IAF turns 77

The Indian Air Force on Thursday celebrated its 77th anniversary with a breathtaking display of air power by its frontline fighter aircrafts, followed by a thrilling aerobatics performance by its Surya Kiran and Sarang teams.

The IAF was officially established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of the Indian Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during the World War II.

After India achieved independence from the British in 1947, the prefix Royal was dropped and replaced by the word Indian.

The Air Force displayed its air power with 54 frontline fighter aircraft such as Russian-origin Sukhois, French Mirage-2000s, British deep penetration strike Jaguars, apart from vintage MiG-21s and MiG-27s and Mi-17 transport and Mi-35 attack helicopters from several airbases across north India participating in the flying display over the skies of Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/oct/08/slide-show-1-iaf-turns-77-celebrates-in-style.htm

Related articles by Zemanta

• Flood victim: 'Nobody has come to help -- nobody' (cnn.com)
• India intercepts Air France plane (news.bbc.co.uk)
• Let's hope these pilots never fly again (americablog.com)