Indian Air Force Day 2020: PM Modi Extends Wishes on Air Force’s 88th Anniversary

The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 88th Anniversary on Thursday. On this special day, the IAF will proudly display showcase its prowess and put its mainstream fighter jets on display. The Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony is being held at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad) near Delhi.

#AFDay2020
A momentous journey of Eighty Eight Years. Indian Air Force is ever ready to INNOVATE , INTEGRATE & INTIMIDATE.

Promo video of IAF on the occasion of 88th Anniversary.

Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/8hFIzCqpdb

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 5, 2020

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted the force on the occasion.

Here is what they tweeted:

PM Modi extended greetings to the ”brave warriors” of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

एयर फोर्स डे पर भारतीय वायुसेना के सभी वीर योद्धाओं को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। आप न सिर्फ देश के आसमान को सुरक्षित रखते हैं, बल्कि आपदा के समय मानवता की सेवा में भी अग्रणी भूमिका निभाते हैं। मां भारती की रक्षा के लिए आपका साहस, शौर्य और समर्पण हर किसी को प्रेरित करने वाला है।#AFDay2020 pic.twitter.com/0DYlI7zpe6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020

President Kovind tweeted,

The ongoing process of modernisation with induction of Rafale, Apache and Chinook will transform the IAF into an even more formidable strategic force. Confident that in the years to come, the Indian Air Force will continue to maintain its high standards of commitment & competence

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2020

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted the IAF warriors and their families on Air Force Day.

On the occasion of #AirForceDay Raksha Mantri greets the Air Warriors and their families.

RM says “The Nation is proud of its men and women in blue and salutes the prowess of the @IAF_MCC as it stands ready to face challenges and deter adversaries.” pic.twitter.com/9Xl4UYnhIN

— Rajnathsingh_in (@RajnathSingh_in) October 8, 2020

IAF’s frontline warplanes like Rafale, Su-30MKI, Apache, Tejas, ‘Gajraj’ will showcase its lethal firepower. 56 aircraft, including 19 fighters and seven transport aircraft along with 19 helicopters, would be taking part in aerial display at the Air Force Day Parade in Hindan.

Why is Air Force Day celebrated on October 8?

October 8 is celebrated as the Air Force Day because, on this day, the Air Force in India was officially raised in 1932. It was a part of the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom.  After participation in World War II, the Air Force in India came to be called the Royal Indian Air Force.  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 is the fourth largest in the world today.

Events and traditions of Air Force Day:

The main event at the Hindon Air Force Base comprises a parade by men and women air warriors. It also has an investiture ceremony where medals are pinned by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) on uniforms of those who have been declared recipients.

Since 1950 the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People’s Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai.

The IAF has also been participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

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