A Miniature Sheet consisting of 4 nos of commemorative postage stamps on the 75 years (Platinum Jubilee) of the Indian Air Force (1932-2007) :

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 8, 2007

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to release a set of postage stamps to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the Indian Air Force.

This set of four stamps is a tribute to the Indian Air Force and its professional skills which have been honed to match with the best in the world.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500, 500, 500 & 1500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Established under the Indian Air Force Act (XIV of 1932) passed by the Legislative Assembly on 8^th October 1932, the Indian Air Force has served the nation in peace and war with élan, professionalism and dedication over the past three-quarters of a century. It is one of the oldest independent Air forces in the world.
• During the Second World War, IAF played a seminal role in beating back the Japanese invasion across the Burma border and the siege of Imphal. The greatest challenge to the small air force, rendered smaller by partition of the country, came in the early hours of 27^th October, 1947 when Pakistani raiders were at the gates of Srinagar and it appeared the city would fall. IAF airlifted our brave jawans from Delhi and saved the city and Kashmir. This pattern was repeated again and again in defending Punch, Leh, and later (in 1962) Chushul.
• From Kashmir War of 1947 to Kargil in 1999, IAF has given its “Blood, sweat and tears” to make Indians proud of their Air Force, dominating the skies and winning the wars in partnership with the army and navy. It has decimated the enemy in the desert, at times all by itself as in Longewala in 1971, and in conjunction with the army as in halting the armoured offensive in Chhamb sector in 1965, and the heights of Kargil in 1999. And it has stood guard to defend the skies day and night, year after year.
• Year after year, the Air Force has provided tens of thousands of tons food, medicines and medical aid, and vital supplies by “air maintenance” to millions of our citizens and the army in the remote Himalayas at great altitudes. Starting with the major operation in Congo in 1961-62 it has played a crucial role in supporting our contingents in UN Peace Keeping Operations in the cause of international peace and stability. It has been the first to provide relief in times of disaster to others such as during the earthquake in 2002 and the tsunami in December 2004 besides numerous other emergencies. Ready to face challenges at a moment’s notice, it has been true to the substance of India‘s plural, secular and egalitarian values and ethos. This set of four stamps portrays four aircraft : the Westland Wapiti, Airborne Warning and Control System, IL-78 and Advanced Light Helicopter – Dhruv.
• The Westland Wapiti formed the nucleus of the Indian Air Force in April 1933 with four aircraft. They were used for escort for convoys, reconnaissance in the North West Frontier Province starting, anti bombing and anti-submarine roles. The sole surviving Wapiti aircraft is now maintained in the Air Force Museum at Palam.
• The Airborne Warning and Control System is an aircraft equipped with sophisticated radar, communication and other electronic equipment to detect and track intruding aircraft(s) whilst still deep within enemy territory. With the induction of AWACS the long felt need for the country for an “eye in the sky” to ward off any airborne threat will be achieved to a great extent.
• Induction of IL-78 MK-I Flight Refueller Aircraft is a giant leap in operational capability of the Indian Air Force. This force multiplier inducted in IAF three years ago has increased the offensive potential of our air superiority fighters and deep penetration strike aircraft manifold and enabled them to operate to their full potential.
• Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and developed helicopter in India developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Dhruv has been showcased by Sarang Helicopter Display team both internationally and domestically apart from performing operational tasks.
• Text : Based on material provided by Indian Air Force.

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