Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, President Draupadi Murmu today (8 March 2024) presented the prestigious President’s Flag to 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron of the Indian Air Force and 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit (SU) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was honored with the President’s ensign. The flag and pennant given by the President is the highest honor that any military unit can receive.
This is the first time in the history of the Indian Air Force that four units have been awarded the President’s Standard and Colors simultaneously in a single ceremony.
President Draupadi Murmu was given an aerial salute on her arrival by three Mi-171V helicopters in ‘Dhwaj’ formation flying the national flag. Minister of State for Civil Aviation General VK Singh (Retd) was also present on the occasion. On this special occasion, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other senior officers of the Indian Air Force welcomed the President.
Group Captain KS Sanu Nair of 11 BRD took command of the ceremonial parade. During the ceremony, President Draupadi Murmu released the first day covers for 45 Squadron, 221 Squadron, 11 Base Repair Depot and 509 Signal Unit.
The standard given by the President was accepted by Group Captain M Surendran, commanding officer of 45 Squadron and Group Captain Subhankan, commanding officer of 221 Squadron. The President’s Colors were presented to Air Commodore Ashutosh Vaidya, Air Officer Commanding, 11 BRD, and Group Captain Vivek Sharma, Commanding Officer, 509 SU, during a spectacular parade at Air Force Station Hindon, Ghaziabad.
Addressing the parade, President Draupadi Murmu congratulated the units receiving the President’s Flag and Ensign and appreciated them for their services to the nation.
On this occasion, the President mentioned the indomitable courage, commitment and sacrifice of the Indian Air Force during war and peacetime operations in India and abroad. He also highlighted the important contribution of the Indian Air Force in the ongoing space programs in the country and the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.
President Murmu also congratulated the women personnel of the Indian Air Force on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Expressing happiness, he said that equal opportunities are provided to women officers in every branch of the Indian Air Force, due to which they get more opportunities to progress in their future field of work.
