Indian Air Force Marks the 87th anniversary at Hindon Air Base Ghaziabad

Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated 87th anniversary on Air Force Day at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria were present at the event.

From carrying the Prime Minster to rescuing citizens from disturbed areas the helicopters in the Indian Air Force has done it all. Hence, on the 2019 Indian Air Force Day we bring you a list of all the helicopters in the Indian Air Force's fleet.

The 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrates the day when the IAF was officially established in 1932. On the occasion, the Indian Air Force showcases their latest technology and the road that lies ahead. For this year, the much-awaited 36 Rafale Fighter jets will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in France. The IAF will also showcase the Chinook and Apache helicopters for the first time. Both the helicopters were acquired from the United States. In addition to this, a spectacular air display ceremony will also take place at the Hindon Air Force base near Delhi.

From carrying the Prime Minster to rescuing citizens from disturbed areas Hence, on the 2019 Indian Air Force Day we bring you a list of all the helicopters in the Indian Air Force's fleet.

1.Abhinandan enthrals audiencePTI2/6Abhinandan enthrals audience

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of IAF who shot down a PAF F-16 during a dogfight on February 27 earlier this year, flew MiG-21 Bison aircraft over Air Force Day parade today at Hindon Air Base.

2.The 'Avenger formation'

Three Mirage 2000 aircraft and two Su-30MKI fighter aircraft also flew in 'Avenger formation'. The planes are being flown by pilots who took part in Balakot airstrike. Air Fighter Pilots who took part in Balakot airstrikes were included in the parade as a mark of tribute to the teams which carried out the strike on February 26 and thwarted the Pakistani aerial attack on February 27.

3.The debutant Chinook

The 87th Air Force Day marked by aerial displays of newly inducted the twin-rotor blade Chinook chopper besides other aircraft.

4.Apache attack chopper- a new entrant!

The IAF showcased its newest Apache attack choppers. The Apache was procured from the United States and has the ability to carry out lethal attacks besides providing assistance in peacekeeping missions. The IAF had inducted eight Apache attack choppers in September.

5. The Attack Helicopter fleet of IAF got a major boost with the induction of Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has inducted a total of 16 of these machines till date, the latest being eight Apache reaching the Pathankot Air Force Station. By 2020, the IAF will operate a fleet of 22 Apaches, which is known as the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. The AH-64 E is known for its greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability, and cognitive decision aiding and is uniquely suited to meet the commander's needs, including reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack—in both land and littoral environments—all without reconfiguration.

6. HAL Cheetah

The Cheetah is a essentially the Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama French single-engined helicopter made by HAL in India and was developed to meet high altitude operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The Cheetah helicopter fleet has been the backbone in SAR, Casualty Evacuation and RTR (Route Transport Role) role in the IAF. The Cheetah has a capacity to carry 3 passengers or 100 kg external sling loads. It has a max cruise speed of 121 km/hr and can climb to 1 km in 4 minutes.

HAL Chetak

The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter manufactured in India under license by HAL and is developed by French aircraft company Sud-Aviation. While the HAL Chetak is being gradually replaced by HAL Dhruv, the heli has been used for training, transport, CASEVAC (casualty evacuation), communications and liaison roles. The helicopter can carry 6 passengers or 500 kg load. It has a max speed of 220 km/hr.

History

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