Article Posted on : - Oct 01, 2013

A file photo.

JODHPUR (PTI): The Indian Air Force's 81st anniversary celebrations that began at its 32 Wing station, Jodhpur, on Saturday witnessed series of events including display of various types of aircraft and military weapons. The anniversary, October 8, will mark the culmination of this programme.

The 32 Wing, known as "Desert Warriors", was established in Jodhpur on January 1 in 1971, with the aim of strengthening the South-Western sector.

Being celebrated as "IAF Awareness Day", the objective of this year's activities is to enhance people's awareness about the IAF and its various operations, and to apprise youth of the various career opportunities in the IAF.

Talking to reporters on the occasion, Air Commodore B Saju said MK-I helicopters have already been inducted in the wing.

The 31 Squadron, known as "LIONS", and 32 Squadron, known as "THUNDERBIRD", are going to celebrate their golden jubilee this year, he said.

Of these, the 31 Squadron, equipped with Sukhoi-30 MKI, was shifted from Pune to Jodhpur in 2011 and the 32 Squadron, equipped with the MIG 21 BISON, was set up in Jodhpur in 1984.

The Air Force also remembered the "Father of Aviation of Jodhpur", former Maharaja Umaid Singh, for his contribution in the field.