In pics | Thunder in the skies as Indian Air Force celebrates 84th anniversary

The Indian Air Force marked its 84th anniversary on Saturday with an extraordinary air show at the Hindon Air Force Base near Ghaziabad.

The Indian Air Force marked its 84th anniversary on Saturday with an extraordinary air show at the Hindon Air Force Base near Ghaziabad. Apart from the IAF chief Arup Raha, the chief of the Indian Army Dalbir Singh, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and others were also present at the function.

Indian Air Force's 'Air Warrior' drill team performs during the 84th anniversary of Air Force Day parade rehearsals at the Air Force Station Hindon in Ghaziabad on the outskirts of New Delhi.(Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

IAF chief Arup Raha inspects guard of honour (ANI on Twitter)

President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday lauded the “immensely professional” air force on Twitter: “The IAF has achieved distinction in defending our skies and delivering vital humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The nation is proud of the capability and competency of the IAF.”

IAF chief Arup Raha speaking at the Air Force Day function (ANI on Twitter)

Speaking at the function, IAF chief Arup Raha said, “The acquisition of 36 Rafale aircrafts in next few years could greatly enhance our operational capability in near term.”

Indian Air Force chief Arup Raha confers Vayu Sena medals, Vayu Sena (Gallantry) medals & Vishist Seva medals. (ANI on Twitter)

Army chief Dalbir Singh and Sachin Tendulkar at the Air Force day celebrations (ANI on Twitter)

Established on October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force is celebrated its 84th anniversary by scintillating display by various aircrafts.

IAF Akash Ganga sky diving team members display their skills (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

Made In India Tejas fighter plane during the air show (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

Surya Kiran planes in a formation (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

(ANI on Twitter)

IAF 'Air Warrior' drill team performs during the rehearsals at the Hindon air force base in Ghaziabad (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

Indian Air Force soldiers march during the Air Force Day parade rehearsals (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

IAF Sarang helicopters during the Air Force Day rehearsals (AP)

IAF soldiers wait for their turn standing next to the IAF C-17 Globemaster during the rehearsals (AP)

IAF personnel perform with their guns during the full dress rehearsal (PTI)

IAF Akash Ganga sky diving team members display their skills during the 84th anniversary of Air Force Day parade rehearsals (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

Indian Air Force's 'Air Warrior' drill team perform during the rehearsals (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

Indian Air Force's AN-32 transport aircraft fly past in a formation during rehearsals for India's Air Force Day parade (AP)

Established on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire, IAF has a strength of over 120,000 personnel, meant to defend Indian airspace and are also deployed for United Nations missions.