Formally established on October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force (IAF) turned 82 on October 8, this year. Beginning with just four Wapiti aircraft and six pilots, over the last 82 years, the IAF has been completely transformed and has grown to be the fourth largest air force in the world. While the occasion was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour at all bases and establishments of the IAF across the country, the event at Delhi surpassed all others in scale and grandeur. As has been the practice for the last several years, this year too, the Air Force Day parade organised by Air Headquarters was held at Air Force Station, Hindon, on the outskirts of Delhi. The shift of venue from Palam to Hindon effected a few years ago, was considered necessary to avoid prolonged disruption to the ever-increasing civil air traffic at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi as the final event is preceded by rehearsals invariably for seven days. The event this year had acquired special significance as the IAF was also celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Indo-Pak War of 1965 to pay homage to the martyrs who had made the supreme sacrifice to lay down their lives in the line of duty.

The event for which invitees began to congregate soon after dawn was a parade-cum-investiture ceremony. The latest inductions such as the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft, the C-130J Super Hercules Special Operations and tactical transport aircraft, the Hawk and the Pilatus PC-III Mk 2 trainer aircraft provided an impressive backdrop. Amongst the spectators were a large number of military and civilian dignitaries, foreign diplomatic staff in uniform, a number of former Chiefs of the Air Staff and the serving Chiefs of the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The renowned Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also present attired in Air Force uniform sporting the stripes of Group Captain on his shoulders. Sachin Tendulkar is the first sports person to be conferred the honour four years ago of the honorary rank of Group Captain in the IAF. Accompanied by his wife Anjali, he was seated along with the serving Chiefs from the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, a double honour bestowed on him.

The parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee who was the Chief Guest. Three MI-17 V5 helicopters of the IAF flew past the spectators in vic formation trailing the IAF Ensign as soon as the chief guest arrived. As part for the investiture parade, the CAS conferred Presidential Awards on the winners in recognition of services rendered. The awards included a total of 18 Vayu Sena Medals (VM) of which three were given posthumously and 31 Vishisht Sena Medals (VSM).

In his brief but an inspiring address, the CAS said that there has been a paradigm shift in the security environment in the region that pose new challenges to the nation. He said that the IAF was in the process of modernisation, inducting the latest technologies and upgrading the quality of human resource to discharge its responsibilities in the changing environment. He expressed gratitude to the nation for the immense faith and trust reposed in the service and assured the nation that the IAF would always be prepared to face any challenge to national security. The service, he said, will always be ready to provide swift response whether to confront external threats or in aid to civil authority for disaster management and internal security. He recounted the effort the IAF had devoted during the floods in Uttarakhand as well as in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that was devastated by floods in the recent past. He informed the nation that the IAF always cherished core values of Mission, Integrity and Excellence.

The Air Warriors Drill Team of the IAF presented a display that was an epitome of coordination, precision and discipline that are perquisites for successful teamwork in the service. The parade was followed by a spectacular air show by a variety of aircraft of the IAF flying in close formation. The helicopter and transport aircraft participating included the Mi-35 attack helicopters, three C-130J Super Hercules, An 32 tactical transport aircraft and the C-17 Globemaster III. The combat fleet participating included the MiG-21 Bison, MiG-29 air superiority fighter, the Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, the Sukhoi-30 MKI multi-role air dominance fighter and the Mirage 2000. There was an impressive display by the Sarang, a four-helicopter team that performed a series of manoeuvres in close formation. The Sarang has been participating in air shows both within the country and abroad and has literally been the ambassador for the IAF. At the end of the air display, an 80-year-old, single piston engine biplane, the famous Tiger Moth aircraft painted in a bright orange colour, flew above the parade ground at low level manoeuvring before the spectators for several minutes winning their hearts. The air show left the spectators spellbound.

But perhaps the most inspiring message that the IAF received on the occasion on its 82nd anniversary was from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said: “On Air Force Day, I salute our Air Force personnel. They are our pride and their bravery, commitment and dedication continues to inspire.”