Coimbatore: India prefers peace but we cannot encourage terrorism on Indian soil. The Army, Air Force and Navy are ready for quick deployment of combat forces for sudden threats on any part of the border, said the President, Ram Nath Kovind here on Monday.
The President was presenting the ‘Nishanth award’ known as the presidential colours, the highest and most prestigious honour bestowed upon units of the armed forces who have made such contributions. This time it was given to ‘5 Base repair depot’ which is co-located with the Sulur air base in Coimbatore and to the Hakimpet air force station in Telangana.
In his address, he said that these squadrons had made an outstanding contribution during the 1975 war, women pilots were engaged in helicopters since 1975 in Hakimpet and training in operating fighter aircrafts given from 2016 onwards. Talking about the ‘5 Base repair depot’, the President said that recently, the BRD was accorded design house approval by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), a DRDO organisation. The depot has also been designated as the depot for all western transport aircraft.
“Having all facilities, weapons along with well-equipped latest technologies in land, air and sea, India always prefers peace and healthy relationships with neighboring countries, but we are ready to face any kind of threats including in the ocean region, peninsular India and the island territories including Laccadive, Minicoy Islands, Andaman and Nicobar. Today India has the fourth largest air force in the world and is a force to reckon with,” Kovind said.
The President also reviewed the parade and guard of honor by the squadrons. Tamil Nadu Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, Chief Air Marshal BS Dhanoa, and Isha Yoga Centre founder Jagi Vasudev were present during the function. The President also released the souvenir of presidential colours.
Dornier, AN-32, Thejas, Auroa, Sarang, MI-17 and helicopters performed aerobatics during the event.
