The Indian Air Force Day was celebrated on 8th October 2020 with the IAF  marking its 88th anniversary proudly. The hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade at Air Force Station Hindon (Ghaziabad) was the  scintillating air show of different aircraft in presence of IAF chief and senior officials of the three armed forces. These celebrations include an air display where the most crucial and vintage aircraft put up a magnificent show.

Indian Air Force Day Theme

The Indian Armed Forces are mainly responsible for protecting Indian airspace and carrying out aerial warfare during armed conflicts. In the nation, it ranks as the fourth largest air force. Operation Poomalai, Operation Cactus, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Vijay are among the main operations of the Indian Air Force.

History of Indian Air Force Day

Indian Air Force Day was first observed in the year 1932. It is commended with incredible energy and intensity at different Air Stations everywhere throughout the nation. The enactment of the IAF Act 1932 marked the auxiliary status and enforced the adoption of the Royal Air Force uniforms, badges, and brevets. On April 1st, 1933, the IAF commissioned IAF’s first squadron, No.1 Squadron, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots were led by British RAF Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant.

About Indian Air Force (IAF)

Founded on: 8 October 1932

Headquarters: New Delhi

Part of: Indian Armed Force

Motto: Touch the Sky with Glory

Indian Air Force is also known as “Bhartiya Vayu Sena”. It is the air wing of the Indian Armed Forces. IAF was officially established on 8 October 1932. It was set up as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which brought honour to India’s aviation service during the Second World War (WWII) with the prefix Royal.

After India gained its independence in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force served in the name of Dominion of India. In 1950, with the government’s transition to a Republic, the prefix Royal was removed. IAF was involved in a war with Pakistan and China since 1950.

The air force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. Each command is supervised by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, and functional command’s responsibility is to maintain combat readiness.