Indian Air Force Day 

On 8 October 2020, Indian Air Force Day is observed to mark the birth of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and to raise awareness about the Indian air force in any organization of national security both officially and publicly. IAF is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.

In 2020, India celebrates 88th Indian Air Force Day. The day is observed to build the familiarity with Indian aviation based armed forces in any association of the national security both authoritatively and freely. IAF Day is celebrated for the establishment of the Air Force in India to help the Army that was battling on the land. With around 1,500 aircraft and 1,70,000 personnel, IAF is the fourth largest air force in the world after the United States, Russia, and China.

What is the History of Indian Air Force Day?

Indian Air Force Day was first observed in the year 1932. It is commended with incredible energy and intensity at different Air Stations everywhere throughout the nation. The enactment of the IAF Act 1932 marked the auxiliary status and enforced the adoption of the Royal Air Force uniforms, badges, and brevets. On April 1st, 1933, the IAF commissioned IAF's first squadron, No.1 Squadron, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots were led by British RAF Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant.

About Indian Air Force (IAF)

Founded on: 8 October 1932

Headquarters: New Delhi

Part of: Indian Armed Force

Motto: Touch the Sky with Glory

Indian Air Force is also known as “Bhartiya Vayu Sena”. It is the air wing of the Indian Armed Forces. IAF was officially established on 8 October 1932. It was set up as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which brought honour to India's aviation service during the Second World War (WWII) with the prefix Royal.

After India gained its independence in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force served in the name of Dominion of India. In 1950, with the government's transition to a Republic, the prefix Royal was removed. IAF was involved in a war with Pakistan and China since 1950. The other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai.

IAF has played important roles in UN operations worldwide, the annexation of Goa from Portugal, and various wars with Pakistan. IAF supported the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. After the war with Pakistan in 1971, the IAF received the Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for gallantry in India, which was awarded posthumously to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.

The Supreme Commander-in-chief of the Air Force is the President of India. The Commander of the IAF is the Chief of the Air Staff with the rank of air chief marshal. The first Indian developed jet aircraft is HAL HF-24 Marut. It is to enter into service and also the first in Asia to go beyond the test phase. The fighter-bomber aircraft was developed by Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL).

Other than National Defense Academy, the other training institutes for air force personnel include:

· Air Force Academy, Dindigul

· Pilot Training Establishment at Allahabad

· Institute of Aerospace Medicine at Bangalore

· Air Force Administrative College at Coimbatore

· Air Force Technical College, Bangalore

· Paratrooper’s Training School at Agra

· Tactics and Air Combat and Defence Establishment at Gwalior

Also, the IAF inventory includes:

· MiG series

· Sukhoi Su-30

· HAL Tejas

· SEPECAT Jaguar

· Boeing 707

· Ilyushin series

· Helicopters like HAL Dhruv, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for reconnaissance and surveillance

· Missiles

How is Indian Air Force Day celebrated?

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated with zeal and pride at various Air Stations all over India. All Air Force stations in the Indian states will conduct parades at their respective Airbases. Also, the military parade will be conducted according to the schedule and the protocol. IAF showcases air display by various aircraft during the Air Force Day Parade.

In January 2002, the Government of India granted the rank of Marshal of the Air Force to Arjan Singh. He was the first and the only Five-star officer with the IAF and ceremonial chief of the air force.

IAF is categorized into 5 operational and 2 functional commands.

In 2010, the Air Force Network (AFNET), a robust digital information grid that enabled quick and meticulous threat responses, was launched.

Reference:

https://latestnews.fresherslive.com/about/indian-air-force--day

https://indianairforce.nic.in/