- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday (8) observed its 89th anniversary by holding ceremonies and giving awards to three units.
The celebrations were held at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh where the chief of air staff and other top officials of the three armed forces were present.
The IAF Day also witnessed a parade that included formations with call signs linked to people and places that were involved in the 1971 war in which India defeated Pakistan and helped in the liberation of its eastern part now called Bangladesh.
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Greetings to our air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence and professionalism. They have distinguished themselves in defending the country and through their humanitarian spirit in times of challenges. pic.twitter.com/UbMSOK3agP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2021
Paratroopers were seen descending from the sky carrying the Indian Tricolour together with the IAF flag. This act was a depiction of the Tangail airdrop operation of the ’71 war. Also during the re-enactment of the operation, three paratroopers, including one from the Indian Army, jumped from a vintage Dakota transport plane.
Air Force Chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari, who took over recently, inspected the parade at the airbase and also handed over the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to officers on the occasion.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane were also present.
On the occasion, Chief of Air Staff Unit Citations were awarded to three units, including the 47 Squadron for playing a role in operations along with the Pakistan border post- Balakot airstrikes of February 2019 and in Ladakh sector opposite China since April-May last year for high altitude operations.
In a press release, the IAF said the 116 Helicopter Unit equipped with ALH Dhruv weaponised choppers has been awarded a citation by the air force chief for its role in the post-Balakot air strikes and at a forward airbase along the northern borders with China post-Galwan clash in June 2020.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi sent a greeting to the air force members and their families on the occasion. Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, home minister Amit Shah and others also greeted the country’s air warriors.
“The Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence, and professionalism. They have distinguished themselves in defending the country and through their humanitarian spirit in times of challenges,” Modi said in a tweet.
Greetings to air warriors, veterans & their families on Air Force Day. The nation is proud of the Indian Air Force which has proved its competency and capability time and again during peace and war. I am sure the IAF will continue to maintain its cherished standards of excellence
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2021
On Indian Air Force Day, we salute our brave Air warriors for selflessly serving the nation and protecting its integrity.
We are proud of the glorious history of our valorous Air Force.
May you continue to inspire the countrymen with your unparalleled devotion and commitment. pic.twitter.com/7r43n4Vjif
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 8, 2021
The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, in British India as an auxiliary air force of the Royal Air Force.
