Indian Air Force Day is annually observed across India on 8th October to increase awareness about the Indian Air Force, an organisation that works towards strengthening national security.
- The day marks the establishment of the Indian Air Force on 8th October 1932.
- The 8th October 2021 marks the celebration of the 89th anniversary of Indian Air Force Day.
- The 2021 Indian Air Force Day is celebrated as “Swarnim Vijay Varsh”, commemorating the victory of the 1971 war.
History of Indian Air Force:
i.The Indian Air Force(IAF) was established on 8th October 1932 and raised as a support force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom.
ii.King George VI gave the prefix ‘Royal’ to the force to recognise its contribution during the 2nd World War.
iii.After India became Republic in 1950, the prefix was dropped.
iv.The IAF, also known as “Bhartiya Vayu Sena”, is the air wing of the Indian Armed Forces and the fourth largest air force in the world.
Events 2021:
i.As a part of the 89th Indian Air Force day, the IAF flypast parade was organised at the Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
ii.The flypast also included various formations with call signs related to the places and people involved in the 1971 war in which India defeated Pakistan and led to the creation of Bangladesh.
iii.IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari awarded the Chief of Air Staff Unit citation to 3 units of IAF – 2255 Squadron Det Air Force, 47 Squadron and 116 Helicopter Unit.
About Indian Air Force(IAF):
Chief of the Air Staff– Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari
Established on 8th October 1932
Motto– ‘Nabha Sparsham Deeptham’ (touch the sky with glory)
