The Weapon Systems branch will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force

In a historic step for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the government approved the creation of a new branch, called the Weapon Systems (WS) branch, on Saturday, which was celebrated as the Air Force Day.

The Indian Air Force also unveiled the new combat uniform of the force on its 90th anniversary.

The creation of the Weapon Systems branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems, the Ministry of Defence said.

The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. The branch will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force, the ministry pointed out.

"This is the first time since Independence that a new Operations branch is being created," Air Chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhary pointed out in his address at the Air Force Day celebrations in Chandigarh. Creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crores due to the reduced expenditure on flying training, he added.

Sharing a video on Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings on the Air Force Day, stating that the force had "shown exceptional dexterity for decades. They have secured the nation and also shown remarkable human spirit during disasters".

"Greetings and best wishes to all courageous IAF air warriors and their families on the Indian Air Force Day. The IAF is known for its valour, excellence, performance and professionalism. India is proud of its men and women in blue. Wishing them blue skies and happy landings," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.