New Delhi: Several squadrons of the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the full-dress rehearsal of the IAF Day Parade at Hindon Air Force Station, ahead of the Indian Air Force Day on October 8.

The newly inducted Rafale fighter aircraft was also on display during the full dress rehearsal. The Rafales will be flying in Vijay formation and Transformers formation along with other fighter jets such as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Sukhoi-30 MKI.

#WATCH Ghaziabad: Newly inducted #Rafale fighter aircraft on display during the full dress rehearsal of IAF Day parade at Hindon IAF base, ahead of the Indian Air Force Day on October 8 pic.twitter.com/tUPuIs552T

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 6, 2020

The Paratroopers from the IAF’s skydiving team ‘Akash Ganga’ underwent full dress rehearsal. 56 aircraft, including 19 fighters and seven transport aircraft along with 19 helicopters, would be taking part in aerial display during this year’s Air Force Day Parade, according to a press release by the IAF.

The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. It was given the prefix “Royal” by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.

#WATCH Hindon Air Base (Ghaziabad): Flares fired by a fighter aircraft today during rehearsal of the Air Force Day parade to be held on October 8. pic.twitter.com/mEfK3cD08z

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 6, 2020

On Monday, while addressing the press conference ahead of the big day, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said that the IAF is fully prepared for all eventualities, including a two-front conflict.

Addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8, Bhadauria said that China has its own areas of strength but “we have catered for all scenarios and are fully capable of handling any threat.”

Emerging threats mandate us to have robust capabilities of IAF and the Induction of Rafale has given us the operational edge said the Air Chief.