The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 88th Anniversary on Thursday. On this special day, the IAF will proudly display showcase its prowess and put its mainstream fighter jets on display. The Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony is being held at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad) near Delhi.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted the force on the occasion.
Here is what they tweeted:
PM Modi extended greetings to the ”brave warriors” of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
President Kovind tweeted,
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted the IAF warriors and their families on Air Force Day.
IAF’s frontline warplanes like Rafale, Su-30MKI, Apache, Tejas, ‘Gajraj’ will showcase its lethal firepower. 56 aircraft, including 19 fighters and seven transport aircraft along with 19 helicopters, would be taking part in aerial display at the Air Force Day Parade in Hindan.
Why is Air Force Day celebrated on October 8?
October 8 is celebrated as the Air Force Day because, on this day, the Air Force in India was officially raised in 1932. It was a part of the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom. After participation in World War II, the Air Force in India came to be called the Royal Indian Air Force. In 1950, after the republic came into being it became the Indian Air Force. From six officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys back in 1933, the Air Force is the fourth largest in the world today.
Events and traditions of Air Force Day:
The main event at the Hindon Air Force Base comprises a parade by men and women air warriors. It also has an investiture ceremony where medals are pinned by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) on uniforms of those who have been declared recipients.
Since 1950 the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People’s Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai.
The IAF has also been participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
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