New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorated 60 glorious years of service by Chetak Helicopter on Saturday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a Special Cover, a Coffee Table Book and a Commemorative Movie on Chetak Helicopters. 

Rajnath Singh spoke on the stellar performance of the Chetak helicopter, both during peace and in conflict, in the past six decades, as also its contributions to fostering the spirit of integration and joint manship.

Singh also acknowledged the immense contribution of all those involved in keeping the machine flying successfully, especially HAL, which has been the flag-bearer for 'Aatmanirbharta' by manufacturing this machine under licence since 1965. He brought out how HAL built up cutting edge helicopters design, development and production capabilities based on this experience. 

Celebrating the event, a remarkable fly-past by 26 aircraft including Chetaks, Pilatus, Kirans, Hawks, Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Helicopters. The finale was a diamond formation flypast by eight Chetak helicopters, the machine which continues to render yeomen service across the length and breadth of the country. This magnificent machine still operates across all the terrains and is the basic training helicopter for pilots of the three Services.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and AOC-in-C Training Command Air Marshal Manavendra Singh were present along with other distinguished dignitaries and senior officers of the Armed Forces. Former Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major (Retd), Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne (Retd) and Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd) were among the key attendees.