PUNE: The year 2019 was full of remarkable events for the armed forces. The government took some major decisions which will have a far-reaching impact in the coming future.
BALAKOT AIRSTRIKE
In an intelligence-led operation in the early hours of February 26, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot, Pakistan. In this operation, a large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of terrorists who were being trained for suicide (fidayeen) action were eliminated. This was in response to the February 14, 2019 suicide terror attack, conducted by a Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad that led to the martyrdom of 40 brave jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
In a landmark decision, the government approved creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary. The decision will lead to improved coordination between the armed forces and make them more effective.
NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the National War Memorial, New Delhi, in a solemn ceremonial function on February 25 near India Gate. The memorial has been erected in the memory of those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation after India became Independent in 1947.
WOMEN FIGHTER PILOT
Women pilots have been performing admirably well in the transport and helicopter streams of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Now the IAF has inducted women pilots in the fighter stream as well. The first batch of three women trainees was inducted in the fighter stream. Currently, six are posted to fighter squadrons and two are undergoing post-commissioning training on Hawk-132 ac. One more woman trainee has been allotted fighter stream, and was commissioned this month.
RAFALE INDUCTION
It was a red-letter day in the history of IAF when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac in France in October. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft will make India stronger and give a boost to its air dominance to ensure security in the region.
LCA (NAVY) MAKES ARRESTED LANDING
The first-ever arrested landing of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy) at the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) INS Hansa, Goa, took place on September 13, 2019. The test will pave the way for the indigenous platform to undertake aircraft carrier landing demonstration onboard the Indian Naval Aircraft Carrier, Vikramaditya. The arrested landing heralds the arrival of true indigenous capability.
