Jalandhar: President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said while India was fully committed to peace, it would use all its might to protect the sovereignty of the nation.
At a function to present the President's Standards to the 223 Squadron and 117 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force at Adampur in Punjab, Kovind also complimented the air warriors for their "impeccable turnout and smart movement".
"India's rise in the international system has many dimensions to it. But it draws heavily from the capabilities and valour of our armed forces," he said.
The president said citizens slept securely because they knew the forces were there to protect them.
"Though we remain firmly committed to peace, we are determined to use all our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation. Each time we have had to do so, our valiant men and women in uniform have risen to the occasion," an official release quoted the president as saying.
The armed forces "exemplified by the air warriors...
secure the values, traditions and beliefs embodied in our democratic Constitution," he said.
The 223 Squadron, or the Tridents, was formed on May 10, 1982, in Adampur. It was initially equipped with the MiG-23 which was later upgraded to the formidable MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The squadron has a remarkable operational record.
The president said the squadron is one of the few that remains alert 365 days a year and lives up to its motto of 'Vijyaya amogh-astraha' (ultimate weapon for victory).
The 117 Helicopter Unit, or the Himalayan Dragons, was raised on February 1, 1971, at Air Force Station, Bareilly.