Guwahati: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 90 years of service on Saturday.
A ceremonial march was held at the Chandigarh air force base to kick off the celebrations this morning. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari observed the procession following a march-past. Senior IAF officers present were Air Marshal Sreekumar Prabhakaran, Air-Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Western Air Command.
The yearly parade and fly-past are being staged outside of Delhi-NCR for the first time.
Nearly 80 military aircraft and helicopters, including the recently introduced locally-built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) “Prachand,” will take part in the IAF’s hour-long air display at the lake. These aircraft and helicopters will demonstrate their aerial prowess during the fly-past.
A state-of-the-art modern combat aircraft, the Light Combat Helicopter Limited Series Production (LSP) contains roughly 45% indigenous content by value, which will progressively rise to more than 55% for the SP Version. It was conceived, developed, and manufactured locally.
The new helicopter can engage in aerial combat and will aid the military in fending off drones, armoured columns and stationary aircraft.
Along with LCH “Prachand,” other aircraft taking part in the fly-past include the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Sukhoi, Mig-29, Jaguar, Rafale, IL-76, C-130J, and Hawk. The Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17 will be among the helicopters participating in the aerial demonstration.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) was formally established on Air Force Day in 1932. The chief of the Indian Air Force and senior officers attend each year’s celebration of the day. The Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom’s supporting force was formally established as the Air Force in 1932, and the first operational squadron was founded in 1933.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wished the force early this morning.
“Greetings and best wishes to all courageous IAF air warriors and their families on the Indian Air Force Day. The IAF is known for its valour, excellence, performance and professionalism. India is proud of its men and women in blue. Wishing them blue skies and happy landings,” Singh tweeted.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “On Air Force Day, my greetings to the courageous air warriors and their families. In line with the motto of नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्, the Indian Air Force has shown exceptional dexterity for decades. They have secured the nation and also shown remarkable human spirit during disasters.”