IAF celebrates 89th anniversary

October 8, 2021

Indian Air Force is celebrating its 89th Foundation Day on October 8, 2021.

Key facts

Air Force Day parade is being held at the Hindon airbase, Ghaziabad.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh are attending the event.
The parade was inspected by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
This occasion is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’, to commemorate the victory of 1971 war.
On the occasion, VR Chaudhari also presented the Vayu Sena Medal – Gallantry to the officers.

Indian Air Force (IAF)

IAF is the air arm of Indian Armed Forces. It was formed on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force in British Empire. Complement of personnel and aircraft assets of IAF are ranked fourth across the air forces of the world. IAF works with the primary mission of securing Indian airspace. It also conducts aerial warfare during armed conflict. British Empire honoured India’s aviation service with prefix Royal during World War II. The name “Royal Indian Air Force” was kept after India gained independence in 1947. Prefix Royal was removed in 1950, when government transitioned to a Republic.