India celebrates 84th Indian Air Force Day; PM Narendra Modi hails air warriors for protecting nation's skies

Indian celebrates the 84th anniversary of Indian Air Force today.

New Delhi: With the Indian Air Force celebrating its 84th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday saluted all the Air Force personnel and their families, thanking them for protecting the nations' skies. 

"Saluting all air warriors & their families on Air Force day. Thank you for protecting our skies. Your courage makes India proud," the Prime Minister tweeted today.

Saluting all air warriors & their families on Air Force Day. Thank you for protecting our skies. Your courage makes India proud. pic.twitter.com/bCusPOV1nf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2016

Meanwhile, celebrations began at the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad with a large parade and an air display. 

The air display commenced with flag bearing sky divers of famous AKASH GANGA team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies. 

The flypast included the vintage aircraft, modern transport aircraft and frontline fighter aircraft. 

The ceremony will conclude with a scintillating aerobatic display. 

President Pranab Mukherjee also greeted the Indian Air Force on its anniversary and said in a message that the nation is proud of the capabilities and competency of the IAF as over the last eight decades, it has emerged as an immensely professional and combat-ready force. 

He further said that the IAF has achieved distinction in IAF has achieved distinction in defending India;s skies and delivering vital humanitarian aid an disaster relief. 

Air Force Day celebration underway at Hindon Air base in Ghaziabad; Vintage aircraft displayed. pic.twitter.com/Hdv9BA9jEE

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016

The President expressed confidence that the ongoing process of modernisation will transform the Air Force into an even more potent and strategic force that can take on all future challenges. 

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar also greeted the nation today as he tweeted, "Our Air Force plays a vital role in strengthening our national security. I humbly salute its members & their families on the Air Force day."

Our Air Force plays a vital role in strengthening our national security. I humbly salute its members & their families on the Air Force day.

— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) October 8, 2016

Watch videos:

#WATCH: IAF'S Sarang Helicopter Display Team in action at Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/FWxhCUsffJ

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016

#WATCH: PC-7 Aircraft shows its prowess at Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/90uO9cS77N

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016