Indian Air Force Day

The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8th every year, to mark the date of establishment of the Bharatiya Vayu Sena. 8th October 2021 was India’s 89th Air Force Day. 

Indian Air Force Day [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

IAF and Indian Air Force Day both constitute an important part of the UPSC Syllabus. In this article, we shall discuss the significance of the Air force and this day for the country, along with some important facts from the upcoming competitive exam perspective. 

Aspirants can also refer to the links given below for the IAS Exam preparation:

About Indian Airforce Day 

• Every year, the main event is held at the Hindon Air Force Base, Ghaziabad.
• It comprises a parade by men and women air warriors.
• Medals are pinned on the uniforms of those who have been declared recipients during the investiture ceremony. These medals are pinned by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

Indian Air Force Day 2020

• The 88th IAF day was celebrated on October 8, 2020.
• On the occasion, the force showcased its lethal firepower with warplanes like Rafel, Su-30MKI, Apache, Tejas, Gajraj.
• 56 aircraft, including 19 fighters and seven transport aircraft along with 19 helicopters, took part in the 88th-anniversary ceremony.
• The event is generally held at a large scale in the presence of all high Air Force officials, retired air warriors and other Government officers of high scale. But, due to the ongoing pandemic, the occasion was celebration was scaled down.

Also, get the List of Important Days and Dates for UPSC Prelims at the linked article. 

IAF – History and Background

• Established in 1932, the Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and was introduced as the supporting force for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force.
• The first IAF flight came into being in April 1933.
• During 1939 and 1945, the period of World War II, Indian Air Force flights and squadron commanders had also participated in the war, and after its end, the IAF was renamed the Royal Indian Air Force.
• It also took active participation and involvement in the Indian independence and partition.
• In 1950, when India was declared a republic, ‘Royal’ was removed from the armed forces, and it regained the name of the Indian Air Force.
• The Indian Air Force’s role during the Kargil war of 1999 is considered to be a milestone in the history of military aviation. Demolition of enemy camps, evacuation of injured army personnel and airstrikes were done by the IAF.
• During natural calamities in the country, IAF’s relief operations have been a great saviour.
• Till date, this armed force has played a major role in terms of the nation’s security and maintaining bilateral relations by regular army exercises.

Also, read Indian Air Force Established [October 8, 1932] – This Day in History

Facts about the Indian Air Force

Strength

• The IAF is the fourth-largest operational air force in the world, after the USA, China and Russia
• IAF also works for the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions

Motto of IAF

• The motto of Indian armed force is ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’, which has been taken from the eleventh chapter of the Srimad Bhagavadgita

Organisational Structure

• The air force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. Each command is supervised by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal

Headquarters 

• Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.

Supreme Commander & Head of Military Staff

•  the President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Air Force
• The Chief of the Air Staff is the head of military staff of the Indian Air Force. Aspirants can get the List of Air Chief Marshal of India at the linked article

Indian Air Force Day [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

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