^{Indian Air Force starts digitising records under Project Marut.}

Indian Air Force Launches Project Marut to Digitise its History

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has embarked on Project Marut, dedicated to archiving and digitizing its operational history, wartime engagements, and the stories of its warriors. This initiative involves delving into various archival repositories, including those in the United Kingdom, the National Archives of India in the Capital, and squadron records.

Named after the first indigenous jet fighter HF-24 Marut, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the 1960s, Project Marut aims to compile, digitize, and archive historical records of the Air Force. The ultimate goal is to facilitate accessibility for research and study. All declassified materials are set to be digitized, with the intention of making them available at the upcoming IAF Museum in New Delhi.

Given the limited records from the period between 1947 and the mid-1950s, efforts have been made to gather additional information from retired soldiers. Pre-1947 records have been sourced from the United Kingdom, while records from the years 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 wars are already declassified and accessible.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari spearheaded the initiation of this noteworthy project.