Indian Air Force gears up to celebrate its 78th anniversary
By ANIWednesday, October 6, 2010
HINDON - Ahead of the 78th Air Force Day, to be celebrated on Friday, the officers and airmen of the Indian Air Force (IAF) presented an impressive dress rehearsal at the Hindon airbase near Ghaziabad.
A thrilling air show by combat and transport aircraft as well as helicopters from the Sarang team thrilled the audience on Tuesday.
Among the aircraft, which took part in the spectacular air show, were MIG-21s, MIG-29s, Jaguars, Mirage 2000s, and Sukhoi-30 MkIs with the pilots displaying their unique skills in mid air.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team treated the audience with breathtaking formation flights.
The entire air show was coordinated with precision from five different bases such as Ambala, Halwara and Adampur of the New Delhi-based Western Air Command.
The IAF was founded on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary Air Force of the British Indian Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during the World War II.
Since independence, the IAF has participated in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan and one with China.
Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay - the invasion of Goa, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions. (ANI)
