducted soon

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