The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates its 86th anniversary on Monday, highlighting the “untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices” made by its personnel, the Defence Ministry 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,” it said in a statement.

Advertisement

The parade will be followed by an air display and acrobatics by the Air Force’s various aircraft, including Jaguar, Bison, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and SU-30 MKI fighter jets and Rudra helicopters.

“After the parade, all visitors will also get an opportunity to witness static display of aircraft, weapon, radar and missiles systems of the Indian Air Force,” the Ministry added.

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.

The IAF has technologically evolved and grown in strength over these years to thwart any threat to the nation.

It is committed to safeguarding the Indian skies and has played a key role in providing assistance to the people during natural calamities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the “guardians of the skies” and on behalf of the nation thanked the air warriors and their families for serving humanity in times of disasters.

A grateful nation salutes our valorous air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. They keep our skies safe and are at the forefront of serving humanity in times of disasters. Proud of the Indian Air Force! pic.twitter.com/7zpdzotATS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his wishes to the Air Force terming them as the “pride of the nation”.

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

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu too congratulated all the IAF personnel for their vital role in relief work during national calamities.

On Air Force Day today, I congratulate all the personnel & families of Indian Air Force. They are second to none in valor & zeal and to secure our airspace. The vital role of the Air Force in relief work during national calamities like floods is immense. #AirForceDay @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/znuCbh1HOj

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) October 8, 2018

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also thanked the Indian Air Force for their service to the people during the disastrous floods that crippled the state.

The IAF had reportedly rescued 663 people and had airlifted 974 tonnes of relief material in Kerala.

Transport aircraft from all corners of the country were flying day and night to ensure relief material was beinng made available in relief camps.

As part of its rescue and relief efforts, the IAF had deployed Mi-17 choppers, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), Chetak helicopters along with C-17 Globemasters, Il-76 aircraft, C-130Js and An-32s.

The Indian Coast Guard also took to Twitter to extend its warm greetings to the brave air warriors and their families on 86th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

Scores of greetings and wishes also poured in on social media platforms on the Air Force Day.

(With agency inputs)