Indian Air Force Units Receive President’s Standard and Colours
On March 8, 2024, the Honorable President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron, and the President’s Colours to 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit (SU) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This remarkable event marked the first time in the history of the IAF that four units were honored with the President’s Standard and Colours simultaneously in a single ceremony.
The ceremony, held at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad, witnessed the arrival of the Honorable President, who was greeted with an aerial salute by three Mi-171V helicopters forming the ‘Dhwaj’ formation, displaying the National flag. Among the dignitaries present was General VK Singh (Retired), Minister of State for Civil Aviation, alongside Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, and other senior officers of the Indian Air Force.
Under the command of Group Captain KS Sanu Nair from 11 BRD, a ceremonial parade unfolded. As part of the ceremony, First Day covers for 45 Squadron, 221 Squadron, 11 Base Repair Depot, and 509 Signal Unit were unveiled by the Honorable President.
The President’s Standard were received by Group Captain M Surendran, Commanding Officer of 45 Squadron, and Group Captain Shubhankan, Commanding Officer of 221 Squadron. Air Commodore Ashutosh Vaidya, Air Officer Commanding of 11 BRD, and Group Captain Vivek Sharma, Commanding Officer of 509 SU, accepted the President’s Colours during the impressive parade.
Addressing the parade attendees, the Honorable President extended her heartfelt congratulations to the units honored with the President’s Standard & Colours, commending them for their exemplary service to the nation. She highlighted the valor, dedication, and sacrifices of the Indian Air Force during wartime and peacetime operations, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, she recognized the IAF’s significant contributions to the country’s space programs and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Honorable President also congratulated the women personnel of the IAF, expressing her satisfaction with the equal opportunities provided to women officers across all branches of the IAF, facilitating their career advancement.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of pride and honor as the Indian Air Force units stood distinguished with their new standards and colours, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to serving the nation
