In pictures: With Sukhoi, Tejas, Chinook on display, IAF marks 87th Air Force Day

Air Chief Marshal AKS Bhauduria presided over his first Air Force Day as IAF chief, which had other service chiefs in attendance.

The IAF's Akash Ganga team during the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Airbase, in Ghaziabad | Suraj Singh Bisht | The Print

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force celebrated its 87th anniversary Tuesday at the Hindon base in the presence of the IAF chief and senior officials of the three armed forces.

In his first Air Force Day address as Air Chief Marshal, R.K.S. Bhadauria said to ensure operational success in all future operations, the IAF must maintain a high serviceability of combat equipment and exceptional training standards.

Bhadauria further said, “The IAF achieved a whole lot in the last year and showed its capabilities to carry out special operations. We carried out the Balakot airstrike successfully this year.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the role of the IAF in protecting the country during conflicts and helping people during natural calamities. “The Indian Air Force continues to serve India with utmost dedication and excellence,” he said while Home Minister Amit Shah said the force is a symbol of valour and courage.

At Hindon, the day was marked by a display of the IAF’s tactical prowess.

IAF helicopters Sarang perform during the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Airbase, in Ghaziabad | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | The Print

Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, who took charge as chief less than a week ago, said the IAF aims to further raise India’s operational preparedness. “Apart from combat skills, the IAF has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian aid and in search and rescue operations,” he said | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat also attended the ceremony | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A Sukhoi Su-30 MKI carries out a manoeuvre during the Air Force Day celebration at Hindon | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh at the ceremony | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The IAF’s indigenously-built Tejas in flight | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | The Print

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who was conferred with the honorary rank of Group Captain during 83rd Air Force Day, was at the 87th Air Force Day celebration | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

IAF’s CH-47 Chinook fly in formation during the Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Airbase | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team performs at Hindon air base | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft in an arrow head formation with two Sukhoi Su-30 MKI at the 87th Air Force Day fly past at Hindon | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria inspects the parade at Hindon airbase, New Delhi | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Other central ministers and political leaders also praised the IAF and its service to the nation. The BJP called the IAF ‘guardian angels’, the Congress thanked it for its strength and valour, and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot saluted the ‘air warriors’.

(With inputs from PTI)