The Indian Air Force’s 81st anniversary celebrations that began at the Air Force Station, Jodhpur, on Saturday witnessed a series of events, including static display of various types of aircraft, weapons and modern equipment. The anniversary, October 8, will mark the culmination of this programme.
This year’s IAF Awareness Day objective is aimed at enhancing the public’s awareness about the capability of the IAF, the variety of operations undertaken by it, both during war and peace time and apprise the youth of the various career opportunities in the force.
Air Commodore B Saju told media persons that advanced light helicopter Dhruv has already been included in the wing. The 31 squadron (Lions) and 32 squadron (Thunderbirds) will celebrate their golden jubilee this year, he added. The 31st squadron, equipped with Sukhoi 30MK-I, was shifted to Jodhpur from Pune in 2011 and 32nd squadron, equipped with the MIG-21 Bisons, was set up in Jodhpur in 1984.
On the eve of Air Force Awareness Day on Monday, Air Force Station, Jodhpur, looked back in reverence to the Father of Aviation of Jodhpur, Maharaja Umaid Singh, who was credited for laying the foundation of the landing ground in 1924. His dream of expanding aviation in Rajasthan found expression when he succeeded in establishing the Jodhpur Flying Club in 1931. His relentless efforts made Jodhpur Flying Club the gateway of far east by 1938 with three international airlines — Air France, KLM and Imperial Airways — frequenting the desert capital.
src: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/IAF-raising-day-celebrations-in-Jodhpur/articleshow/23329272.cms