India Air Force (IAF) Day (IAF Raising Day) is annually observed across India on 8th October to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Air Force(IAF) on 8 October 1932, an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. The day reflects on IAF’s contribution towards protecting India and its people.
- 8th October 2024 marks the observance of the 92nd IAF Day or 92nd IAF Raising Day.
- The theme of the 92nd IAF day is “Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant).
Background:
i.The India Air Force (IAF) was founded as a part of the British Royal Air Force under the name Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) on 8th October 1932.
ii.The first official flight happened on 1st April 1933 with 6 trained officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys of the Royal Air Force.
iii.RIAF was renamed as IAF in 1947. It is now one of the four branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
Events 2024:
i.The 92nd IAF Day was commemorated from 6th to 8th October 2024 at Air Force Station, Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The celebration included the airshows, parade, and static display showing the idea of ‘Aatmanirbharta’.
ii.The Air show was held under the theme “Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant)
- The theme highlights IAF’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding India’s airspace while focusing on self-reliance.
Highlights:
i.The parade commenced with the marching-in of the President’s Colours, symbolising pride, unity, strength and esprit-de-corps.The parade was followed by an aerial display.
ii.The static display featured state-of-the-art such as ALH Mk-4, C-295 Transport aircraft, Akash Missile Defence System, HTT-40, and Rohini radar.
About Indian Air Force (IAF):
Chief of the Air Staff(CAS)- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Motto- Touch the sky with Glory (Nabhah Sparsam Diptam – नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्)
Headquarter- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1932
