New Delhi: Indian Air Force on October 8 bared its might by displaying its state of art lethal flying machines and the aerobatic skills of its pilots to mark its raising day with IAF chief S Krishnaswamy declaring that a year of operational deployment had amply conveyed to "those who needed to know" the force's resolve and determination.

"Staying under the wings of operational machines for possible action," the Air Chief Marshal said, "had helped IAF to hone skills and more importantly focus to the tasks that we shall take on".

Asserting that recent large scale inductions like that of upgraded version of Sukhoi- 30MKI, more of Mirage-2000 and upcoming acquisition of IL-78 air re-fuelling tankers had provided the country a killer edge, Krishnaswamy said all these were aimed to turn the IAF into dynamic force in the region.

Speaking in the backdrop of a static display of IAF fighting prowess with all the aircraft in IAF inventory since its inception on show, the IAF chief told a distinguished audience at the annual air force day parade here that the upgrade programme of the Mig-21 Bison was shaping well and the country's indigenous design team and industry would take up the modernisation of the Jaguars and MiG-27 fighters.

To mark the occasion, IAF put up its most impressive flying display in over a decade with the nation's latest acquisitions the SU--30MKI, deep penetration strike aircraft, Jaguars, MI-35 Helicopter gunships and MI-17 medium lift helicopters taking part.

An awesome display of aerobatics by the IAF team on the indigenous Suryakirans formed the befitting climax to the parade in which the Air Chief decorated 58 officers and other ranks with Vayu Sena Medals and Vishisht Seva Medals.

Suryakiran, only one of few nine aircraft aerobatic team operating between the speeds of 200-600kmph, dazzled and bewitched the crowd gathered at Palam technical area by carrying out intricate maneuvers like shockwave, phoenix, tango, diamond, cupid heart and Apollo formations.

Lauding the Suryakiran dare-devil fliers as a world class aerobatic team, the Air Chief said he would seek the government's clearance to send the team for international events overseas.

Asserting that the IAF had now an operationally tested Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) force, which was performing well, Kirshnaswamy said, "we shall introduce new sensors and airfield support system to ensure enhanced overall effectiveness of the force".

He also said that Indian Defence scientists had designed and developed a most advanced light helicopter ALH, adding that research was on develop new and more potent attack variant of the chopper.

Turning to the LCA programme, the Air Chief said the project was progressing well, as were the upgrade programmes of other aircraft and weapon systems.

PTI