It all started in 1932 as the Royal Indian Air Force, under the then British rule, and its name was changed to Indian Air Force in 1950, three years after India’s independence in 1947.

The Indian Air Force celebrated its 86th anniversary on Monday when the aerial defense mechanism wing showcased its prowess and put its mainstream fighter jets, choppers, and advanced radio transmission systems on display at the Hindon Air Force Station on the outskirts of Delhi.

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The air display at the Hindon Air Base began with flag-bearing skydivers of the famous Akash Ganga team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies. It was followed by an aerial display and aerobatics by Air Force’s various aircraft and teams like Surya-Kiran, Sarang, and others. The air display included supersonic combat aircraft like Jaguar, Bison, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and SU-30 MKI and Rudra helicopters.

In a first, a vintage Dakota aircraft that served the Air Force for over 40 years was also displayed. The Dakota DC-3 aircraft that was inducted into service in 1940 was used till 1988, as reported by IAF. It was one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time. Tiger Moth and Harvard vintage jets were also there as a part of IAF’s veteran fleet of combat aircraft.

Of all, multirole light combat aircraft – Tejas, stole the show at the parade, with maximum solo airtime displaying strategic and skillful maneuvers which reflected its capabilities to satiate the diverse needs of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy in time of combat concern.

CAF Dhanoa had said it was a “very good package” for India and the jets would be a “game-changer”. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others wished the Indian Air Force on its day.

“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!” PM Modi tweeted.

The year 2018 remained a fruitful one for the air-warriors as they scaled heights of success in the field of sports and adventure. Some of the wins include one Gold, two Silver, and four Bronze medals during international events. The nation as a whole and the Indian Air Force, in particular, was extremely impressed by these accolades earned, and, exemplary showcase of skill and capabilities at Exercise Pitch Black, the biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from July 27 to August 17, 2018 where the Indian Air Force took part for the first time.

On the day, it was also expressed that IAF is in the process of acquiring new combat systems, upgrading and modernizing its existing inventory of aircraft and weaponry. The mid-life upgrading of Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar fleet is already underway. Acquisition of new fighters, the S-400 Missile systems, Apache attack choppers, and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters would further improve the capabilities of the force. The ongoing induction of multirole light combat aircraft – Tejas, Spyder, MRSAM, and state-of-art precision weapons are a part of the larger modernization programme.

With 86 years of glorious past, IAF today has transformed into a modern and battle-hardened Air Force with strategic reach and stands at rank 5 globally. The defense wing intends to persist with its great legacy of commitment and excellence.

(The writer is a Delhi-based independent contributor to print and online publications)