Chennai/New Delhi: India marked its 93rd Air Force Day on Monday, with the main official events taking place at the Tambaram Air Force Station in Chennai. The day commemorated the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1932 with the raising of its first squadron and honoured the sacrifices and contributions of its personnel over the years.
The centrepiece of the celebrations was a thrilling airshow a day before, on Sunday, on the skies above Chennai’s Marina Beach. The scintillating display showcased the IAF's modern fleet of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
The display included breathtaking aerial manoeuvres by the IAF’s famed Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Display Team, formation flying, and parachute jumps. The airshow captivated thousands of spectators, who cheered and applauded the skill and precision of the pilots.
However, the show was marred by heat and chaos, in which four people died and hundreds needed medical treatment, as India Sentinels reported on Sunday.
A day earlier, in the customary address to the nation on the eve of the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the chief of the air staff, emphasized the IAF’s commitment to modernization and self-reliance. He highlighted the significant strides made by the force in recent years, including the induction of advanced fighter jets and the development of indigenous technologies.
On the depleting strength of the service’s fighter fleet, which has now dropped to pre-1965 levels, the IAF chief said the force is ready to fight with whatever it has. ACM Singh also paid tribute to the IAF personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, saying that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
On the occasion, the president, vice-president, and the prime minister greeted the IAF, commended its services to the nation, and wished its success for the future.
The president, Droupadi Murmu, greeted the IAF, its personnel, and their family members and wished success for the service. In a message on X, the president said: “Heartiest greetings to all our valiant air warriors, veterans and their families on Air Force Day! The Force has been securing our skies, while also serving the nation during disasters and humanitarian crises.
“[The] Indian Air Force has maintained the highest standards of excellence. Their courage and resolve are inspiring. I wish the Indian Air Force every success in its efforts to safeguard the nation,” she added.
The vice-president, Jagdeep Dhankhar, greeted the IAF, commended its work, and wished the service success in future endeavours. In a post on X, he said: “From securing our skies, providing humanitarian aid during natural calamities and assisting citizens in distress, the IAF’s contributions stand testament to its firm commitment to India's security.”
He then added: “On behalf of all fellow citizens, I express my sincere gratitude to our courageous personnel for their professionalism, unparalleled bravery and steadfast service to the nation. I wish the Indian Air Force all success in its future endeavours.”
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, greeted the IAF and its personnel and commended their services to the nation. In a message on X, Modi said: “Air Force Day greetings to our brave air warriors. Our Air Force is admired for their courage and professionalism. Their role in protecting our nation is extremely commendable.”
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, praised the IAF for its crucial role in safeguarding India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted the force’s contributions to humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, both domestically and internationally. Singh also emphasized the government's unwavering support for the IAF’s modernization efforts.
