~Madhushekhar Mallarapu
The Indian air force was established on October 8th, 1932. The first squadron of the air force was established in the year 1933. After it participated in World War Two, The air force in India was named as Royal Indian Air Force as it was attached to the wing of the British Royal Air force in the 1940s. In 1950 after the republic came into being, it changed its name from the Indian Royal air force to the Indian Air force. In 1933 it only had 6 officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys; it became the fourth largest air force in the world. And the air force started celebrating October 8th as Indian Air force day.
Events and Traditions of air force day
On this day, the main event starts with a parade of men and women air warriors followed by a medal distribution ceremony. Honourable air force chief of staff awards the brave warriors with prestigious medals. Many veterans as well as servicemen and women attend the celebrations. The Air Force showcases their assets and many skilled pilots perform mind-bending aerobatic manoeuvres.
The Indian air force is one of the best and well-disciplined air forces in the world. Their past achievements show how powerful the Indian Air Force is. The Indian air force has a famous slogan “Touch the Sky with Glory”
Indian Air Force Achievements
1)Liberation of Goa:-
In the year 1961, the then Goa and Daman & Diu were under the control of the Portuguese government. The Indian Government declared that they were going to liberate Goa from The Portuguese government. The Indian Air force along with the army and the navy liberated the state of Goa with extraordinary strategy.
2) 1971 India-Pakistan war:-
In 1971, during the liberation of Bangladesh from East Pakistan, the Indian air force helped the armed forces through logistics support as well as provided close air support. Due to this cooperation between the air force and army, India was able to win the war against Pakistan. And also history was created when Pakistan surrendered nearly 93,000 troops to India, which is considered the largest to date.
3)1999 Kargil War:-
The Indian air force participated in the Kargil war with the name “Operation White Sea”. And the main goal of the Indian air force was to flush out the regular and irregular troops of Pakistan in the Kargil sector along the Line of Control. The Indian air force was successful in completing the mission. Despite so many disadvantages, India managed to win the battle.
4) Balakot airstrike:-
After the Pulwama terror attack, the Indian Air Force Conducted the airstrikes on Balakot by crossing the “Line of control”. This airstrike reflected the commitment of the Indian Air Force to protect the country.
5)Rescue operations and pandemic response:-
Despite having the responsibility to guard Indian air space, the Indian air force also helped in many natural disasters. In 2004, Chennai was hit with a Tsunami, which was an unexpected event. IAF responded with operations that were named Sea wave, Rainbow, Castor, etc., and also during the pandemic, IAF transported oxygen, medicine, and vaccines. During Chennai and Kedarnath floods, IAF played a key role in relief operations. IAF also airlifted vaccines to nearly 110 countries. And also launched “operation vanilla” to support the cyclone-hit Madagascar on 28th January 2021.
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