Updated: October 8, 2020 10:26:03 am
Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8 (Photo Express: Praveen Khanna)
The Indian Air Force is celebrating the 88th Air Force Day on Thursday 8th October. The day is marked by the main event comprising a parade and flight at Hindon Air Force Base along with events at IAF facilities across the country, this time with many restrictions. due to the pandemic.
A look at why the day is celebrated, the traditions that accompany it and its significance.
Air Force Day, October 8
October 8 is celebrated as Air Force Day because on this day, the Air Force in India officially rose in 1932 as the supporting force of the UK Royal Air Force. The first operational squadron was created in April 1933. After participating in World War II, the Indian Air Force was renamed the Royal Indian Air Force in the mid-1940s. In 1950, after the establishment from the republic, it became the Indian Air Force. Out of six officers and 19 Hawaiian Sepoys in 1933, the Air Force is now the fourth largest in the world.
For several decades until 2005-06, Air Force Day used to be marked by the main event, parade, and flypast at Palam. But due to mounting air traffic problems, he moved to Hindon Air Force Base in Ghaziabad, which is home to two transport aircraft squadrons and a helicopter unit, among other establishments. Flypasts and exhibits on the occasion have traditionally showcased Air Force aircraft and systems in service.
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The flypasts and displays on the occasion have traditionally shown the aircraft and systems in service of the Air Force. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Air Force Day events and traditions
The main event at Hindon Air Force Base comprises a parade of air warrior men and women. It also has an investiture ceremony where the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) places the medals on the uniforms of those who have been declared beneficiaries. Each year, in addition to being televised, the event is also attended by a large number of active and retired military personnel, air warriors, and their families and citizens. This year the number of attendees will be much lower due to current COVID restrictions. CAS Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria will review the parade on Thursday.
The day’s celebrations also traditionally include an “at home” reception hosted by CAS, attended by top government leaders and senior officials. Former Air Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik (Retd) said: “Aside from the parade, the medal ceremony and the flypast, a key feature of the function is the speech of the Chief of the Air Force. Where the boss not only addresses the warriors of the air but also the nation. In this speech, the Air Chief addresses the existing situation and attempts to present a roadmap. It is a day when brave air warrior men and women reaffirm their determination to protect the nation. “
The main event at Hindon Air Force Base comprises a parade of air warrior men and women. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
The flypast consists of the display of various fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters along with a display of aerobatics. A full rehearsal of the event was held on Tuesday. This year, the Tejas LCA, Mig-29 and 21 and Sukhoi-30 will be on display alongside the newly incorporated Rafale jets. It will also have helicopters such as the Mi17V5, Chinook, Mi-35, ALH Rudra and Apache and transport aircraft such as C-17 Globemaster, C-130, IL-76 Gajraj among others. Suryakiran’s Fixed Wing Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic Team will also be key attractions.
At IAF stations across the country, the event is punctuated by various functions, including a gathering of area IAF veterans and a bada khana for staff from stationed units. This year, while veterans meetings have been suspended in most formations, other celebrations have also been reduced due to the pandemic.
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This year, the Tejas LCA, Mig-29 and 21 and Sukhoi-30 will be on display along with the newly incorporated Rafale jets. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Importance of the Day and the Air Force message
Apart from the importance of the day for the celebration of history and traditions, the parade and flypast also have importance as a strategic signal. Former Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale (Retd) said: “On the one hand, Air Force Day is when air warriors, an appropriate and inclusive term coined by the Chief Marshal of the Air AY Tipnis, look back and take stock of the situation and look forward to the future. On the other hand, the immaculate parades and impressive exhibits are a strategic message, for the citizens of the country ensuring that they are in good hands and also for the adversaries ”. Air Marshal Gokhale added: “It is a day to pay tribute to the countless sacrifices made by air warriors not only to safeguard the skies, but also in numerous humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations conducted so far and in the past. next days”.
The parade and the flypast are also important as a strategic signal. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
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