New Delhi,October 08: The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates 86th Anniversary today. In the last eight decades, IAF has technologically evolved and grown in strength to thwart any threat to the nation.

To mark the occasion and in keeping up with the tradition, IAF has planned a grand Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad).  Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff will review the parade. Various dignitaries and veterans will participate in the celebrations.

The parade will be followed by a breath taking display by the Air Warrior Drill Team, wherein the team will showcase their weapon handling skills and carry out diverse manoeuvers with their rifles.  This will be followed by a scintillating air display by wide range of IAF aircraft including Vintage flight.

The air display will commence with flag bearing sky divers of famous Akash Ganga Team, who will jump from an An-32 aircraft.  Flypast will comprise of Mi-17 V5 and Rudra helicopters, Dornier, C-130J and C-17 transport aircraft, Jaguar, Bison, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft.  Dakota, Tiger Moth and Harvard of the IAF Vintage flight will also participate in the flypast.

The Indian Air Force came into force in 1932 as the Royal Indian Air Force under then British rule. The name was changed to Indian Air Force in 1950.

The IAF has technologically evolved and grown in strength over these years to thwart any threat to the nation.

It is committed to safeguarding the Indian skies and has played a key role in providing assistance to the people during natural calamities.