The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 87th birth anniversary with a grand event at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad.

The day is significant for another reason – defence minister Rajnath Singh will take delivery of India’s newest multi-role fighter jet Rafale in France on Tuesday.

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At Hindon, several IAF transport planes, helicopters and fighter jets are participating in a flypast with Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria in attendance.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat attended the event.

On the occasion, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria said the Indian Air Force (IAF) needs to be alert at all times amid the ‘present security environment in the neighbourhood’.

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Addressing IAF personnel and their families on the 87th birth anniversary of the Air Force, he said all “Air Warriors should serve with great integrity at all times”.

Several leaders from the Northeast are taking to social media to wish the IAF on this day.

Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju took to Twitter to wish the IAF.

In his official Twitter handle, Rijiju wrote:

‘On INDIAN AIR FORCE DAY, a proud nation salutes our air warriors and their families.’

Rijiju also shares a video of him flying the Sukhoi 40-MKI

He wrote:

‘I fondly recall my most memorable & thrilling flying moment when I accepted the invitation of the Air Force Chief to fly with very deadly Sukhoi 30-MKI’.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also wrote on Twitter:

‘Wishing all Air Warriors and their families a very happy #AirForceDay2019. A proud nation is always behind you and your gallant deeds.’

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal also wished the IAF on Tuesday.

Sonowal wrote on Twitter:

‘Salutations to the @IAF_MCC family on the 87th #AirForceDay.‘

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Khandu also tweeted:

‘While we enjoy our freedom, we must never forget the sacrifices made to keep us safe and secure. A Happy 87th Anniversary to the Indian Air Force! #AirForceDay2019‘

‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, apart from host of other political personalities, sports luminaries and stars from the entertainment industry have also wished the Indian Air Force on its 87th birth anniversary.

The Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other allied forces have also wished the IAF on this day.

The Indian Air Force has also released a promo video in its Twitter handle to celebrate the day: