8th October 2022: Indian Air Force Day
IAF celebrates the Indian Air Force Day at the Hindon base in the presence of senior officials and the IAF chief of all three armed forces. In addition, there is a show with a display of aircraft to celebrate this day.
The Indian Air Force was formerly known as the Royal Indian Air Force. This name remained until independence. After independence, the word Royal was dropped.
On 08 October 2022, Indian Air Force Day will be celebrated in the country. India is going to celebrate its 90th Air Force Day this year (Indian Air Force Day 2021). The celebration of Indian Air Force (IAF), which was established in 1932, will be celebrated this time in Chandigarh. On this occasion, let us know some interesting facts and history related to this day.
History of Indian Air Force Day
The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932. Its first AC flight took off on 01 April 1933. Hence, the celebration of this day was officially started on 8th October 1932 to increase the awareness of Indians. Officially and publicly Air Force in any organization of national security. As the Indian Air Force (IAF) has the primary responsibility of protecting Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during any conflict, the day is celebrated with air shows and parades conducted by air force cadets at air force bases across the country. It is known that the Indian Air Force is a fundamental and important part of the country’s defense system along with the Indian Navy and Army. The first flight of the IAF was launched on 1 April 1933. It was during the Waziristan War against the tribals that the IAF embarked on a daring mission for the first time. Later the IAF expanded tremendously during World War II.
The IAF proved to be a formidable defense force during the war, particularly in Burma. Its anonymous contribution and achievement earned the IAF the prefix Royal in 1945 and hence became known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
Indian Air Force Day 2022: Significance and importance
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air force and an important organ of the Indian Armed Forces, playing a vital role in the wars fought by the country. Its primary mission is to protect Indian airspace and conduct air operations during inter-state armed conflict.
The day is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and pride at various airports across the country. All Air Force Bases in several states will conduct parades at their respective Air Force Bases. Even the military parade will be conducted according to the same schedule and protocol followed every year.
The Supreme Commander of the IAF and the National Commander of the Air Force will also contribute in many forms. In the past few years, the Air Force has been expanding exponentially and has begun inducting women into short service commissions.
Some Facts about India Air Force
- The Indian Air Force operates under the motto ‘Nabham Sparsham Deeptham’, which means “Touch the sky with glory”.
- The Indian Air Force has 1,400 aircraft and around 170,000 personnel.
- The Government of India, in January 2002, conferred the rank of Marshal of the Air Force on Arjan Singh, making him the first and only five-star officer of the Indian Air Force and the ceremonial Chief of the Air Force.
- The Air Force is classified into five operational and two functional commands.
- In 2010, the Air Force Network (AFNET), a robust digital information grid enabling rapid and accurate threat responses, was launched.
- The Air Force has fought four wars with Pakistan and one with the People’s Republic of China since its independence.
- Operation Meghdoot, Operation Vijay – Invasion of Goa, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai were the operations carried out through it.
- It is also involved in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
- The Supreme Command of the Indian Armed Forces rests with the President. The responsibility for national security rests with the Cabinet.
