Published 08:33 IST, October 8th 2019
Air Force Day: President Ram Nath Kovind wishes 'air warriors'
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind paid his respects to the brave warriors on the 87th Air Force Day. The IAF will celebrate the day at a ceremony near Delhi
President of India Ram Nath Kovind tweeted in honour of the brave men and women of the armed forces as the Indian Air Force celebrated its 87th anniversary. The President, early on Tuesday morning, honoured the warriors, veterans and the families of the Indian Air Force. "On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force." He also mentioned the great work done by the patriots and how the country is forever indebted to them for their hard work, devotion and sacrifice. "They safeguard our skies with courage and commitment. India remains forever indebted to the brave men and women in blue for their selfless devotion and sacrifice".
Forever indebted
On the eve of Air Force Day, the Air Chief Marshal, Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Air Force will be celebrating the day with a grand ceremony at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. The ceremony will include a march past, flypast and a speech by Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria who took over the position as the 26th Air Chief Marshal on September 30.
Rafale handover ceremony
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted his greetings on the occasion. The Defence Minister is currently in France for a three-day visit. During his visit, he is set to attend an event for the formal hand-over of the Rafale fighter jets. Singh will perform a 'shashtra puja' - a ceremony to worship the weapons. The event will take place at the premises of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturers of the Rafale jets. Rajnath Singh will also fly in the Rafale jet, and he will be flown by a French pilot since the Indian Air Force pilots are still being trained to fly the jet. India will start receiving the first set of the Rafale fighter jets from May 2020 onwards.
Before his departure, Rajnath Singh stated he will be attending the Annual Defence Dialogue and the Induction Ceremony of Rafale. Singh will hold the Annual Defence dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly. On October 9, he will address the CEOs of the French Defence industry during which he is likely to urge them to participate in “Make in India” and the DefExpo to be held in Lucknow from February 5-8, 2020.
Updated 11:21 IST, October 8th 2019