During the ceremony, Air Commodore Neeraj Yadav VM VSM, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Gwalior and other senior Air Force officials of the air base were also present. A magnificent fly past by three Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft in VIC formation was organized to mark this historic occasion. These aircraft belonging to Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment took off from the Bareilly air base and were the first aircraft to land on the newly constructed runway. The chief guest also received salute from Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000 and MiG-21 Bison aircraft as they taxied past the dais, symbolising the operationalisation of the new Runway with all types of aircraft based at Gwalior.
The new runway was conceptualised in the year 2006 with work commencing in Feb 2009. A mammoth engineering effort involving more than 200 engineers, supervisors and workers was achieved despite the extreme climatic conditions and record breaking rains at Gwalior. As a strategic asset, the new runway will assist the IAF in its quest of being a formidable aerospace power of the century. Two parallel runways would allow the flexibility to launch and recover multiple aircraft simultaneously towards large operational missions and also enhance the existing air traffic handling capability. This will also result in considerable savings to the exchequer due to reduced fuel consumption as aircraft will be able to launch and recover at a faster rate.
That's a great move! also brings back a lot of nostalgia 4 me.. not that i have served in the air force – my dad did. As a 6 year old i was witness to an amazing fly past of the then brand new Mirage 2000s into the 7 battle axes squadron in Gwalior. Bravo IAF- keep going from strength to strength, current challenges notwithstanding!
That's great of Sukhois joining the operational strength of Gwalior as I am now going back to the great memories of the flying machines(MIRAGE-200) taking off at six 'o' clock in the morning where i had been during 1996 to 2001.All the best wishes for the Indian Air Force. May the IAF touch the Sky with Glory.
All the very best to Air Cmde N Yadav and his team. During my days in the Gwalior sqn's it was only Mirage 2000's now..the SU30's..Great going Gwalior..Touch the sky..and beyond..Jai Hind
touch the sky and beyond?
hmmm…Firoskhan sir seems to
indirectly indicate that the
Gwalior Air Force Base will,
in the future, house some
"Space Fighters" (beyond sky),
and i hope it does one day…
best of luck to IAF Tigers
India needs much bigger air force to create deterrence against the china, and Pakistan will be covered automatically.in future India is going to play bigger role in south and east Asia as the Chinese assertiveness is increasing day by day which is going to have adverse effects on our interests and security in particular.However at present we have to rely upon our limited MATERIAL/technological resources. Besides this motivation, dedication, perseverance and flying/fighting skills of our gallant fighter pilots is our real stength. MY full respects for our airforce. JAI INDIAN AIR FORCE /JAI HIND .