Indian Air Force Day is annually observed across India on October 8 to pay respect and honour to our brave Indian Air Force who protects the country and makes people feel safe and secure.The theme for 2022 anniversary celebrations is IAF: Transforming for the Future .
- 8th October 2022 marks the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Indian Air Force (the official celebration of this day started on the same day).
- A ceremonial parade was held at the Chandigarh air force station to mark the IAF anniversary.
- Indian Air Force Day marks the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 8th October 1932.
History of the Indian Air Force (IAF):
i. The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. it was officially raised as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom.
ii. The 1st aircraft came into being on April 1, 1933, with 6 RAF-trained officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys.
iii. After India’s independence from Great Britain in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of Dominion of India. With the government’s transition to a Republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed.
iv. Now the IAF is the 4th largest Air Force in the world with a highly technical and specialised fighting force that safeguards our skies against enemy invasions.
Event 2022:
i. The IAF decided to hold its annual Air Force Day parade and fly-past outside the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) for the first time.
ii. Nearly 80 military aircraft and helicopters participated in the Air Force Day fly-past on October 8 at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
iii. President Droupadi Murmu and Union defence minister Rajnath Singh were present to witness the aerial show at Sukhna Lake.
Note: On 8th October 2022, the Central Government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force which would save it Rs 3,400 crore in Flying Training.
About the Indian Air Force (IAF):
Chief of the Air Staff- Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment- 1932
Motto- ‘Touch the sky with Glory’
