Air Force Day 2018: IAF displays fill audience with awe

New Delhi, Oct 8: The Indian Air Force celebrated its 86th Anniversary on Monday. To mark the occasion, a grand Parade cum Investiture Ceremony was held at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad.

To mark the occasion and in keeping up with the tradition, IAF has planned a grand Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad). Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff reviewed the parade. Various dignitaries and veterans participated in the celebrations.

The parade was followed by a breathtaking display by the Air Warrior Drill Team, wherein the team will showcase their weapon handling skills and carry out diverse manoeuvers with their rifles. This was followed by a scintillating air display by wide range of IAF aircraft including our cherished Vintage flight.

The air display commenced with flag bearing skydivers of famous Akash Ganga Team, who will jump from an An-32 aircraft. Flypast will comprise Mi-17 V5 and Rudra helicopters, Dornier, C-130J and C-17 transport aircraft, Jaguar, Bison, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

Dakota, Tiger Moth and Harvard of the IAF Vintage flight also participated in the flypast. Post flypast, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) carried out an aerobatic display in front of the audience. The Ambassadors of Indian Air Force, Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT), comprising on nine Hawk 132 aircraft and the Helicopter aerobatics team, Sarang enthralled the audience with breathtaking formation aerobatics display.

Garud commando

The Garud flights are equipped with state of the art & modern weapon systems, specialist equipment & gears to counter any threat. Each commando in the Garuds undergo gruelling special training. Courtesy:@IAF_MCC

IAF personnel

IAF personnel during the 86th Air Force Day Parade 2018 at Air Force Station at Hindon in Ghaziabad, Monday, Oct 8, 2018. PTI Photo

Paratroopers

IAF paratroopers demonstrate their skill during the 86th Air Force Day Parade 2018 at Air Force Station at Hindon in Ghaziabad, Monday, Oct 8, 2018. PTI Photo

IAF Special Forces

A warrior is known by his gallant, his bravery andpersuit to excellence. IAF is proud of its Special Forces 'GARUD' which has time and again proven themselves at various demanding situations. Courtesy: @IAF_MCC