The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 87th anniversary in a mega event at the Hindon Air Force Station on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will receive first of the 36 Rafale aircraft in France today.

After receiving the jet, Singh will perform 'Shastra Puja' (worship of weapons) on the occasion of Dussehra and then will take a sortie in the aircraft, officials said.

PM Modi pays tributes to air warriors, says IAF continues to serve India with utmost dedication.

The air display at Hindon, meanwhile, commenced withflag-bearing skydivers of the Akash Ganga team dropping out of an AN-32aircraft in their colourful canopies. The flypast will also include vintage andmodern transport aircraft and frontline fighters followed by an aerobaticdisplay.

As the Indian Air Force celebrated its 87th birthday, the No9 squadron of the IAF has been awarded for carrying out Balakot airstrike. Twomore squadrons received unit citations.

Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal's unit awarded the unitcitation for their role in Balakot strike. Wing Commander AbhinandanVarthaman's 51 Squadron also awarded unit citation.