Indian Air Force celebrates 88th raising day; Prez, PM congratulated IAF

New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 88th raising day on Thursday.President Ram Nath Kovind honoured air warriors, veterans and the families of Indian Air Force (IAF), saying that the nation remains indebted to the contribution of the IAF in securing the skies.

"On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. The nation remains indebted to the contribution of the IAF in securing our skies and assisting civil authorities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief," President Kovind said in a tweet.

"The ongoing process of modernisation with induction of Rafale, Apache and Chinook will transform the IAF into an even more formidable strategic force. Confident that in the years to come, the Indian Air Force will continue to maintain its high standards of commitment and competence," he said in another tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said, "On the occasion of Air Force Day, congratulations to all the warriors of IAF. You not only safeguard our airspace but during disaster times you play a lead role in serving the humankind. For our motherland, your courage, valour and dedication are inspiring to all."

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended their greetings to the Indian Air Force on the occasion.My felicitations and best wishes to the air warriors and their families on the occasion of Air Force Day-2020. Eighty-eight years of dedication, sacrifice and excellence mark the journey of the IAF which is today a lethal and formidable force to reckon with," Mr Singh tweeted.

"The Nation is proud of its men and women in blue and salutes the prowess of the IAF as it stands ready to face challenges and deter adversaries. We remain committed to the enhancement of IAF's combat capability through modernisation and indigenisation," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings to the Air Force on the occassion, and reiterated the Centre's commitment towards the IAF.

"Greetings on Indian Air Force day! From safeguarding our skies to assisting in all odds, our brave Air Force personnel have served the nation with utmost courage and determination. Modi govt is doing everything possible to keep our mighty air warriors roaring loud in the skies," Mr Shah said in a tweet.

The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule.

It was given the prefix "Royal" by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War.The prefix was later dropped in 1950 after India became a republic.

IAF ever ready to safeguard India's sovereignty: ACM Bhadauria

New Delhi: Amid border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria on Thursday assured the nation that the IAF is ever ready to safeguard India's sovereignty and interests.

Delivering a speech on the occasion of 88th Air Force Day at Hindon airbase, he said, ''I want to assure the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard our nation's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances.''

With the induction of new platforms as well as training, the IAF has emerged as a dominant regional force that has proven its capabilities from time to time, most recently, with the Balakot strikes that destroyed the terror hideouts in Pakistan, across the line of control, he said.

''This year has indeed been an unprecedented one. As COVID19 spread across the globe, our nation's response was firm. The tenacity and resolve of our air warriors ensured that IAF continued to retain its capability to undertake full-scale operations throughout this period,'' IAF Chief said.

''As we enter the 89th year, the IAF is undergoing a transformational change. We are entering an era which will redefine where we employ aerospace power and conduct integrated multi-domain operations,'' ACM Bhadauria added.

Indian Air Force is celebrating 88th anniversary on Thursday.Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria inspected the parade.

CDS General Bipin Rawat, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane and Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh were present at the venue.(UNI)