Indian Air Force gears up to celebrate 80th anniversary

Agra, Oct 4 (ANI): Ahead of the 80th Air Force Day, to be celebrated on October 8, officers and airmen of the Indian Air Force (IAF) enthusiastically participated in rehearsals of various exercises here.

Air Commodore Sanjeev Kapoor told media here that every year the celebrations are conducted with fervour and zeal.

"Indian Air Force would complete its 80 years on October 8. On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, we are organising various functions this week for our air warriors and their families. On the October 3, we have organised a friendly exhibition match between 50 independent Para brigade army and air force," said Kapoor.

The aircraft would be flying in the areas of Wazirpur Bridge - Karwalnagar - Afjalpur - Hindan, Shamli - Jiwana - Chandinagar - Hindon, Hapur - Philkua - Ghaziabad - Hindan at low levels.

Commenting on the exercises performed on the occasion, flight lieutenant and skydiver, Priyanka said that it's a Herculean task for air warriors, as it takes several days to rehearse.

"We participate in parade and do fly past. Last year, we performed jumps when the first women's sky diving team was launched and this year also we are going to do perform in parade. Fly past for every aircraft is organised so it's on the very big scale that the entire air force day is celebrated," said Priyanka.

The commencement of the Air Force Day Parade will be marked by fly past of 'Ensign' formation comprising of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Vic formation trooping the Air Force Ensign.

The IAF was formed on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary Air Force of the British Indian Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945, in recognition of its services during the World War II.

Since independence, the IAF has participated in three wars with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict and China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay - the invasion of Goa, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus.

Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions. (ANI)