IAF celebrates its 89th anniversary

The Indian Air Force has celebrated its 89th anniversary on Friday. Addressing the parade  at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Chaudhari said that the prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh were testament to IAF's combat readiness. He said, the IAF must demonstrate to nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate Indian territory. He said, the security environment in the region and beyond has been impacted by complex interplay of geopolitical forces.He added that  the advents of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air have resulted in paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted.

The Air Chief Marshal said, in sync with the changing nature of war-fighting, the ongoing capability enhancement in the IAF is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power. He 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.

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 included heritage aircraft, modern transport aircraft and frontline fighter aircraft. The function also witnessed the air display by Sukhoi Su-30 and Rafale. The ceremony concluded with spell-binding aerobatic display. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and   Army Chief General Manoj Naravane also attended the parade.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence minister Rajnath Singh have extended greetings to the air warriors, veterans and their families on the occasion of Air Force Day on October 8.