Why in the News?

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh accorded a warm send-off to the 7000-kilometre Vayu Veer Vijeta car rally from the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

About the Rally

• The car rally will reach Thoise in Ladakh where it will be formally flagged off to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force.
• Addressing the event, the Defence Minister said that the Vayu Veer Vijeta car rally will raise awareness and increase knowledge about the Air Force along with inspiring the youth.
• He highlighted that Air Force Officials will interact with students along the way which will further enhance the respect and affection towards the Armed Forces.

Indian Air Force (IAF)

• It is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts.
• It was officially established on 8^th October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire
• Motto: Touch the Sky with Glory (has been taken from the eleventh chapter of the Gita)
• Headquarter: New Delhi
• No. Of Commands: Seven
• Chief of Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (AVSM, PVSM)

Logo of IAF