INDIAN AIR FORCE DAY

Indian Air Force, established in 1932, turned 88 on 8th October 2020.

A breathtaking, scintillating, and daredevil air display by several IAF aircraft became the hallmark and main attraction of the Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad.

Major highlights of the event were:

>>The grand parade cum investiture ceremony featured the major aircrafts including the MiG-29, MiG-21, Jaguar, Tejas LCA and Sukhoi-30 along with the newly procured Rafale jet.

>> On the same day, IAF broke its own record of highest skydive landing at Leh’s Khardungla Pass at an altitude of 17.982 ft. The skydive landing was performed by Wing Commander Gajanad Yadava and Warrant Officer AK Tiwari from C-130J aircraft.

>> IAF’s special skydiving team is known as ‘Akash Ganga’.

>>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.

>> About IAF:

• Established- 8th October 1932

• First Flight- 1st April 1933

• Initial Strength- 6 RAF trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys

• Air Chief Marshall- RKS Bhadauria

>> Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the ''brave warriors'' of the Indian Air Force (IAF). "Many congratulations to all the brave warriors of the Indian Air Force on Air Force Day. You not only keep the skies of the country safe but also play a leading role in the service of humanity in times of disaster. Your courage, valor and dedication to protect Maa Bharti inspire everyone," PM Modi tweeted in Hindi.

>> Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the country is "proud of its men and women in blue and salutes the prowess of the IAF as it stands ready to face challenges and deter adversaries".

BY DEVANSHI MEHTA