Deepak Goel

Chandigarh, Mar 7 (UNI) The Indian Air Force, celebrating its Platinum Jubilee this year, put on display the entire range of the 27 aircraft types it operates ''on ground and in the air'' when President APJ Abdul Kalam reviewed its fleet here today only the fourth time in the IAF's history that the President, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, did so.

The IAF operates 27 different types of helicopters, combat jets, trainers and transport aircraft and at least one aircraft of each type was today on view at the Chandigarh Air Force Base - either as part of the static display or as part of a flypast staged on the occasion.

There also was a display of Combat Air Patrolling (CAP) by Mi-35 helicopter gun ships. And the staging of helicopter-borne operations by the IAF's special 'Garud' force of crack commandos.

Another unique feature of the Review was that all the 41 Presidential Colours or Standards that have been so far awarded to the IAF were displayed.

Also, Jaguar combat jet aircraft flew in close formation forming the figure '75' to signify the 75 years of the IAF's existence.

An enthralling aerobatic display by the three-helicopter 'Sarang' team and the nine-aircraft 'Suryakiran' team formed the grand finale of the Presidential Review.

The event was held for the first time on April 1, 1954 when the then President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, reviewed a parade and presented Colours to the IAF. On that occasion, there was only a static display of aircraft.

This event coincided with the assumption of charge by the first Indian IAF chief, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee.

The second Presidential Review took place on April 1, 1972 when VV Giri was President. This was the first time an aerial display was also conducted. Both Reviews were held at Air Force Station Palam.

The third was conducted on January 19, 1976 ''31 years ago'' at Chandigarh when Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was President.

Among the aircraft the IAF operates and seen today during the Presidential Review -- are: Helicopters: Cheetah, Chetak, Cheetal, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26, Mi-35, 'Dhruv' (Advanced Light Helicopter); Fighters/Bombers: MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Sukhoi SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Canberra; Transports: HS-748, AN-32, Il-76; VIP aircraft: Boeing-737, Embraer; Refuellers: Il-78; and Trainers: HPT-32, HJT-16 (Kiran), Iskara TS-11.

The Chandigarh Air Force Base prepared intensively to fine-tune the various aspects of today's event. 'We consider this a unique honour, akin only to the Indian Navy Fleet Review that is held once during the tenure of every President,' said Air Marshal PadamjitSingh Ahluwalia, who heads the IAF's Western Command that coordinated the event.

'Presidential Reviews are historic occasions when the Supreme Commander ceremoniously marks his appreciation of our work,' he added.

UNI