IAF celebrates 75 years of its foundation

The Indian Air Force today celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of its formation with a brilliant display of stealth, power and speed at Hindon air base near Delhi.

New Delhi, Oct 8 : The Indian Air Force today celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of its formation with a brilliant display of stealth, power and speed at Hindon air base near Delhi.

Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal F H Major and other senior officials of the force, attended the ceremony.

Chief of Army General Deepak Kapoor and Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta were also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Major said, "75 years have been an eventful journey for us in the IAF - from a flight of 'Wapitis' in 1932, to the fourth largest, professionally acclaimed, strategic Air Force of today that is the guardian of our vital interests.'

He highlighted the IAF's modernisation plan and said that the air force is seeking requisite capabilities, "but well in time."

"The changing global environment, regional military capabilities and vital national interests, necessitate a transformational modernisation," he said.

"Modernisation plans include upgrades, to enhance the lethality and life of existing fleets. The MiG-27 and Jaguar upgrades are almost complete. The MiG 29 and Mirage 2000 upgrade are under negotiation. IL-76, AN-32 and the helicopter fleet upgrades will follow," he added.

Later in the day, President Pratibha Patil released a set of four commemorative stamps on the platinum jubilee celebrations of the IAF.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi were also present at the occasion.

ANI