The Indian Air Force (IAF) Day celebrations are underway at the Air Force Station in Hindon on Monday morning. The Force, celebrating its 86th anniversary, will highlight the "untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices" made by its personnel, a Defence Ministry statement said. "In keeping with the tradition, the IAF will hold a grand parade-cum-investiture ceremony at the Air Force Station at Hindon (Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh). Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, will review the parade," the Defence Ministry had said in a statement.
On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. They safeguard our skies with courage and commitment. The resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant air warriors is a source of pride for every Indian, greeted President Ram Nath Kovind.
On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. They safeguard our skies with courage and commitment. The resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant air warriors is a source of pride for every Indian #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2018
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the Indian Air Force.
Greetings on #AirForceDay .
नà¤à¤ƒ सà¥à¤ªà¥ƒà¤¶à¤‚ दीपà¥à¤¤à¤®à¥ (Touch the Sky with Glory).
Wishing @IAF_MCC , Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal BS Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC and all officers and air warriors on this day. You are inheritors of a great history and you do us proud.— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 8, 2018
The visitors will also get an opportunity to witness a static display of aircraft, weapon, radar and missiles systems of the Indian Air Force.
Indian Air Force Day celebrations underway at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/eQnMgcOrca
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 8, 2018
Union Minister Suresh Prabhu also greeted the force on its 86th anniversary.
On the occasion of the 86th Indian Air Force Day, I salute our courageous and selfless Indian Air Force fraternity. Their dedication and prowess ensure that our skies are safe. #IndianAirForceDay pic.twitter.com/oh10Ipk3D3
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) October 8, 2018
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Air display and acrobatics by the various forces will include Jaguar, Bison, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and SU-30 MKI fighter jets and Rudra helicopters.
The Indian Air Force came into force in 1932 as the Royal Indian Air Force under then British rule. The name was changed to Indian Air Force in 1950.