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Gwalior, Nov 10 (ANI): The President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, today conferred the Presidential Standards to two premiere combat units of the IAF - No. 47 Squadron and Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) at an impressive presentation parade held at the Gwalior airbase.

“It gives me immense pleasure to be with you at Air Force Station Gwalior, a premier Indian Air Force Base, to award Standards to 47 Squdron Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment. Both have a rich history of valour and courage and have rendered distinguished service to the nation since their inception. These two units have put in tremendous effort as well as followed rigorous discipline in pursuit of excellence and set an example for others to emulate. For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of their adversity, the nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation,” said President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil on this ocassion.

The Standards were received in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik by Commanding Officer of No. 47 Squadron (Black Archers) Wing Commander Vikas Sharma and Commodore Commandant Air Vice Marshal Arup Raha, and subsequently by the Commandant of TACDE Group, Captain Surat Singh and Commodore Commandant Air Marshal S Mukerji.

An impressive parade comprising air warriors from both units as well those from the Gwalior airbase followed the Standard presentation. The President also released a First Day cover and a Brochure on the occasion.

A fly-past comprising AWACS flanked by two Su-30 MKI, a single Mig-21 (T-77), a Vic of each of the three Mig-21s(T-96), Mig-27s, Mig-29s and Su-30 MKIs enthralled the onlookers. The IAF’s helicopter display team - Sarang undertook a captivating display, while a single Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft, the mainstay of the Gwalior airbase, displayed low-level aerobatics.

The President later interacted with the air warriors of the two Units and others from the airbase. Among the senior dignitaries present included Madhya Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Arjan Singh. Several other senior serving and retired officers of the two units were also present at the ceremony.

Later, addressing media persons on the sidelines of the Standards presentation, Air Chief formally announced the proposed flight of the President on a Su-30 MKI at Pune airbase on November 25. (ANI)