The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 83rd Air Force Day with a spectacular air display and parade at the Hindon air base near Delhi on Thursday.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha supported the 'Make in India' plan of the NDA Government and said the campaign is being vigorously supported by IAF to produce fighter and transport aircraft, helicopters, radars missiles and other aviation equipments.
"Our Air Defence network has been significantly strengthened by induction and integration of modern sensors and weapons systems like the indigenous 'Akash' missiles," stated the Air Chief Marshal.
The main attraction of this year's event was the re-constituted Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) which was showcased for the first time. The IAF also commemorated the golden jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
Backed with aircrafts like, SU 30 MKI, C-17 Globemaster - a military transport aircraft, C130 J Hercules, Pilatus PC-7 MK II turbo trainer aircraft, Mi-17 V5 in the backdrop of the Hindon Air Force station, the event began with a riveting display of Akash Ganga Para Jumping team. The sky divers jumped down from 8000 feet from an An-32 aircraft and landed with the clinical precision.
It followed by an impressive parade where the 46 officers and 253 airmen marched under 'Nishan toli' a symbol of patriotism that consists of the Indian Flag.
On behalf of the President of India, Chief of the Air Staff honoured the recipients of 14 Vayusena (Gallantry) medals, including two posthumous awardees and 31 recipients of Vishisht Seva Medal.
The highlight of the event i.e. the air display began with a Hercules formation of three C-130 J aircrafts in a 'Victory' formation, further followed by IAF's latest induction C-17 Globemaster III, which was escorted by two SU-30 MKI aircrafts. Three Jaguars in 'Victory' formation fixed the gaze of the audience. Three MIG-21 Bison were also on display.
Vintage aircrafts like De Havilland Tiger Moth, and the Harvard T-6 also took off from the runway.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also attended the 83rd Air Force Day Celebration. He is the Honourary Group Captain of the Indian Air Force.
The Master Blaster, who retired from international cricket in 2013, is the first sportsperson to be made an honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.
"Proud of the dedication of the IJ#IJIndianAirForceIJ. Every member plays the part to perfection. Thank you to each one of them for their commitment and many sacrifices," he posted on his Facebook page along with the pictures from the Air Force Day show.
Dressed in IAF uniform, Sachin witnessed air show at the base with various aircrafts performing spectacular aerobatics in the air. He also posted videos of the celebration on Instagram.
Raha said the fighter fleet might of the force will be expanded with the mid-life upgradation of MIG-29, M-200, and Jaguar along with the induction of light Combat Aircraft (lCA) by next year. The move will further enhance the operational capability. The contract negotiations are under progress for the acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft, he said.