DH NEWS SERVICE
new delhi, Oct 8
The 93rd Air Force Day celebrations featured a spectacular aerial showcase by the Heritage Flight, captivating attendees with a tribute to the Indian Air Force’s illustrious history. The dynamic display, held at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad, combined historic aircraft, including the ‘Tiger Moth’ and ‘HT-2’, followed by a solo performance by the vintage ‘Harvard’ aircraft, celebrating the IAF’s legacy and its ongoing service to the nation.
The traditional flypast and aerial display will continue as part of the celebrations in Guwahati on November 9.
The proceedings commenced with the marching-in of the President’s Colours, symbolising pride, unity, strength, and esprit de corps. On arrival, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, was presented with an aerial salute by three Mi-17 1V helicopters in ‘Dhwaj’ formation, trooping the National flag, IAF flag, and Op Sindoor flag.
The ceremonial parade was commanded by Gp Capt Chetan Pradeep Deshpande. While the Air Force Band’s patriotic tunes set the tone for the march past, matched by the Air Warriors’ precise and energetic footsteps, the Air Warrior Drill Team captivated the audience with their sharp and synchronised movements. The CAS also felicitated Air Warriors with a total of 97 medals across categories and six Unit Citations.
Addressing the parade, the Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the Indian Air Force’s extraordinary journey from a humble beginning to becoming the “Fourth largest Air Force in the World”, capable of shaping military outcomes with precision and speed. He brought out that the Indian Air Force’s performance in Operation Sindoor is a testament to its prowess, with bold and precise attacks restoring the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness.
The venue showcased an Innovation Arena where the ideas and solutions, conceived by Air Warriors across various units of the IAF, were on display. Alongside the Innovation Arena, a special display narrating the story of the year gone by.
The Static display featured state-of-the-art aircraft and equipment such as C-17 Globemaster, Su-30 MKI, Apache, MiG-29, MiG-21 Bison, Rafale, ALH MK-IIl, Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, C-130 J Super Hercules, Akash Missile System, and Rohini radar.
