The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to celebrate its 93rd Air Force Day today with a spectacular display of its operational strength and cutting-edge technology at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. Despite rain disrupting Monday’s full dress rehearsal, officials are confident that the main event will deliver a flawless showcase of the IAF’s capabilities, spotlighting its pivotal role in Operation Sindoor—a decisive retaliation against Pakistan-based terrorist infrastructure following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

The parade will feature a stunning lineup of frontline aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29 fighter jets, alongside the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system. Heavy-lift giants like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules will demonstrate the IAF’s logistical prowess, while the Apache attack helicopter with Longbow radar and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) will highlight its combat readiness. The indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System and S-band Rohini radar will underscore India’s advancements in defense technology. A special tribute will honor the recently retired MiG-21 Bison, a stalwart of the IAF for over six decades, which played a key role in Operation Sindoor along the western air corridor.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh is expected to address the gathering, emphasizing the IAF’s modernization and its strategic success in compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire after Operation Sindoor. The event will also celebrate the IAF’s growing global presence, with participation in multinational exercises like Red Flag Alaska, Desert Knight, Udara Shakti in Malaysia, and Bright Star in Egypt. Additionally, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming 2025 mission to the International Space Station will be highlighted, marking a historic milestone in the IAF’s foray into human spaceflight. A flypast planned for mid-November in Guwahati will further showcase the IAF’s expanding eastern reach.

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The IAF’s role as a “first responder” in humanitarian missions will also take center stage, with its efforts in flood relief in Uttarkashi and Punjab, as well as earthquake response in Myanmar, earning praise during Monday’s rehearsal. Air Force Day 2025 not only celebrates the IAF’s storied legacy but also its forward-looking vision, blending tradition with innovation to secure India’s skies and beyond.

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