Sayan Chatterjee, Chennai, Oct 8th, 2024: The origins of the Indian Air Force (IAF) date back to 1932, during British colonial rule, when it was initially founded as the Royal Indian Air Force. A significant transformation occurred in 1950 when it was renamed the Indian Air Force, signalling a new chapter in its history. One of the IAF’s most notable milestones was achieved on April 1, 1954, when the President’s Colour was awarded to the force by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then-President of India, in a grand ceremony at Palam. Since then, October 8 has been celebrated annually as Indian Air Force Day, marking the establishment of India’s premier aerial defence force. This year, the IAF proudly celebrated its 92nd anniversary in Chennai.
To delve into its historical significance, the IAF, officially established on October 8, 1932, holds a distinguished legacy, having played a crucial role in World War II and the years leading to India’s independence in 1947. Known then as the Royal Indian Air Force, it contributed substantially to the Allied war efforts, particularly in the Burma Campaign and the Eastern Front, highlighting the strategic importance of air power in modern warfare.
On October 8, 2024, the IAF commemorated its 92nd anniversary at Air Force Station Tambaram, Chennai, under the theme “Potent, Powerful, Self-Reliant.” The celebrations, which featured a grand parade and awe-inspiring aerial displays, were a testament to the IAF’s commitment to these principles. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was the chief guest, while Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade. Other senior officials in attendance included Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, and Air Commodore Ratish Kumar.
Despite the sweltering heat, the parade, led by Group Captain Ankur Mathur, showcased the IAF’s operational prowess and professionalism. The parade featured a range of key assets, including the HTT-40 trainer, Prachand and Dhruv helicopters, Akash missile systems, Rohini radar, and the newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft. Each of these assets was a testament to the IAF’s technological advancement and operational readiness. The ceremonial commencement, featuring the President’s Colours and the Tri-Services band, symbolized unity and the camaraderie between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In conjunction with the main ceremony, the IAF also honored four elite units with Unit Citations – for their exemplary contributions to national defense and operational excellence. No. 1 Squadron, the Tigers, was recognized for its pivotal role during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and participation in international exercises such as Ex Blue Flag (Israel, 2021) and Ex Cobra Warrior (UK, 2024). Similarly, 126 Helicopter Flight, known as “The Featherweights,” was lauded for its logistical operations during the Kargil War and its vital support in high-altitude areas like Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO). The 362 Tactical Radar Unit (TRU) received recognition for providing critical radar coverage during Operation Snow Leopard, while the Software Development Institute (SDI) was celebrated for its pioneering work in airborne software development and integration of advanced technologies into IAF platforms.
The event culminated in an exhilarating airshow, where aircraft such as the Tejas, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Pilatus dazzled the audience with precision aerobatics. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team delivered breathtaking performances, while the Akashganga Skydiving Team painted the skies with vibrant parachute formations. Additionally, cutting-edge equipment, including the C-295 transport aircraft and the Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter “Prachand,” was showcased as part of India’s growing aerospace capabilities.
Although the vintage fleet—comprising the Dakota, Tiger Moth, and Harvard aircraft—did not participate this year, the legacy of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was vividly felt throughout the celebrations. In his address, the Chief of Air Staff underscored the IAF’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to indigenisation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), as well as its critical role in navigating the complexities of a shifting geopolitical landscape. He further emphasized the importance of joint operations across India’s defence forces, reaffirming the IAF’s dedication to integrated defence strategies.
The Chief of Air Staff described Air Force Day as an occasion for air warriors to renew their pledge to national service, reflect on the past year’s achievements, identify areas for improvement, and align with evolving demands. Reviewing the year’s accomplishments, he highlighted the IAF’s demonstrated capability across multiple domains. “One of our foremost objectives is to deliver precision strikes—on target, on time, every time. This was powerfully showcased during the ‘Vayu Shakti’ firepower demonstration at Pokhran Range in February 2024,” he stated.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also spotlighted the IAF’s expanded engagement in bilateral and multilateral exercises with allied nations, noting that the successful conduct of ‘Tarang Shakti,’ the most prominent multinational exercise held on Indian soil, exemplified the skill and professionalism of India’s air warriors.
He further reaffirmed that the IAF has remained at the forefront of humanitarian and disaster relief missions, both domestically and internationally, citing various operations carried out over the past year. Additionally, he stressed the IAF’s total commitment to fostering a conducive and supportive environment for its personnel, emphasising the paramount importance of the well-being and welfare of air warriors and their families.
As the Indian Air Force continues to evolve, it remains deeply committed to honouring its past while embracing new challenges and upholding its core values in defence of the nation.
