Indian Air Force (IAF) Day, also known as IAF Raising Day, is observed on 8th October across India to commemorate the formation of the IAF on 8 October 1932, originally established as an auxiliary air force under the British Empire.
- 8th October 2025 marks the 93rd anniversary of the IAF Day.
Exam Hints:
- Event: Indian Air Force Day 2025
- Edition: 93rd
- When? October 8
- 2025 Theme: “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise”
- Founded On: October 8, 1932
- First Operational Flight: April 1, 1933
- Celebration: Parade in UP, scuba diving expedition in Goa and display of HT-2 aircraft in UP.
- India’s Rank: 4th largest air force in the world
Theme:
2025 Theme:“Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise”,
Focus: This year’s theme emphasizes the IAF’s strength, resilience, and precision in defending the nation.
Background:
Establishment: The IAF was founded on 8th October 1932 as part of the British Royal Air Force under the name Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
- The RIAF’s first official flight occurred on 1 April 1933 with six officers and 19 Hawaii Sepoys from the Royal Air Force.
Transition: Following India’s independence in 1947, the RIAF was renamed the IAF.
Rank: IAF is the 4th largest in the world, after the United States of America (USA), Russia, and China.
Women in IAF: In 2016, Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh, and Avani Chaturvedi made history by becoming India’s first female fighter pilots.
2025 Event:
PARADE :
Event: The 93rd anniversary of the IAF day was celebrated at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP) on 8th October 2025.
Chief Guest: The event was graced by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces General Anil Chauhan.
Ceremonial Parade:
Commencement: The proceedings began with the marching-in of the President’s Colours, symbolizing the pride, unity, and strength of the IAF.
Aerial Salute: Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was honoured with an aerial salute by three Mi-17 1V helicopters flying in the ‘Dhwaj’ formation, carrying the National Flag, IAF Flag, and Operation Sindoor Flag.
Leadership: The parade, commanded by Group Captain Chetan Pradeep Deshpande, featured the Air Force Band playing patriotic tunes and the Air Warrior Drill Team performing synchronized movements, highlighting the IAF’s discipline and professionalism.
Honours and Awards: 97 medals and six Unit Citations were presented to Air Warriors for exceptional service.
Flypast Event: The main flypast will be held in Guwahati, Assam, on 9th November 2025, showcasing the IAF’s operational excellence.
IAF Displays Restored HT-2 Aircraft on IAF Day:
Event:On October 8, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) publicly displayed the restored Hindustan Trainer-2 (HT-2) with vintage aircraft like Tiger Moth, HT-2, and Harvard, as part of the 93rd IAF Day celebrations.
Heritage : The first indigenous IAF trainer HT-2, active 1950s–1989, was restored and joined the Heritage Flight in December 2024, performing aerobatics like the “figure 8” and “Heritage Cross.”
Others: Modern aircraft and systems on static display included C-17 Globemaster, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, MiG-21 Bison, MiG-29, Apache, ALH MK-III, AEW&C aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules, Akash Missile System, and Rohini radar.
ICG and IAF Flag Off Joint Scuba Diving Expedition in Goa:
Expedition: On October 8, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and IAF flagged off a joint scuba diving expedition from Goa, marking 93 years of IAF service to the nation.
Exploration: The expedition explores the Angria Bank, a pristine and ecologically rich underwater plateau, highlighting the importance of marine conservation.
About Indian Air Force (IAF):
Chief of Air Staff (CAS)- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Motto- Nabha Sparsham Deeptam (Touch the Sky with Glory)
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1932
