NE NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD, APRIL 2
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday maintained that by being strong, India does not mean to establish dominance in the world.
Commemorating 60 glorious years of service by Chetak Helicopter in IAF, Rajnath Singh inaugurated a Conclave hosted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station, Hakimpet on Saturday.
#SaturdayMotivation#Livestream#indianairforce
Chetak 🚁 #Diamond Jubilee Conclave
💎💎💎💎💎💎
60 years of Glorious service to Nation 🇮🇳https://t.co/hRS02OjWcO
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) April 2, 2022
India has always followed the path of truth, non-violence and peace and does not support aggression of any kind, he said while participating in a conclave organized by the Indian Air Force at Hakimpet to commemorate 60 years of Chetak helicopter’s service to the nation.
#SaturdayMotivation#PhotoOfTheDay#influencers
Wishing the youngest #dynamic regiment of #IndianArmy 🇮🇳on its 43rd Raising day !!!
Unique blend of firepower & manoeuvrability 💪💪
Tactful combination of #Men & Machine 🤝🤝#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav
@TwitterIndia @WhoTrendedIT pic.twitter.com/KZ3IYOownA
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) April 2, 2022
He stressed that the relationship between peace, security and military power has deepened in the country in the last few years. Underlining the importance of a strong security apparatus for nations to maintain peace in the world, he stated that in the last few years the government has created an environment which has enabled the armed forces, scientists and defence manufacturers to think pro-actively and move forward on the path of making India strong and self-reliant.
#IndianArmy 🇮🇳
Wishing all personnel & family members of @IaSouthern Command on its #Raising day 🇮🇳
Oldest Field #ARMY celebrates glorious 128 years, today 👏👏@PMOIndia
@TwitterNews
@TwitterIndia @ians_india @ANI @BBCHindi@gujratsamachar #FridayFeeling #PhotoOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/dbSr2SleE7— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) April 1, 2022
According to Singh, India has shown its strength in the design, development and operation of helicopters in the five-tonne category, terming the indigenously designed and developed advanced light helicopter – Dhruv and its variants as examples of India’s prowess.
Celebrating the event, a remarkable fly-past was done by 26 aircraft including Chetaks, Pilatus, Kirans, Hawks LCH & ALH
Finale was Diamond 💎 formation flypast by 8 Chetak 🚁, machine which continues to render yeomen service & still is basic Trg 🚁 for pilots of all 3 Services pic.twitter.com/cF7nBomYol
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) April 2, 2022
He described the light combat helicopter as another example of the country’s capability in light helicopters for combat operations. Light utility helicopters, being operated by the armed forces, were also great examples of the capability in the helicopter sector, he added.
Singh stressed on the need to march forward in the design and development of the 10-tonne Indian multirole helicopter which, he said, is a significant requirement for the armed forces and has a huge market potential. He called to fast-track the design and development of helicopter technology in the country, terming it is one of the dual-use technologies which will not only prove to be effective in the defence sector, but will make India a dominant force in the helicopter market.
According to an estimate, there is a demand for more than 1,000 civilian helicopters in the country and an equal number of helicopters in the defence sector. “We need to exploit this huge potential in the helicopter market. In addition, we need to make efforts to strengthen India’s claim in the rotary wing domain. The era is changing. I am sure that in the times to come we will be more bright, strong and completely self-reliant,” he added.
Singh reiterated the government’s resolve of achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence production and preparedness, in view of the constantly changing global security scenario. “These days, there have been challenges in ensuring supply lines. External situation has affected the serviceability of critical weapons and equipment. Therefore, we are leaving no stone unturned to achieve self-reliance,” he said.
“The country was earlier dependent on imports from other countries to bolster the defence sector. This government believes in strengthening our own shoulders to protect ourselves. We are making sure that India is not dependent on anyone,” he stressed.
Singh spoke on the major role domestic industry can play in achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Free technology is being transferred to the private companies by DRDO. The FDI limit has also been increased.
Two positive indigenisation lists of defence items have been issued, while the third list will be out soon,” he said, listing out the measures being taken by the government to encourage the participation of the private sector.
The MSMEs, start-ups, innovators and academia were together exploring new avenues of defence production, he said, exuding confidence of unprecedented response to the unprecedented steps taken by the government.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and AOC-in-C Training Command Air Marshal Manavendra Singh were present along with other distinguished dignitaries and senior officers of the Armed Forces. Former Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major (Retd), Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne (Retd) and Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd) were among the key attendees.
On the occasion, the minister released a Special Cover, a Coffee Table Book and a Commemorative Movie on Chetak Helicopters.
The Chief of the Air Staff, during his inaugural address, acknowledged the immense contributions by the Chetak in all conflicts since its induction in 1962, as well as its peacetime effort all across the country, including the Siachen glacier.
The minister witnessed the photo exhibition showcasing sixty years of glorious service of Chetak helicopter and interacted with Armed Forces veterans and other dignitaries who were present at the Conclave.
Celebrating the event, a remarkable fly-past by 26 aircraft, including Chetaks, Pilatus, Kirans, Hawks, Advanced Light Helicopters and a Light Combat Helicopters was an eye catcher for everyone. The finale was a diamond formation fly past by eight Chetak helicopters, the machine which continues to render yeomen service across the length and breadth of the country. This magnificent machine still operates across all the terrains and is the basic training helicopter for pilots of the three Services.\
