IAF Day: Sindoor fly high in c

National

IAF Day: Sindoor fly high in celebrations

On its 93rd birthday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) today celebrated the Air Force Day, where recently conducted 'Operation Sindoor' took the centre-stage at the Hindon Air Base - country's largest airbase near Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The IAF showcased India's aerial strength and operational readiness with the display of fighter jets such as the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29. The IAF parade also highlighted the achievements of Operation Sindoor vigorously at the Base. Last year, the Air Force Day was celebrated in Chennai and in 2023, it was observed in Allahabad.

The IAF incidentally has bid a ceremonial farewell to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jet on last 26 September after over six decades of service, with the final decommissioning ceremony flypast taking place in Chandigarh. Inducted in the 1960s, the Soviet-era MiG-21 served as a workhorse in attack, defense, and reconnaissance missions, becoming synonymous with the IAF and shaping generations of its pilots before being retired from service.

During celebrations, the IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh inspected the parade and took the salute at the parade held at Hindon Air Base as part of the celebrations today.

The Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief Marshal Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi paid tribute to the soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of 93rd Air Force Day.

The Air Force was established on 8 October 1932 by the British colonial government to rule over the sky of the Indian territory, and the maiden IAF aircraft took flight on 1 April 1933.

The IAF highlighted the achievements of 'Operation Sindoor' during the Air Force Day celebrations today. It demonstrated the force's operational strength, growing technological capabilities, and humanitarian role that it has played over the years.

This year, the static display line-up also included platforms that played a part in forcing Pakistan to retreat and seek a ceasefire after its Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) dialed his Indian counterpart.