Mumbai: Indian Air Force (IAF) 2015 commemorated the 50th year of the 1965 Air Campaign with now organised at the Gateway of India in the evening of 11th March 2015. This year marks 50th year of the 1965 Campaign. The show with the motto, “lest we forget”, remembers personnel who have laid down their lives protecting the integrity of our borders and ensuring cure future to the nation.

This war started following Pakistan’s Operation Gibralter, which was designed to infiltrate its forces into Jammu and Kashmir to participate an insurgency against India. This seventeen day war in the mouth of August saw Airpower being effectively utilised by IAF in air to air and ground support combat.

During the campaign IAF engaged Pakistan Air Force using aircrafts like Gnat, Hunters, Canberras, Vampires and one squadron of Mig 21, These aircraft were pitched against F 86 Sa bre-Jets and F 104 Star Fighters of PAF and got the better of them. Post war, the Gnat aircraft was named Sabre Slayer due to its agility and performance which left the visibly superior Sabre Jets gasping for maneuvering space in a dog fight and eventually got shot down.

With their heroic feats, combat pilots of IAF proved their mental against all odds. Four Mahaveer Chakras and Eighteen Veer Chakras were awarded to these gallant men. Wing commander (Retd) Jagan Nath MVC and bar is one of those who received MVC during the campaign and was amongst those present during the function.

Shri Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia IAS, Managing Director, MTDC says, “We have always supported Indian Air Force and initiatives like these. It gives us a proud feeling to get associated with this event saluting the heroic acts of Indian Air Force during the 1965 Air Campaign. It is our small endeavour to pay tribute by showcasing cultural heritage depicting Maharashtra at this magnificent event.”

Air warrior drill team (AWDT) of 28 people performed in salutation to the personnel of IAF in defence of nation and their flying machines. The team has been specially selected for synchronised rifle drill and whose precise and coordinated movements mark the excellence in this discipline and faith in training. The team showcases discipline and professionalism of the Indian Air Force in consonance with its motto “Touch the Sky with Glory”.

The function also featured a performance by the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra. The Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra will also interact with people and create consciousness about the Indian Air Force through music, displaying their capability and repertoire outside the creation of martial music. The Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra has performed in many concerts in several international countries like France, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They have also participated in International Military music festivals in Finland, France, Italy and Malaysia.

Source : Sachin Murdeshwar