President Pranab Mukherjee has greeted the Indian Air Force (IAF) on its 83rd Anniversary today. In his message, Mr Mukherjee said, the Indian Air Force has remained the vanguard of the Indian skies safeguarding the sovereignty of nation all through it's glorious history of eight decades.<br/><br/> He said, over the years, IAF has evolved into a formidable force with new acquisitions and weapons of great precision. He said, today, IAF is rated one of the best in the world and has acquired the capability of strategic reach and precision targeting.<br/><br/>The President said, the role of IAF is not only limited to fighting a war but also rendering timely assistance during national crisis. He said, on numerous occasions in the past, during natural disasters, IAF has been at the forefront providing timely succor and relief.<br/><br/>On this occassion, an air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Parade cum Investiture Ceremony which will held at Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. The air display will commence with flag bearing sky divers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies.<br/><br/>The Parade will be marked by fly past of ENSIGN formation comprising of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters in VIC formation. It will be followed by CHAKRA formation comprising of three Mi-35. Other fighter aircrafts including JAGUAR and SU-30 will take part in fighter flypast.<br/><br/>The new SKAT Aerobatic display team comprising of four HAWK aircraft will make its maiden appearance in the Parade. SARANG Helicopter display team will perform their famous Air Display as grand finale to the Parade this year.