IAF 84th anniversary: PM Modi hails Air Force for 'protecting our skies'

New Delhi: With the Indian Air Force celebrating its 84th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday saluted all the Air Force personnel and their families, thanking them for protecting the nations' skies. "Saluting all air warriors & their families on Air Force Day. Thank you for protecting our skies. Your courage makes India proud," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Saluting all air warriors & their families on Air Force Day. Thank you for protecting our skies. Your courage makes India proud. pic.twitter.com/bCusPOV1nf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2016

Meanwhile, celebrations began at the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad with a large parade and an air display. The air display commenced with flag bearing sky divers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies. The flypast included the vintage aircraft, modern transport aircraft and frontline fighter aircraft. The ceremony will conclude with a scintillating aerobatic display. President Pranab Mukherjee also greeted the Indian Air Force on its anniversary and said in a message that the nation is proud of the capability and competency of the IAF as over the last eight decades, it has emerged as an immensely professional and combat-ready force. He further said that the IAF has achieved distinction in defending India's skies and delivering vital humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The President expressed confidence that the ongoing process of modernisation will transform the Air Force into an even more potent and strategic force that can take on all future challenges.