IAF to commemorate 1971 Indo-pak War victory on 89th Air Force Day
GHAZIABAD: A single seat interceptor and air defence/ground attack Gnat aircraft were among a range of modern versions of frontline fighter aircraft on display at Ghaziabad’s Hindon airbase on Wednesday, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted dress rehearsals ahead of the 89th Air Force Day that will be observed on Friday.
IAF officers said that they are also commemorating 50 years of the 1971 Indo-pak War as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’.
The Gnat aircraft was specially showcased at the Hindon airbase as it played a crucial role during the war.
“The 89th Air Force Day will be celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’, where the IAF will try to commemorate the victory of the 1971 War. The Gnat aircraft is at static display; it is a tribute to the veterans and heroes of the 1971 War as we celebrate its 50th year,” said a spokesperson from IAF.
On Air Force Day, frontline fighter aircraft will be flying in from different airbases and converging at the Hindon airbase in different formations for the air show.
“Some of the formations are named after specific operations conducted in 1971 and also after heroes, battles and instances from the war,” said the spokesperson.
During the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, the IAF showcased its strength by mixing frontline fighter aircraft with the newly inducted Rafale jets, which are the star attraction this time.
One of the Rafale jets was also lined up at the Hindon airbase along with fighter aircraft like Sukhoi-30 MKI, Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas, Mirage2000, Mig-29 and Jaguar among others.
Spectators were enthralled to see the Rafale, Tejas and Sukhio-30 MKI perform low-flying breath-taking manoeuvres and deployed flares to attract the attention of the crowd.
The Rafale aircraft, also known as ‘Golden Arrows.’ were first inducted into IAF’S number 17 Ambala-based squadron.
In the previous years, attack helicopters Apache and heavylift Chinooks, procured from the US, were major attractions while the indigenously built Tejas light combat aircraft has been a part of the air show for almost three years now.
The dress rehearsal started with IAF paratroopers parajumping, followed by a parade by the air warriors and a flypast by vintage and transport aircraft.
Apart from the frontline fighter jets, IAF’S helicopter fleet with MI17-V5 choppers, Dhruv - advanced light helicopters, Chinook - heavy lift choppers, Mi-35 and Apache attack helicopters also made their mark during the fly-past. Many of them were also on the ground on display.