Indian Air Force Day is commemorated on October 8 every year to mark the foundation day of the Air Force.
The IAF was founded on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under the colonial rule.
It was given the prefix "royal" by King George VI for its contribution during World War 2. The prefix was dropped in 1950 after India became a republic.
On the occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans and families of the Indian Air Force."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the journey of IAF began on October 8, 1932 with six pilots and 19 Air Force personnel. "Now Indian Air Force is one of the strongest air forces across the globe and this journey is incredible," said Modi.
This year IAF day was special as the newly-inducted Rafale fighter aircraft also featured in the Indian Air Force Day parade.
The ongoing process of modernisation with the induction of Rafale, Apache and Chinook aircraft will transform the Indian Air Force into an even more formidable strategic force.
The parade featured some magnificent air stunts and was a grand display of India's formidable defence forces.
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