The South Western Air Command (SWAC) is in control of all air operations of the IAF in South Western sector. From President Pratibha Devisingh Patil flying the Su-30 MKI to having a new airfield in Phalodi and conducting several joint exercises, the SWAC has some remarkable achievements to its credit.

Jai Shree Varte Veeram, meaning victory garlands the gallant, is the motto of this air command and the command has always lived by it. Established as No. 1 Operational Group at Jodhpur in 1972, it was subsequently rechristened as the South Western Air Command (SWAC) in July 1980 and had its headquarters in Jodhpur. But keeping in view the increasing operational importance of the command, the SWAC headquarters was shifted to Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 1998. The SWAC dedicated to securing the inviolability of the Indian skies and to ensure the integrity of airspace above the nation’s land and sea territories is in control of all air operations of the IAF in South Western sector including most of Rajasthan, Gujarat to Saurashtra, and Kutch to Pune.

From President Pratibha Devisingh Patil flying the Su-30 MKI to having a new airfield in Phalodi and conducting several joint exercises, the SWAC has some remarkable achievements to its credit in the last one year.

Presidential Standards Presentation: The President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferred the Presidential Standards to two premier combat units, 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit of the IAF on March 9 at the Jodhpur airbase under HQ South Western Air Command based at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Commanding Officer of 49 Squadron Group Captain R. Dineshan and Commodore Commandant Air Commodore P.K. Singh and subsequently by Commanding Officer of 107 Helicopter Unit Wing Commander J. Yadav and Commodore Commandant Air Vice Marshal P.K. Roy received the standards in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, Air Marshal P.S. Bhangu.

President’s Flight in Su-30 MKI: President Pratibha Patil created history on November 25, 2009, when she became the first ever women President to have flown a frontline fighter plane and that too at the age of 74. She took off in a Su-30MKI from Lohegaon Air Base near Pune which falls in the area of responsibility of SWAC. The mission was coordinated by HQ South Western Air Command at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. “It was wonderful and unique,” said Patil.

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2010: On February 28, 2010, the silent deserts of Rajasthan once again reverberated to the deafening sounds of the most powerful bombs and missiles in the inventory of IAF. The exercise included all aircraft in the inventory of IAF. The demonstration showcased the combination of well-trained aircrew, robust weapon aiming systems, accurate sensors and smart weapons, over the air-to-ground range at Pokharan. Vayu Shakti 2010 displayed IAF’s preparedness and ability to deliver a lethal punch at a time and place of own choosing. During the display, frontline fighter aircraft of the IAF namely Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguars, MiG-27s, MiG-21, An-32 transport aircraft, Mi-35 attack helicopters and Mi-17 armed helicopters displayed their ground attack capabilities.

Phalodi Airfield inaugurated: The IAF operationalised a new airfield at Phalodi in Rajasthan on April 6, 2010. Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik inaugurated the airfield. Air Marshal P.S. Bhangu and other senior officers from Air HQ/HQ SWAC as well as several local civilian dignitaries were also present. The ceremony included a fly past by one vic each of Mi-17 helicopetrs, MiG-21, Bison and Jaguars. This was followed by a landing by Jaguar aircraft.