Watch: The 88th Indian Air Force Day celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian Air Force on its foundation day, saying the courage, valour and dedication of its soldiers to protect the country inspire everyone. The prime minister also posted a brief video in which he speaks of the Indian Air Force's beginning in 1932 as a force of six pilots and 19 airmen and its rise to become one of the strongest forces in the 21st century.
The newly inducted Rafale fighter jet displayed its ability to carry out sharp turns during the flypast at the IAF base in Ghaziabad on the occasion.
#WATCH Rafale fighter jet carries out a minimum radius turn within an area smaller than a hockey field forming a figure of eight, on the 88th IAF day, at Hindon airbase pic.twitter.com/3GB7CMs0YX
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 8, 2020
The Rafale flew in the 'Vijay' formation, flanked by two Jaguars and Mirage 2000 each. It also carried out a minimum radius turn within an area smaller than a hockey field forming a figure of eight.
From Sukhoi to Rafale: Read about the sophisticated IAF aircraft
#WATCH Indian Air Force fighter jet carries out vertical charlie manoeuvre at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, as IAF celebrates its 88th anniversary today.#AirForceDay2020 pic.twitter.com/K68On8puHb
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 8, 2020
The Indian Air Force has 'clearly' demonstrated its resolve, operational capability and will to effectively engage with the adversary whenever the need arises, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said, referring to his force's prompt deployment and combat readiness along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
“I would like to commend all warriors for the quick response, in the recent stand-off on our northern frontiers, when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality, and provided proactive support to all the requirements of deployment and sustenance for the Indian Army,” Bhadauria said after inspecting the Air Force Day parade.
“We have clearly demonstrated our resolve, operational capability, and the will to effectively engage the adversary, should the need arise,” he said.
Ghaziabad: Two Chinook helicopters take part in flypast to mark 88th Indian Air Force Day, at Hindon airbase pic.twitter.com/BgEJ8n7sOv
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 8, 2020
#WATCH: Flares fired by the Eklavya formation including Apache and Mi-35 attack helicopters at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad.#AirForceDay2020 pic.twitter.com/ps70ymRp3X
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 8, 2020
Wishes Pour In
Apart from PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and others greeted IAF warriors on 88th anniversary of Indian Air Force.
एयर फोर्स डे पर भारतीय वायुसेना के सभी वीर योद्धाओं को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। आप न सिर्फ देश के आसमान को सुरक्षित रखते हैं, बल्कि आपदा के समय मानवता की सेवा में भी अग्रणी भूमिका निभाते हैं। मां भारती की रक्षा के लिए आपका साहस, शौर्य और समर्पण हर किसी को प्रेरित करने वाला है।#AFDay2020 pic.twitter.com/0DYlI7zpe6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020
Wishing the IAF, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added that the Centre is committed to enhancing its capabilities through modernisation and indigenisation.
On the occasion of 88th Anniversary of the @IAF_MCC, Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has extended his greetings and best wishes to all air warriors & their families. RM expressed his commitment for enhancement of IAF's combat capability through modernisation and indigenisation. pic.twitter.com/nU3LyULZyQ
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) October 8, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind honoured air warriors, veterans and the families of Indian Air Force, saying that the nation remains indebted to the contribution of the IAF in securing the skies.
On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. The nation remains indebted to the contribution of the IAF in securing our skies and assisting civil authorities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2020
Warm greetings to everyone from the Indian Air Force fraternity on the ocassion of Air Force Day!
The way you continue to serve the nation selflessly & tirelessly is awe-inspiring. My best wishes to all our @IAF_MCC personnel & their families.#IndianAirForceDay— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 8, 2020
Lesser known facts about Indian Air Force you should know. Click here