The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8th every year, to mark the date of establishment of the Bharatiya Vayu Sena. 8th October 2021 will be India’s 89th Air Force Day.
About Indian Airforce Day
Every year, the main event is held at the Hindon Air Force Base, Ghaziabad
It comprises a parade by men and women air warriors
Medals are pinned on the uniforms of those who have been declared recipients during the investiture ceremony. These medals are pinned by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
Indian Air Force Day 2020
The 88th IAF day was celebrated on October 8, 2020
On the occasion, the force showcased its lethal firepower with warplanes like Rafel, Su-30MKI, Apache, Tejas, Gajraj
56 aircraft, including 19 fighters and seven transport aircraft along with 19 helicopters, took part in the 88th-anniversary ceremony
The event is generally held at a large scale in the presence of all high Air Force officials, retired air warriors and other Government officers of high scale. But, due to the ongoing pandemic, the occasion was celebration was scaled down.
IAF – History and Background
Established in 1932, the Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and was introduced as the supporting force for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force
The first IAF flight came into being in April 1933
During 1939 and 1945, the period of World War II, Indian Air Force flights and squadron commanders had also participated in the war, and after its end, the IAF was renamed the Royal Indian Air Force
It also took active participation and involvement in the Indian independence and partition
In 1950, when India was declared a republic, ‘Royal’ was removed from the armed forces, and it regained the name of the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force’s role during the Kargil war of 1999 is considered to be a milestone in the history of military aviation. Demolition of enemy camps, evacuation of injured army personnel and airstrikes were done by the IAF
During natural calamities in the country, IAF’s relief operations have been a great saviour
Till date, this armed force has played a major role in terms of the nation’s security and maintaining bilateral relations by regular army exercises.
Facts about the Indian Air Force
Strength
The IAF is the fourth-largest operational air force in the world, after the USA, China and Russia
IAF also works for the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
Motto of IAF
Organisational Structure
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
Headquarters
Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
Supreme Commander & Head of Military Staff
the President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Air Force
The Chief of the Air Staff is the head of military staff of the Indian Air Force.
