Gwalior,November 10 : The President, Smt. Pratibha Patil decorated Air Force’s 47th Squadron and Tactics & Air Combat Development Establishment Wing with Presidential Standard Colours at a function held at Maharajpur airbase of Indian Air Force here today. Madhya Pradesh Governor Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Air Chief Marshall Shri PV Naik and Marshal of the Indian Air Force Shri Arjan Singh were specially present on the occasion.
Addressing the function, President Smt. Patil said that we are strongly in favour of peace but are also committed to taking necessary steps to defend the country’s sovereignty and independence. She said that we believe in strong defence as well as good striking power. Our brave soldiers are committed to defending the country. She said that we do not give rise to disputes but if any such thing is imposed on us, our brave soldiers will face it with all the might and bring laurels to the country like before.
The President praised both the Air Force units, the 47th Squadron and Tactics & Air Combat Development Establishment Wing while recalling the distinguished history of these units. She also released First Day Cover of both the units also.
During the function, pilots of MIG-21, MIG-27, MIG-29, Mirage-2000 and Sukhoi-30 and teams of combat helicopters Dhruv and Saran flew their aircraft in attractive style. It may be mentioned that Sarang helicopter team of India is counted among 10 best teams the world over for stylish flights.
The colours were received from the President by 47th Squadron’s Commanding Officer Wing Commander Vikas Sharma and Wing Commander of Tactics & Air Combat Development Establishment Wing Group Captain Surat Singh. The parade was spearheaded by Group Captain Shri KSK Suresh.
Those also present at the function included Air Marshall Shri S Mukherji, Air Marshal Shri GS Kochar, Air Marshall Shri NAK Brown, Air Vice Marshall Shri Arup Saha, Air Officer Commanding Gwalior Shri S Neelkanthan and Air Commodore Adampur Shri HS Arora.