The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 86th anniversary on Monday, highlighting the "untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices" made by its personnel, the Defence Ministry said.
The celebrations was marked by a stellar show in the skies by various aircraft at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi extended their greetings on the occasion of the 86th Air Force Day.
"We proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. They safeguard our skies with courage and commitment. The resilience, tenacity and zeal of our valiant air warriors is a source of pride for every Indian," the President tweeted.
PM Modi said: "A grateful nation salutes our valorous air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. They keep our skies safe and are at the forefront of serving humanity in times of disasters. Proud of the Indian Air Force!" He also attached a video of IAF jets along with the tweet.
In the last eight decades, IAF has technologically evolved and grown in strength 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 of the country during any natural calamity, an IAF spokesperson said.
The professionalism displayed by air-warriors during various international exercises reaffirms IAF’s ability to be an effective net security provider.