Induction of the Hawk 132 heralds a new era in the IAF’s flying training history and the ceremony was conducted to martial tunes composed especially for the momentous occasion.

Heads shot up and necks craned as a collective gasp greeted the awe-inspiring sight of five Hawks taxiing out and soaring in perfect sync. The next few minutes flew past as the trainer aircraft led by HPT-32 with Chetak helicopters, AN-32 and Dorniers followed by Kiran jet trainers in Vic formations enthralled the gathering with daredevil manoeuvrings. Amid thunderous applause, the quintet swooped down as if in salute to Defence Minister A.K. Antony. It was February 23 and Antony was Chief Guest at the induction ceremony of the Hawk 132 at Air Force Station Bidar in north Karnataka.

In his speech, the Defence Minister assured: The Government of India will ensure that cutting edge technology is available to our armed forces. Funds will not come in the way of IAF modernisation plans. Present in the audience were the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, Principal Staff Officers from the Air HQ, senior officers from HQ Training Command, AOC and Air Warriors of Bidar air base and several retired IAF officers. Among the special invitees at the three-hour programme was the British High Commissioner, Sir Richard Stagg, besides top ranking officials from BAE Systems and Rolls Royce and senior officers from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Military Engineering Service.