89th Air Force Day: IAF showcases its might (SEE PHOTOS)

The Indian Air Force deployed 75 aircraft to commemorate 75 years of independence on its 89th raising day at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. 

<p><em>Image: The grand finale to the Parade was a spellbinding flypast that saw the Rafale, Tejas, Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 in missing man formation.</em></p>

The Indian Air Force deployed 75 aircraft to commemorate 75 years of independence on its 89th raising day at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. 

The aircraft were drawn from its fighter, transport and helicopter wings.

Also See: Indian Air Force Day 2021: Interesting facts about the IAF

<p><em>Image: Tejas fighter aircraft</em></p>

Among the fighters jets, the newly-inducted Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-21 Bison MiG-29, LCA Tejas and Jaguar enthralled the audience with their aerobatic manuevours. 

Addressing the airmen, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said that prompt action in response to developments in the eastern Ladakh was a testament of the Indian Air Force's combat readiness.

<p><em>Image: Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30MKI</em></p>

Urging the air warriors to preserve the IAF's rich heritage and pass it to future generations, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said that they must demonstrate to other nations that the external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. 

The prominent performance of the day was a synchronised display between indigenously-developed Tejas, Rafale and Sukhoi terminating with a Vertical Charlie. 

Also See: 3 squadrons honoured for valour post-Balakot strike and Galwan Valley clash

<p><em>Image:&nbsp;Akash Ganga team making a touchdown</em></p>

The parade was started with the renowned Akash Ganga team dropping from the transport aircraft AN-32 with their colourful canopies.

<p><em>Image:&nbsp;Vintage aircraft Dakota at the flypast</em></p>

After that, the vintage aircraft Dakota flew in. 

The Dakota was gifted by Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrashekhar in 2018 to the IAF. The aircraft was procured from scrap in 2011 and was restored to its past glory in the United Kingdom.

The Dakota was also flown in VIC formation with 2 Dorniers by its side. 

<p>Image:&nbsp;IAF's Mi-35 and Apache helicopters flying in formation</p>

The Rafale and LCA Tejas also participated with the Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000, wherein the Rafale pitched up for a roll of top while other jets flew past in missing man formation.

In the flypast, IAF helicopters like the Chinook, Apache, C-130J, C-17, Mi-35, Mi-17V5, ALH and Hawk also participated. 

<p><em>Image: Suryakiran Aerobatics Tram</em></p>

Also showcasing their skills at the flypast were the Suryakiran and Sarang formation aerobatics teams of the Indian Air Force.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted the air warriors on the occasion. 

Prime Minister Modi said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the members of Indian Air Force and their families on Air Force Day.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said that the Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence and professionalism and that the air warriors had distinguished themselves in defending the country and through their humanitarian spirit in times of challenges.

<p><em>Image: IAF's C-130J aircraft leads a formation&nbsp;</em></p>

In September, the Indian Air Force had carried out an 'Elephant Walk' with a fleet of 75 fighter aircraft.

On August 15, it had also organised a tri-services skydiving demonstration with 75 skydivers in the western sector to mark the 75th year of independence from British rule.