Indian Air Force Day: Significance and some unknown facts

Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, and ever since then every year Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on this day. Actually, it was first established as the Royal Indian Air Force in 1932 but when India became independent, the name was changed to Indian Air Force in 1950.

The day is celebrated to remember those Indian Air Force officials who laid down their lives for the country, who with dedication and discipline served and are serving the nation. The celebration is to honour the bravery, professionalism, and skill of the IAF officials .

This year the theme for the Indian Air Force Day is “IAF-Airpower Beyond Boundaries” which lauds the innovation, commitment, and excellence that the IAF has achieved as the guardian of the skies of India.

#91stAnniversary pic.twitter.com/KYWbIiMAnB

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 3, 2023

91st Indian Air Force Day

This year the country celebrates the 91st Indian Air Force Day and it will be celebrated in Prayagraj. At the location, the IAF will be flying its special aircraft in Bharat, Luv-Kush, and Sugreev formations, and around 120 aircraft will take part in this celebration.

It will be the last time that the legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 jets will be participating in the IAF parade. Currently, the IAF is planning to phase out the three squadrons of aircraft and hence these will not be seen next year in the parade. Ahead of the IAF Day celebration, the chief of air staff air chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said that the Tejas Mark 1A aircraft that has been developed in India will replace MiG 21 from 2025 onwards.

Sarang helicopters will be taking part in this year's IAF Day parade. A couple of days ago, the South Air Command released a video showcasing the beautiful fleet of Sarang helicopters so that people planning to watch celebrations in Prayagraj know what to expect.