NEW DELHI: On the 93rd Air Force Day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) highlighted its rich heritage in a unique way by showcasing the vintage 1967 Ford Salon car at Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh personally decided to feature the iconic cream-coloured car, underlining its decades-long legacy of transporting multiple Air Force Chiefs since its induction in 1969.

The 1967 Ford Salon is powered by a 390 V-B engine with 315 brake horsepower at 4600 RPM and an 8-cylinder configuration, making it a symbol of engineering excellence during its time. The car first served former Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal, who led the IAF during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and continued to be used by successive chiefs until 1992. It was later inducted into the Air Force Museum in Palam, New Delhi, courtesy of ACM Nirmal Chandra Suri.

Operation Sindoor highlighted by IAF Chief

During the Air Force Day celebrations, ACM AP Singh praised Operation Sindoor, emphasising it as a shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning, disciplined training, and determined execution. He highlighted the effectiveness of indigenously developed weapons in delivering precise strikes, restoring India’s capability for offensive air action in national defence strategy.

“The outstanding performance of the indigenously developed and integrated weapons, which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory, vindicates our faith in home-grown capabilities,” said ACM Singh.

Heritage Flight keeps aviation legacy alive

Apart from the vintage car, the celebrations also featured the Heritage Flight, formerly known as the Vintage Aircraft Flight, which preserves the legacy of the Indian Air Force. First instituted in 1982 at Air Force Station Palam with Spitfire, Harvard, and Tiger Moth aircraft, the flight was relocated to Hindon in 2012, continuing its operations with Tiger Moth, Harvard, Dakota, and HT-2 aircraft. The fleet has enthralled audiences at Air Force Day events every year since its relocation.

Significance of the 1967 Ford Salon

The car was first used by ACM PC Lal, who served in the then Royal Indian Air Force from 1939 and became the 7th Chief of Air Staff from 1969 to 1973. He commanded the IAF following Operation Chengiz Khan, marking the beginning of the 1971 war. Lal, a distinguished officer, was commissioned during World War II and later served as Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after retirement. He was honoured with Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his exemplary service.

The vintage Ford Salon, along with the Heritage Flight, continues to serve as a symbol of the IAF’s history, achievements, and enduring legacy in Indian defence aviation.