The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 81st anniversary at Hindon Air Force Base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad District on Tuesday.
The parade started with a march past by IAF airmen who displayed a great sense of teamwork and timing.
Air Chief Air Marshal N.A.K Browne, Army Chief General Bikram Singh and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The IAF was formed on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary Air Force of the British Indian Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during the World War II.
Since independence, the IAF has participated in three wars with Pakistan as well as the Kargil conflict and one with China.
Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay - the invasion of Goa, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus.
Apart from these conflicts, the IAF has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Congo and several other places around the globe.
