Indian Air Force all set for presidential review

Chandigarh: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set for a presidential review for the first time after 30 years, on the occasion of its 75th year platinum jubilee celebrations.
President APJ Abdul Kalam, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, will review the IAF fleet.

The president will also present honours to 41 units during the event, which has been hosted only twice before. Chandigarh will be playing host to the event for the second time. The event will also celebrate the emergence of the IAF as the fourth most powerful air force in the world.

The static displays on the tarmac will show off the IAFs impressive inventory, including MiGs, Jaguars and Sukhois. The event will come to a close with a spectacular air display by the Surya Kiran aerobatics team.

With the IAF phasing out its reconnaissance big-bird, the MiG-35 a few months back, it is also time now for another recce bird to disappear from its stable - the venerable B-57 Canberra. Phased out from its bomber profile, the Canberra continued to perform a 'wild weasel' electronic surveillance role for the air force for decades.

With the advent of space age electronics it is time for the Canberra to go to its final resting place, an aerospace museum, the setting up of which the IAF has announced recently.