IAF Heritage Centre [UPSC Notes]

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the IAF Heritage Centre in Chandigarh in May 2023. This is India’s first IAF Heritage Centre. In this article, you can read all about this development, important for the IAS exam, especially the prelims exam.

First Indian Air Force Heritage Centre

• The Chandigarh government and the Indian Air Force have signed a memorandum of understanding about the historic centre.
• The heritage centre emphasizes the Indian Air Force’s contributions to numerous conflicts. 
• It houses five historic aeroplanes and offers visitors access to the cockpit and a flying simulator experience.
• At the centre, the famed Gnat vintage aircraft from 1971 and the MiG 27 will be on display.
• The UT administration will be responsible for maintaining the historical centre, while the air force would be responsible for setting up the weapons and other equipment.
• A collection of relics, murals, mementoes, and 3D dioramas reflect the evolution of the IAF since its founding. 

Significance of  IAF Heritage Centre

• The Heritage Centre serves as a reminder of the essential role that every member of the IAF played in defending the country, as well as a memorial to their bravery and dedication.
• It is our job to protect and promote the IAF’s unique heritage. 
• This centre will play a significant role in the IAF’s heritage preservation and young recruitment into the Armed Forces.
• The centre will concentrate on educational exhibits such as augmented reality, virtual reality, holograms, aero engines, electro-mechanical enclosures, multimedia, etc.
• Projectors will also be used to display the actions made by the Air Force Family Welfare Association for the benefit of the families of airmen at the station, regional, and national levels.

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