On 1st October 2024, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) gave a warm send-off to “Vayu Veer Vijaeta” car rally from the National War Memorial in New Delhi(Delhi) to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 8th October 2024.
- The rally will formally flag-off from THOISE(Transit Halt of Indian Soldiers Enroute) in Ladakh , one of the world’s highest altitude air force station at 3,068 meter (m) above mean sea level on 8th October, 2024 and will culminate at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) on 29th October, 2024.
- The main objective of the rally is to raise awareness among the people about the glorious history of IAF; the deeds of valour of the air warriors in various wars and rescue operations; and attract the youth to serve the motherland.
Key Dignitaries: Chief of the Air Staff (CoAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, former Air Chiefs RKS Bhadauria (Retired) and AY Tipnis (Retired) and other senior officials of the IAF were present at the event.
Note: IAF Day is observed annually across India on 8th October to commemorate the establishment of IAF in 1932. It was initially established under the name Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
About Vayu Veer Vijaeta Car Rally:
i.With more than 50 air warriors, including women, have left to Thoise (Ladakh), from where they will undertake an expedition to Tawang (AR). The expedition will cover 7,000 kilometers (kms) across 9 states/ Union Territories (UTs).
ii.The car rally has been organised by the IAF in cooperation with the veterans of Uttarakhand War Memorial. While, the Adventure Cell of IAF is leading and coordinating the rally.
iii.During the car rally, the air warriors will have 16 halts at Ladakh( Leh & Kargil), Jammu & Kashmir(Srinagar, Jammu), Punjab(Chandigarh), Uttarakhand(Dehradun), Uttar Pradesh(Agra, Gorakhpur & Lucknow), Bihar(Darbhanga), West Bengal(Bagdogra & Hasimara), Assam(Guwahati, Tezpur & Dirang).
- The air warriors will interact with the young students at schools & colleges in various states/ UTs, which will motivate them to join the Armed Forces.
iv.The Maruti Suzuki Jimny will support IAF teams in navigating tough terrains from Ladakh to Tawang.
Chennai IAF air show 2024:
i.To mark the 92 anniversary, the IAF organised an Airshow with the theme ‘Saksham, Sashakta, Amtanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant)’ in Chennai(Tamil Nadu) at Marina Beach on October 6, 2024. This was one of the biggest air show conducted by the IAF.
ii.The Chief Guest for the event was MK Stalin, Chief Minister(CM) of TN. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, CoAS, along with senior officers from the Defence Forces and dignitaries from both state and central governments were graced this event.
iii.The air show showcased the indomitable strength and spirit of the IAF, resonating with its motto, “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
iv.Nearly 72 aircraft, including Rafale jets, Tejas, SU-30, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), participated in the IAF air show 2024.
About Indian Air Force(IAF):
Chief of Air Staff (CoAS) – Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Motto- Touching the sky with Glory
Established– October 8, 1932
