Indian Air Force (IAF) world’s fourth largest Airforce is celebrating its 83rd Anniversary today. The sky force of India was formed on 8th October 1932, during the British rule as an auxiliary force of the British Empire. Since then it has been part of many major operations, which also includes its contribution in Second World War in 1945 before India became a republic.
IAF has strength of more than 127000 active personals, 1820 aircrafts in the service, 862 combat planes (595 Fighter & 267 Attacker), as published in Military Balance 2010 by International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS).
Apart from the contribution in Second World War, IAF has undertaken major operation like Operation Vijay – The Annexation of Goa, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai. The Indian Air Force along with Armed Forces gave a remarkable support to country during disasters, let it be Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, dropping supplies in flood affected areas or during natural calamities like Gujarat Cyclone 1998, Tsunami (2004) and floods in Northern part of India (2013). IAF also extended its assistance to other countries, for the cause of relief Operations like Rainbow in Sri Lanka.
Today, on 8th October 2015, Indian Air Force celebrated 83rd Anniversary at National capital. The event started with a large parade followed by Air Display commenced with Flag bearing sky divers of Akash Ganga team and performances by Fighter Aircrafts in the blue sky.
The day marked a new beginning for the Indian Air Force, as the Air Force Chief Arup Raha said “soon India will have women fighter Pilots to put them in Combat Position in The Indian Air Force for the first time”.
However, Indian women are serving as pilots in the Air Force, but were limited to flying Transport Aircrafts and Helicopters. Now, IAF is planning to introduce women in the fighter stream, so that they can meet the aspirations of women of India. Indian women Pilots have already proven metal by flying Ilyushin IL-76 – a heavy lift transport aircraft in tough cases in Leh.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Indian Air Force on 83rd Anniversary on a social media, he tweeted:
I salute our air force personnel on Air Force Day. They have always served India with great courage & determination. pic.twitter.com/S0Wr3nySYa
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2015
On this day Sachin Tendulkar attended the celebration at Hindon Air base in Delhi. He is the first sports person who has been conferred with a Rank on Group Captain in Indian Air Force. He also wished on a social media platform with tweet.
Proud of the dedication of #IndianAirForce. Thank you to each of them for their commitment & many sacrifices #IAFDay pic.twitter.com/eTQBI8mugk
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 8, 2015
