Photos: On Air Force Day, India Celebrates Its Air Heroes

Here’s a look at how India honoured its air heroes to mark the 87th Air Force Day.

Air Force Day marks the 87th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

(Photo: AP)

Every year, the Air Force Day is celebrated at Hindon base in presence of the IAF chief and senior officials of the three armed forces.

People all across the country, including the top leaders, expressed their gratitude towards the force.

The IAF was founded on 8 October 1932. Since then, the force has participated in several crucial wars and landmark missions.

Here’s a look at the mega celebrations which marked the 87th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

IAF helicopters Sarang perform during the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Airbase, in Ghaziabad. 

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria reviews the 87th Indian Air Force Day Parade. 

The celebrations took place in presence of Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria and other senior officials.

Former cricketer and honorary Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Sachin Tendulkar, center right, shakes hand with Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria during Air Force Day parade. 

Indian Air Force officers, who participated in Balakot airstrike, fly 3 Mirage 2000 aircrafts and 2 Su-30 MKI fighter planes. 

The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world.

An Air Force officer leads a marching contingent during Air Force Day parade. 

Apart from defending the Indian air space, the air force also delivers humanitarian aid and disaster relief material during natural calamities.

Newly-inducted IAF helicopters Apache perform during the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Airbase. 

Indian Air Force Surya Kiran fly in a formation during Air Force Day parade at the Hindon Airbase. 

The Air Force Day parade took place at the Hindon air base on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Viewers watch the newly-inducted IAF helicopters Chiknook as they perform during the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations. 

A C-17 Globemaster III and two Sukhoi Su-30MKI planes flypast in a formation, during the 87th Indian Air Force Day Parade. 

Tendulkar attended the Indian Air Force (IAF) Day celebrations at Hindon Air Force Station.

Former cricketer and honorary Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Sachin Tendulkar, center right, speaks with Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat during Air Force Day parade.