Plan to rename IAF as Air and Space Force in right direction: Ex-Air Chief

“It is a work in progress, I would say. But overall requirements of space and integration of space in air power is a natural integration. If you see the French they have an air and space force. The US has employed a different combination. Every country has its own approach,” said Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria.

He went on to add that ideally an air and space force made a lot of sense. “If you look from the point of synergy and core strength, then air and space force will be a step in the right direction. But like I said, it is a work in progress. It is something which is being discussed. It is an evolution which will take place as things move forward and the right decisions will be taken,” he said.

The IAF is learnt to have made a proposal to the government to formally designate it as an air and space force given the increasing need of combat integration of the two domains and the needs of future warfare.

Air Marshal Bhadauria also expressed confidence in the abilities of the IAF in meeting future challenges. He said he commanded the No.5 Squadron in Ambala from May 1999 to July 2001 and he hoped that the squadron would perform all its tasks to perfection in the future as was its history.

At the age of 92, Air Commodore KK Badhwar, Vir Chakra (retd), was the oldest veteran to participate in the platinum jubilee celebrations. He served in the squadron during the 1965 war.

“I am as old as the IAF as it too is 92 years old,” quipped the alert and agile Air Commodore Badhwar. Commissioned in 1954, he took part in the air raids on Peshawar, Sargodha, Chaklala (near Rawalpindi) and Risalewala in Pakistan in the war. He was awarded a Vir Chakra in the 1971 war while commanding the No.35 Squadron.

The No. 5 Squadron, also known as the Tuskers, is equipped with Jaguar deep-penetration strike fighters. The ceremony was attended by serving personnel and veterans who had served in the squadron throughout its history.

On the occasion, a special postal cover was released by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, commodore commandant of the squadron. He said that it was a tribute to all those who had contributed to building the rich legacy of the squadron. On the occasion, Group Captain MP Verma, commanding officer of the squadron, greeted the dignitaries, veterans and their families.

An air display was put up by the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team, the Aakash Ganga para-diving team and Rafale and Jaguar aircraft formations.

Elaborating the history of the No. 5 Squadron, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh said that November 2, 1948, saw the birth of the Tuskers under the leadership of Wing Commander JRS ‘Danny’ Dantra at Kanpur, equipped with B-24 Liberator heavy bomber aircraft. The squadron has been pivotal in safeguarding the skies and upholding the honour of the nation, be it in the operations in Congo, the 1965 war with Pakistan or the 1971 war for the liberation of Bangladesh.

During the 1965 war, 5 Squadron raided Sargodha and Peshawar airfields in Pakistan with Canberra aircraft at least six times. For their outstanding services during the war, personnel of the squadron were awarded one Mahavir Chakra and four Vir Chakras. The squadron was employed in war for a third time in 1971 and took its strikes deep into enemy territory, attacking Pakistan Air Force bases at Sargodha, Chander and Risalewala.