The Indian Air Force on the occasion of its 86th anniversary highlighting the “untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices” made by its personnel, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday. The Indian Air Force, also known as the “Bhartiya Vayu Sena” is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.

It was officially established on October 8, 1932. Hence, every year the Indian Air Force Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor at various Air Stations all over the country on October 8.

The Indian Air Force

The Indian Air force, the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces has a primary responsibility of securing the Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during armed conflicts. It ranks as the fourth largest air force in the world.

Since its inception in 1932, the Indian Air Force has had a remarkable history of achievements.

It has participated in four wars with Pakistan and one with People’s Republic of China. It has also played an important role in World War II, blocking the advance of the Japanese army to Burma.

The major operations of the Indian Air Force include Operation Poomalai, Operation Cactus, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Vijay.

Apart from the conflicts, the Indian Air Force also delivers humanitarian aid and disaster relief material during natural calamities. It has been working in the United Nation’s Peace Keeping mission as well.

The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the Indian Air Force. Former Indian cricket team captain Sachin Tendulkar also holds Indian Air force’s honorary rank of Group Captain.

The Indian Air Force has made a lot of technological advancements in the last few years. New helicopters and air crafts have been introduced. This show the progress and development in the field of creating a new benchmark each time in the history of the Indian Air Force.

The Air Force Day Celebration

The Air Force Day was started celebrating to increase the awareness about the importance of Indian Air Force in any organization of the national security by both, the officials and the public.

The Air force parade marks the beginning of the celebration on October 8^th. All the Air Force Stations conduct their respective parades at their air bases.

Moreover, there is a meticulously conducted hollow square parade in which the Commander in Chief administers the oath of allegiance to all the air warriors as well as the civilian personnel for dedicating their lives to the larger and much greater cause of the nation.

The wreath laying and the oath taking ceremony are usually the highlights of the celebrations. These celebrations are conducted in full military traditions. At the wreath laying ceremony, a tribute is paid to all the brave hearts of the Indian Air Force who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

On the occasion, each individual’s contribution is praised. They are praised for accomplishing successful missions and enabling the Central Air Command to demonstrate a high degree of operational preparedness. Various awards and medals of Honor are presented to the air warriors in keeping with their achievements of the previous year.

The teams perform different feats in the air creating different formations. In the evening, a “Social Evening” is organized which is graced by the senior dignitaries from the civil administration and armed forces and also by veteran Air Force officers.

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