Indian Air Force celebrates its 89th anniversary

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 89th anniversary on Friday. In the last eight decades, IAF has technologically evolved and grown in strength to thwart any threat to the nation. It is committed to safeguard the Indian skies and has played a key role in providing assistance to the people of the country during natural calamities

To mark the occasion and in keeping up with the tradition, a scintillating air display by various aircraft is the hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade-cum-investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad today.
 
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari reviewed the parade on the occasion. Addressing the gathering at Hindan airbase, the Indian Air Force Chief said, it is the sacred duty of Air Force to protect nation's sovereignty and integrity at any cost. He said, the year gone by has been challenging yet extremely rewarding. He added that IAF's efforts in completing COVID related tasks was a major accomplishment.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane also attended the  parade.
 
The Air Display commenced with flag bearing sky divers of the famous Akash Ganga Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies. The flypast includes heritage aircraft, modern transport aircraft and frontline fighter aircraft. The ceremony concludes with spellbinding aerobatic display.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended greetings to the air warriors, veterans and their families on the occasion of Air Force Day today.

In his message, President Kovind said, the nation is proud of the Indian Air Force (IAF) which has proved its competency and capability time and again during peace and war. The President said, he is confident that the Indian Air Force will continue to maintain its cherished standards of excellence.

The Vice President in his message said, be it war or peace, our Air Warriors have always made the nation proud through their courage, professionalism and excellence. He said, may these winged warriors keep soaring bringing glory to the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the members of the  Indian Air Force and their families on Air Force Day today. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, the Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence and professionalism. He said, they have  distinguished themselves in defending the country and through their humanitarian spirit in times of challenges.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended greeting on the Air Force Day today. The Defence Minister in his message, said, the country is proud of its air warriors for responding to varied challenges with alacrity and resilience and being steadfast in the service to the Nation.