Hindon Air Base/ Ghaziabad: Indian Air Force celebrated 88th Air Force Day on Thursday, October 8 with many restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The day, that was full of enthusiasm nevertheless, saw a parade as the main event, and flypast at Hindon Air Force Base along with events at IAF establishments across the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed his best wishes to the air warriors and their families on the occasion of 88th Air Force Day-2020 of Indian Air Force (IAF) in the Hindan airbase on Thursday. He said in a message, "Eighty-eight years of dedication, sacrifice and excellence mark the journey of the IAF which is today a lethal and formidable force to reckon with."
Rajnath Singh expressed that the Nation was proud of its men and women in blue and salutes the prowess of the IAF as it stands ready to face challenges and deter adversaries. "We remain committed to the enhancement of IAF's combat capability through modernisation and indigenisation, Rajnath Singh tweeted.
Singh also expressed confidence that the IAF would always guard the Nation's skies, come what may, adding, "Here's wishing you blue skies and happy landings always".
Indian Air Force celebrates #IndianAirForceDay on October 8 because on this day, the Air Force in India was officially raised in 1932 as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom. The first operational squadron came into being in April 1933. After participation in World War II, the Air Force in India came to be called the Royal Indian Air Force in the mid-1940s. In 1950, after the republic came into being it became the Indian Air Force. From six officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys back in 1933, the Air Force now is the fourth largest in the world.
ALSO READ: Dalal Street makes its biggest bet of FY21 on Mazagon Dock IPO with 157x oversubscription
For several decades until 2005-06, the Air Force Day used to be marked by the main event, parade and flypast at Palam. But due to the increasing air traffic issues, it was shifted to Hindon Air Force Base in Ghaziabad which is home to two squadrons of transport aircraft and a helicopter unit among other establishments. The flypasts and displays on the occasion have traditionally showcased the in-service aircraft and systems of the Air Force.
Image Source: IAF
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)