Indian Air Force Day 2023

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Feb 28, 2023, 12:21

Indian Air Force day is observed on "8th of October" every year at the Hindon Base Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. IAF chiefs and senior military officials attend it. These celebrations include an air show where significant vintage aircraft exhibit great performances.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), whose main task is to secure the Indian airspace and carry out airstrikes during armed conflict, deploys over 170,000 men and ranks fourth in terms of the world's largest air forces.

Importance of Indian Air Force (IAF)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) protects India's territory and its national interests from all threats and assists in the event of a natural disaster. The IAF provides the Indian Army with air support and strategic and tactical air transport capabilities on the battlefield.

  • The Indian Air Force comprises highly skilled crew members and pilots with the required expertise to carry out rapid evacuations, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and deliver relief supplies to affected areas by freighters.
  • The Air Force is divided into five operational commands and two operational commands. Each control is overseen by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Force Marshal.
  • The mission of the operational command is to carry out military operations using aircraft within its responsibilities, and operational headquarters are responsible for maintaining combat readiness.

Themes of Indian Air Force Day From 2019 to 2022

The Indian Air Force protects Indian territory from all threats and provides help during calamities in the country. The day is to honor the selfless efforts of our jawans. Indian Air Force Day is commemorated every year with a particular theme.

  • 2019 - "Know your Air Force."
  • 2020 - "The untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices of its personnel".
  • 2021 - "Touching the Sky with Glory."

Indian Air Force Day 2021 Celebrations

The special day in 2021 marked the 89th anniversary of Indian Air Force Day. It is commemorated with great zeal and passion at various Air Stations all over the country on October 8.

  • The Indian air force day 2021 date was October 8, like every year.
  • Ministry of Defence (MoD) conducted a press release wherein they explained how the Indian Air Force Day would be celebrated.
  • The air display started with the flag consisting of skydivers AKASH GANGA Team.
  • They dropped AN-32 aircraft in their colorful ceilings in the early morning.
  • The ceremony ended at 11:00 AM with a charming aerobatic presentation.

History of Indian Air Force (IAF)

Also known as 'Bharatiya Vayu Sena,' the IAF was officially founded by the British Empire on October 8, 1932. The President of India is the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force. The Air Force's operational management is handled by the Air Force General, the Air Chief Marshal.

  • The IAF has participated in many important missions since its foundation. However, the first squadron got established in April 1933.
  • The IAF got selected as an official auxiliary air force during British Rule.
  • The IAF proved a formidable defense during World War II, especially in Burma.
  • The Indian Air Force received the royal prefix in 1945, and the IAF became known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
  • In the name of Dominion, the name of the Royal Indian Air Force was retained after India gained independence from Britain in 1947.
  • The prefix 'Royal' was removed when the country became a republic in 1950.

How is the Indian Air Force Day Date celebrated?

This day is celebrated with compassion, enthusiasm, and pride at all air force bases in the country. All Air Force units in different states hold parades at their respective bases. Planes fly at low altitudes in other parts of the country on this day.

The Indian Air Force has grown tremendously recently and has begun hiring women for short-term missions.

The Relevance of Indian Air Force Day

The IAF is an important institution of the Indian Army and plays a vital role in national warfare.

Its leading role is to secure India's airspace and carry out airstrikes during domestic armed conflict. Since independence, the Indian Air Force has participated in several wars, including four wars with Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China.

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Indian Air Force Flag and Description

The Crest of the Indian Air Force is a Himalayan Eagle within a roundel positioned directly below the State Emblem of India. Have a glimpse at the Indian Air Force Flag Logo below. Sky blue flag with the badge of the IAF in the middle and five five-pointed gold stars in a perpendicular line on the fly.

Indian Air Force Flag

Top Indian Air Force Day Facts

Read about the Indian air force day information given below.

  • The main aim of celebrating Indian air force day is to "Touch the Sky with Glory", the Hindi meaning being "Nabham Sparsham Deeptham".
  • The Indian Air Force hires over 170,000 personnel and 1,400 airships.
  • The IAF was employed in one war with the People's Republic of China and four battles with Pakistan.
  • Indian air force day is an occasion to respect IAF for being concerned about UN peacebuilding missions.
  • Arjan Singh received the rank of Marshal of the Air Force by the Indian Government in 2002. He became the first and the only Five-star officer in the Indian Air Force.

FAQs on Indian Air Force Day

What is National Air Force Day?

It is also known as Indian air force day, which marks the anniversary of the Indian Air Force every year. It is memorialized with great zeal at various Air Stations all over India on October 8.

When is Indian Air Force Day celebrated?

Indian Air Force Day is remembered every year on October 8. The Indian Air Force (IAF) establishment helped the army battling on the ground on this day.

What was the theme of Indian Air Force Day for the past few years?

Indian Air Force Day has a unique theme each year. In 2021, India celebrated its 89th Foundation Day to commemorate the 1971 war victory. In 2020, the theme was 'the untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices of its personnel.' Meanwhile, in 2019, the country celebrated the theme, 'knowing the Air Force.'

How does the Indian Air Force rank globally?

The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force across the globe. Only the United States, China, and Russia are ahead of India.

What is the motto of the Indian Air Force day?

The Indian Air Force's motto is 'Nabham Sparsham Deeptham, ' which means 'touch the sky with glory.' The Indian Air Force has adopted this motto from Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Why is Indian Airforce Day celebrated?

Happy air force day is celebrated to raise understanding around the world about IAF as an organization that works towards supporting national security.