IAF Celebrates Air Force Day in Style 

Hindon (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 8 (IANS): The Indian Air Force (IAF) Friday celebrated 78 years of its existence with an elaborate parade and aerobatics display at the air base here.

On display were MIG-21s, MIG-29s, Jaguars, Mirage 2000s, and Sukhoi-30 MkIs and helicopters.

The celebration at the Hindon airbase, close to the national capital, was marked by aerobatics by the Sarang Advanced Light Helicopter team followed by synchronised low level manoeuvring by the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT).

The air show was coordinated with precision from five different bases like Ambala, Halwara and Adampur of the New Delhi-based Western Air Command.

The IAF was founded on Oct 8, 1932 as a tactical force.Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict.Since independence, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay - the invasion of Goa, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions.