Air Warrior Drill Team

The AWDT performing at Bangladesh Air Force Base Dhaka, 7 December 2009.

The Air Warrior Drill Team "Subroto" (AWDT) is the ceremonial drill team of Indian Air Force, being a platoon-sized formation. It was founded in 2004 as the first of precision exhibition drill unit of its kind in the Indian Armed Forces. It falls under the command of the Directorate of Organisation of the IAF.^[1] This unit commonly performs during IAF events as well as national events such as Air Force Day Parade on 8 October as well as the Independence Day celebrations on 15 August.^[2][3] Their official motto is Drill to Thrill (Hindi: थ्रिल को ड्रिल करें). Its 28 members have also performed at venues such as Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre^[4] and Tezpur Airport as well as performed during the IAF Presentation of Colours^[5] and the Subroto Cup.^[6][7] The unit uses Lee–Enfield rifles with fixed bayonets and performs routines that include complex spins and tosses.^[8]

References

1. "A strong foundation". The Financial Express. October 8, 2010.
2. "Special performance by Air Warrior Drill Team". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 22 September 2019.
3. Meena, R. P. "Rajasthan Current Affairs Yearbook 2019". New India Publication – via Google Books.
4. Service, Tribune News. "Governor, First Lady attend Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra". Tribuneindia News Service.
5. "Indian air force's Air Warrior Drill team performance | Entertainment - Times of India Videos". The Times of India.
6. "Subroto Cup kicks off with colourful opening ceremony". Business Standard India. 27 September 2013.
7. "Subroto Cup Kicks Off with Colourful Opening Ceremony". pib.gov.in.
8. "..:: India Strategic ::. IAF: Indian Air Force Symphony Orchestra and Drill Team Enthral Public at 'India Gate'". www.indiastrategic.in.