Indian Air Force Day: IAF celebrates 94th Raising Day

New Delhi: India is observing Air Force Day today as the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates its 94th Raising Day. The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, and has since played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s airspace and supporting military and emergency operations.

Before Independence, the force was known as the Royal Indian Air Force. It was renamed the Indian Air Force in 1950, after India became a Republic.

Over the past 94 years, the IAF has emerged as one of the world’s major air forces, demonstrating its capabilities in several conflicts, including the 1947-48 Kashmir war, the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, and the 1999 Kargil War.During the Kargil conflict, the IAF conducted Operation Safed Sagar, carrying out air strikes against enemy positions.

Today, the IAF operates advanced fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and indigenous Tejas, along with modern helicopters, transport aircraft, radars and air defence systems. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the force is also placing greater emphasis on indigenous fighter aircraft and defence equipment.

Beyond combat operations, the IAF has played a key role in rescue and relief operations during floods, cyclones, earthquakes and other natural disasters, including evacuating stranded people and delivering food, medicines and essential supplies to remote areas.

Air Force Day is observed every year on October 8 to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of IAF personnel and remember air warriors who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The IAF’s motto, ‘Nabhah Sparsham Diptam’, means ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’. The force continues to serve as a symbol of India’s security, strength and national pride.