Air Force Day

About Air Force Day

When is Air Force Day

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8 every year. Every year, the Air Force Day is celebrated at Hindon base in presence of IAF chief and senior officials of the three armed forces. These celebrations include an air display where the most crucial and vintage aircraft put up a magnificent show.

Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian armed forces with the primary mission to secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial activities during armed conflicts. More than 170,000 personnel are in service with the Indian Air Force. Its personnel and aircraft assets rank fourth amongst the air forces of the world.

Also known as ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’, the IAF was officially established on October 8, 1932, by the British Empire. The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the air force. The Chief of Air Staff, an air chief marshal is responsible for the operational command of the air force.

The Indian Air Force not only safeguards Indian territory and national interests from all threats, but also provides support during natural calamities. The IAF provides air support to the Indian Army on the battlefield as well as strategic and tactical airlift capabilities.

The Indian Air Force comprises highly-trained crews and pilots and has access to modern military resources which provide India with the capacity to carry out rapid response evacuation, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and delivery of relief supplies to affected areas through cargo aircraft.

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. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, and functional command’s responsibility is to maintain combat readiness.

Facts about IAF

IAF ranks as the fourth largest operational air force in the world
Motto of the Indian Air Force is ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’ and it was taken from eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita
The air force employs about 170,000 personnel and over 1,400 aircraft
After independence, the air force took part in four wars with Pakistan and one with People’s Republic of China
IAF works with the United Nations’ peacekeeping missions.
IAF took part in relief operations during natural calamities such as Gujarat cyclone in 1998, the tsunami in 2004, and floods in North India. The IAF has also been part of relief missions such as Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka

Latest Updates on Air Force Day

President Murmu, Rajnath Singh witness IAF prowess on Air Force Day

The Indian Air Force on Saturday put up a dazzling show here with over 70 military aircraft and helicopters, drawn from its modern and vintage fleet

Updated On: 08 Oct 2022 | 8:46 PM IST

PM Narendra Modi greets air warriors and their families on Air Force Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted air warriors and their families on the Air Force Day.

Updated On: 08 Oct 2022 | 11:28 AM IST

IAF to unveil new combat uniform for personnel on Air Force Day

The Chief of Air Staff will unveil the new pattern of combat uniform for Indian Air Force personnel on Air Force Day here on Saturday, officials said here

Updated On: 04 Oct 2022 | 11:03 PM IST

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Indian Air Force releases AFCAT 2 Admit Card 2022; here's how to download

Candidates who have applied for the test can now download their admit cards from the official website - afcat.cdac.in.

Updated On: 10 Aug 2022 | 11:45 PM IST

Air Force Day: PM greets air warriors, says IAF synonymous with courage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings on Air Force Day, and said the Indian Air Force is synonymous with courage, diligence and professionalism

Updated On: 08 Oct 2021 | 9:28 AM IST

IAF's aerial parade on Air Force Day features Rafale, other fighter jets

Chinook, Apache, Mi 17 V5, Mi 35, ALH Mk IV and other helicopters of the IAF also took part in the aerial display

Updated On: 09 Oct 2020 | 12:17 AM IST

87th Air Force Day: PM thanks 'air warriors' for their service to India

IAF continues to serve India with utmost dedication, excellence: PM on 87th Air Force Day

Updated On: 08 Oct 2019 | 10:28 AM IST

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In pictures: IAF prepares to conquer the sky on Air Force Day 2019

The IAF will celebrate the Air Force Day on October 8. Here is a look at some of the pictures from the dress rehearsal held on October 6

Updated On: 07 Oct 2019 | 2:03 PM IST

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Five steps to a viable air force

Upgrade and procure more squadrons, support indigenous fighter development, and acquire and indigenously develop force multipliers

Updated On: 09 Oct 2017 | 10:43 PM IST

Air Force Day: Prepared to fight at a short notice, says IAF chief Dhanoa

The IAF chief also said losses during peacetime is a cause of concern

Updated On: 08 Oct 2017 | 11:10 AM IST