Reach For the Skies: 82Nd Air Force Day Anniversary Celebrated

Reach For the Skies: 82Nd Air Force Day Anniversary Celebrated


The Indian Air Force celebrated its 82nd Air Force Day anniversary on October 8th this year. The event involved a host of cultural activities. Dignitaries and sports celebrities also graced the occasion. The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshall Arup Raha also congratulated the Indian Air Force on its achievements over the years. He said “IAF's journey of 82 years has witnessed many historic moments and it has emerged as one of the most formidable and respected air forces of the world”.

Sachin Tendulkar became th first sportsperson to be conferred an honorary Group Captain rank in the IAF. He also attended the function which was held at Hindan. For this special occasion. Various aircrafts were put on display. The Air Force Day Parade plus Investiture ceremony was also held at the Air Force Station.

PM Narendra Modi also appreciated the efforts made by the IAF saying that they are the nation's pride and their bravery as well as commitment is inspirational. He was quoted by The Hindu as having said, “On Air Force Day, I salute our air force personnel. They are our pride and their bravery, commitment and dedication continues to inspire”.

The Indian Air Force was established officially on October 8th in the year 1932 when it was created as an auxiliary force of the Indian empire. The official mission of the IAF is to ensure the “defence of India and every part thereof including preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war to its prosecution and after its termination to effective demobilisation”.

The IAF has the prime objective of safeguarding the Indian territory as well as national interests from all kinds of threats. The Indian Air Force also works in conjunction with other defence forces for protecting the territory and the people of India. It provides air support to the Indian Army in times of need as well.

The Indian Air Force also has a special Integrated Space Cell along with two other branches of the Indian armed forces as well as the Department of Space and the ISRO. Space based assets for military purposes are garnered through this special cell. The prime responsibility of securing the Indian air space rests on the IAF. It has fought 4 wars with Pakistan and one with PRC (China) following the Independence of India.

The IAF has also engaged in numberous operations such as Operation Meghdoot, Operation Vijay and Operation Cactus. It is also part of the UN Peacekeeping Missions. The President of the nation serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force.

With a strength of 170,000 personnel and around 1,400 aircrafts, the IAF is one of the leading aerial forces in the world today. May it continue to fly high and reach for the skies with every type of new success and achievement of important milestones.
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