The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 86th anniversary on October 08 this year. The event was marked by a grand parade at Air Force Station, Hindon where the spectators were impressed by the immaculate drill movements and demonstration by the Air Warriors Drill Team. What truly enthralled the audience was the aerial display by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team consisting of nine Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft. On this occasion, personnel of the IAF, both serving and retired, were felicitated by the President of India, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister of India and Minister of Defence. In their message, the national leadership acknowledged the yeomen service rendered by the Air Warriors and their contribution to national security.

A major step forward by the Government to strengthen national security, has been the deal to purchase the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence missile system. This will significantly enhance the air defence capability of the IAF especially in the context of its dwindling combat fleet and the escalating threat from adversaries. An analysis by Group Captain A.K. Sachdev of the security threat and the possibility of a two-front war is included in this issue. The Government has now gone ahead with the deal under an ominous possibility of sanctions by the US, delivering a clear message to the US on India’s perspective of strategic autonomy in matters of national security. An article on this acquisition of the S-400 has been included in this issue of the magazine.

A major event related to civil aviation was the NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition held from 16 to 18 October this year in the US. The event heavily subscribed both by exhibitors and visitors, was clearly focused on the future of the business aviation industry and the mood amongst the thousand plus companies participating was upbeat. A detailed report of the event is a part of this issue of SP’s Aviation.

Speaking of Business Aviation, Rohit Kapur, third time President of the Business Aircraft Owners Association, talks about the ills that plague the business aviation segment of the Indian civil aviation industry and the reforms needed to help this segment of the industry to grow and flourish in India. Currently, the existing rules and regulations are virtually choking the industry, thereby stunting its growth. A detailed record of views and ideas as expounded by Rohit Kapur figures in this issue of SP’s Aviation.

The CFM Leadership team was in India recently on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the LEAP Engine. Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Aviation, spoke to Gaël Meheust, President & CEO, on CFM’s commitment to Indian Aviation. CFM International is a 50:50 partnership with Safran Aircraft Engines & GE. By the end of August 2018, LEAP has reported a soaring order book of 16,300+ engines and a confidence of 72+ operators in 5 continents. In India, CFM plans to deliver 1,000 engines in the coming years and also supports the airliners with a training center in Hyderabad dedicated to CFM56 and LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and wish you happy landings!

Jai Hind!