Event | Indian Air Force (IAF) 92nd Anniversary Celebrations |
Date | October 6, 2024 |
Location | Marina Beach, Chennai |
Theme | "Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar" (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant) |
Key Attendees | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh |
Spectators | Estimated 1.5 million |
Aircraft Displayed | Tejas fighter jet, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), Sukhoi-30 MKI |
Incident | Two fatalities due to heat-related illnesses; several health issues reported among attendees |
Aerobatic Teams | Suryakiran and Sarang Aerobatic Teams |
IAF Formation | October 8, 1932 |
Motto | "Touch the Sky with Glory" |
Primary Role | Secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial warfare |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
Current Strength | Approximately 140,000 active personnel, around 1,700 aircraft |
Key Aircraft | Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas, C-17 Globemaster III, Mi-17, Apache |
Indigenous Projects | Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) |
IAF's Role | Air superiority, support to ground forces, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, peacekeeping missions |
Training | Conducted at several bases across India |
Recent Developments | Modernizing fleet, enhancing capabilities through technological advancements and collaborations |
Annual Celebrations | Air shows and public displays of aerial prowess |
Community Engagement | Outreach programs to inspire future generations in aviation and defense |