New Delhi:
The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 87th anniversary today. Every year, the Air Force Day is celebrated at Hindon base in presence of IAF chief and senior officials of the three-armed forces. Chiefs of three services, Army Chief Bipin Rawat, Indian Air Force Chief, RKS Bhadauria and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh paid their tributes at National War Memorial on the special day. The IAF was founded on October 8, 1932, and the force has participated in several crucial wars and landmark missions. Also, today Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will receive the first of the 36 Rafale aircraft in the French port city of Bordeaux, where he will perform ‘Shastra Puja’ on the occasion of Dussehra and take a sortie in the fighter jet.
Here are the LIVE updates:
Wing Commander Abhinandan Leads IAF's MiG-21 Bison Formation On Air Force Day
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Tuesday led formation of the IAF's MiG-21 Bison on Air Force Day celebrations over Hindon Air Base near Delhi. Wing Commander Abhinandan had shot down a Pakistani F-16 in February before his MiG-21 was downed by enemy Air Force. Today, Abhinandan’s No. 51 Squadron will be awarded the unit citation by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. The unit will be awarded for thwarting the Pakistani aerial attack and shooting down a Pakistani F-16 during the dogfight on February 27.
Indian Air Force is on the path of rapid modernisation... However, we need to focus on indigenous design and manufacturing: RKS Bhadauria
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to fly MiG Bison Aircraft over Air Force Day parade today at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. 3 Mirage 2000 aircraft and 2 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft will fly in ‘Avenger formation’. Planes are being flown by pilots who took part in Balakot air strike.
Mamata Banerjee tweets greetings to IAF personnel
On Air Force Day, my heartiest greetings to all IAF personnel and their families. We salute you for serving and protecting the nation. Jai Hind
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 8, 2019
President Kovind on Air Force Day
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. India remains forever indebted to the brave men and women in blue for their selfless devotion and sacrifice.
Nirmala Sitharaman on Air Force Day
Sincere and heart-felt greetings to the @IAF_MCC on their 87th anniversary. Your recent successful operation in Balakot overwhelmed all Indians. Professionalism, great leadership, and excellence are your hallmark. Wishing you every success in the future too.
Rajnath Singh on Air Force Day
Greetings to all @IAF_MCC personnel and their families on the 87th IAF Day. The IAF is the shining example of exemplary courage, fortitude, determination and impeccable service to our nation. These men and women in Blue have the ability to touch the sky with grit and glory.
Promo video on the occasion of 87th Anniversary of Indian Air Force.
#AFDay2019 : Promo video on the occasion of 87th Anniversary of Indian Air Force.
Watch the full video on : https://t.co/WyGyVrcXZy#AFDay19 pic.twitter.com/v2vlLA5Euh
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 5, 2019
IAF Extends Greetings
On the occasion of 87th Anniversary, Indian Air Force extends its heartfelt greetings to the courageous air-warriors and their families. The Courage, Valour, Commitment, Dedication and Zeal are inspiration for all.
IAF 87th Anniversary: Know Why Indian Air Force Day Is Celebrated On October 8
Present security environment in the neighbourhood is a serious cause of concern. The Pulwama attack is a stark reminder of the persistent threat to defence installations: IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria
IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Air Force Day: Strategic relevance of this (Balakot airstrike) is the resolve of political leadership to punish perpetrators of terrorism. There is a major shift in govt’s way of handling terrorist attacks.
Chiefs of three services, Army Chief Bipin Rawat, Indian Air Force Chief, RKS Bhadauria and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, pay tributes at National War Memorial on Air Force Day.
PM Modi Expresses Gratitude
Today, on Air Force Day, a proud nation expresses gratitude to our air warriors and their families. The Indian Air Force continues to serve India with utmost dedication and excellence: PM Modi
