Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 84th Air Force Day at Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh, with a display of aircraft and fly pasts. The event was attended by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and several dignitaries including the other two chiefs of the armed forces.
The event saw the IAF chief saying that the Pathankot airbase attack is a "stark reminder of the times we live in." He further highlighted that the acquisition of 36 Rafale aircrafts in next few years would enhance the force's operational capability.
Raha inspected the guard of honour, and conferred Vayu Sena Medal, Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) and Vishisht Seva Medal on air warriors. Following this, the air warriors also performed para jumps.
Cricket star Sachin Tendulkar was also seen seated next to the IAF chief. Tendulkar holds IAF's honorary rank of Group Captain.
Apart from the static display of some of the aircraft in IAF's inventory, there were fly-bys by Pilatus PC-7, Sarang helicopter display team, LCA Tejas, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, C-17 and others.
Meanwhile, IAF has joined Twitter and Facebook, with the tagline, Power to Punish. IAF is the last to join the social media platforms among the three services. Indian Army was the first to join Facebook and Twitter.
#WATCH: PC-7 Aircraft shows its prowess at Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/90uO9cS77N
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016
#WATCH: IAF'S Sarang Helicopter Display Team in action at Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/FWxhCUsffJ
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016
