Air Force Day: Grand Flypast At Hindon Base; Wing Commander Abhinandan Leads MiG 21 Formation

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also attended the IAF parade at Hindon air base.

New Delhi: On the occasion of 87th Air Force Day on Tuesday, the IAF is conducting air drills of both vintage aircraft and modern fleet, in which Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the IAF hero who became the face of Indo-Pak tensions,  led a formation of the IAF's MiG-21 Bison. Also, for the first time Apache and Chinook helicopters were seen flying together in the parade. Indian Air Force officers who participated in Balakot airstrike, flew 3 Mirage 2000 aircraft and 2 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft in ‘Avenger formation’.  The MiG-21 Bison is an upgraded version of the Soviet-era fighter jet.

Planes were flown by pilots who took part in Balakot air strike.

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also attended the IAF parade at Hindon air base.

The air display commenced with flag-bearing sky divers of the famous Akash Ganga team dropping out of an AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies. The flypast includes vintage and modern transport aircraft and frontline fighters, the official added. The ceremony will conclude with a spell-binding aerobatic display. Every year, the Air Force Day is celebrated at Hindon base in presence of IAF chief and senior officials of the three armed forces. The IAF was founded on October 8, 1932, and the force has participated in several crucial wars and landmark missions. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat along with Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh paid floral tributes at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Air Force Day. Indian Air Force in a tweet greeted the air-warriors and their families on the occasion of 87th Air Force Day. IAF in a tweet said, " #AFDay19: On the occasion of 87th Anniversary, Indian Air Force extends its heartfelt greetings to the courageous air-warriors & their families. The Courage, Valour, Commitment, Dedication & Zeal are inspiration for all." On October 6, IAF had tweeted, "#AFDay19 : As the Indian Air Force prepares to celebrate the 87th anniversary of its birth, the Air-warriors of IAF are getting ready for the ceremonial parade as part of celebrations at Air Force Station Hindan. Come & witness the grand Parade. Two days to GO!!!"