Bhuj: Air Force Station Bhuj today hosted the ”Know Your Forces” drive here aimed to showcase the Indian Air Force and its capabilities to the civilian population and also to serve as an inspiration for the children to join the IAF.

As recognition of the unique contribution of the brave and courageous women of Madhapar area of Bhuj who worked relentlessly to repair and make the Bhuj runway operational during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, twenty five ” Viranganas”, were also felicitated on the occasion.

There were a host of activities in the event, to demonstrate the wide spectrum of capabilities of the IAF. This ranged from the sniffer dogs and attack dogs of the Dog squad of IAF, to the simulated ground attack by jaguar fighter jets, the deep penetration strike aircraft of the IAF. The capability of IAF to carry out lethal and precision surgical strikes against an adversary was showcased. The special Forces of the IAF – “The Garuds” conducted a slithering operation from a MI-17 V5 helicopter, highlighting their versatility for rapid deployment and insertion into any theater of battle. The IAF also demonstrated fire-fighting and rescue operations which serve a critical role in saving precious lives and equipment.

More than 2000 students from various schools of Bhuj witnessed the event. Local MP Vinodbhai Chawda was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Air Vice Marshal Mohan Rao, Air Defence Commander, HQs South Western Air Command, was also present on the occasion to oversee the proceedings. Among other esteemed guests, dignitaries from the State Govt., Army and BSF also graced the occasion, Defense spokesperson Wing Commander Abhishek Matiman said.

The static display included various types of fighter, transport and helicopter aircraft, with their capabilities being explained to the audience. The ground assets like various Air Defence surface to air missiles (SAM), radars for early detection and combating any aerial threat as well as battlefield mobile communication capability were on display. Various weapons systems, uniforms and the lifestyle of the air warriors provided and insight with ethos of the IAF.

DeshGujarat