In Pictures: The 83rd Indian Air Force Day Celebrations at Hindon

In Pictures: Honorary Group Captain Sachin Tendulkar at the 83rd Air Force Day celebrations.

Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter team display their skill during Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base near New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

The Indian Air Force celebrated the 83rd Air Force Day at the Hindon Air base near Delhi on Thursday.

Skill shows by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, and sky divers from the Akash Ganga Aerobatic Team were the highlights of the event.

Indian Air Force Air Warrior Drill team display their skills during the Air Force Day parade. (Photo: AP)

Cricketing legend and Honorary Group Captain of the Indian Air Force Sachin Tendulkar attended the 83rd Air Force Day celebrations. Dressed in his IAF uniform, Tendulkar witnessed a splendid air show at the base with various aircrafts performing stunning aerobatics in the air.

Former Indian cricketer and honorary Indian Air Force officer Sachin Tendulkar, second left, shakes hand with Indian Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag. (Photo: AP)

Former Indian cricketer and honorary Indian Air Force officer Sachin Tendulkar (seated) attends the Air Force Day parade at the Hindon Air Force base near New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

In a first for the Indian armed forces, IAF is planning combat role for women by inducting them as fighter aircraft pilots. An announcement was made by IAF chief Arup Raha on this occasion.

IAF currently has women in seven areas of administration, logistics, meteorology, navigation, education, aeronautical engineering – mechanical and electrical and accounts. The air force has over 1,300 women on its rolls, of which 94 are pilots and 14 navigators.

Indian Air Force women officers lead a marching contingent during the Indian Air Force Day parade. (Photo: AP)

The Sarang Helicopters. (Photo: AP)

Members of the Indian Air Force Akash Ganga skydiving team display their skills during Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base near New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

Indian Air Force soldiers march past the IAF C-17 Globemaster during the Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base near New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fires flares during a Vertical Charlie manoeuvre at the Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base. (Photo: AP)

Indian Air Force Suryakirans comprising four Hawks fly in a formation during the Air Force Day parade. (Photo: AP)

A member of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Akash Ganga skydiving team dives with an IAF flag during the Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base near New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

Skydiving team of Akash Ganga in action during the Air Force Day Parade. (Photo: PTI)