Air Force Day

Air Force Day in India is observed on October 8 every year to commerate the establishment of Indian Air force. This day is celebrated in Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh with an air display of most crucial and vintage aircraft. This magnificent show is is attended by IAF chief and senior officials of all the three armed forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian armed forces whose primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and perform aerial activities during armed conflicts.

Air Force Day 2023

Sun , 8th Oct 2023

History of Indian Air Force Day

Our Indian Air Force is also known as ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’ and was established before independence on October 8, 1932, as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force by the British Empire. The first operational squadron became live during April 1933. After the active participation in World War II, Air Force in India was addressed as the Royal Indian Air Force.

Functions of The Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force has played vital role in the wars fought by the country. Though the primary mission is to secure and guard Indian airspace, along with aerial activities during armed conflicts within nations, the Indian Air Force also provides support during natural calamities in the country. Also participate in the Help-Aid activities extended to other countries in need. So this Air Force day is celebrated to honor and recognize the selfless efforts of our jawans and the entire force.
The Air force is divided into 5 operational and 2 functional commands. Each wing or command is supervised by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. The purpose of an operational command is to carry out military operations using aircraft within its perimeter of responsibility, and functional command’s duty is to maintain combat readiness.

Did you know?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ranked the fourth largest operational Air arm in the world after the US, China, and Russia in order.
The motto of the Indian Air Force is ‘Nabham Sparsham Deeptham’, that translates to ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’. This motto was adopted from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
The Indian Air Force employs over 1,400 aircrafts and about 170,000 personnel.
Hindon Air Force station located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh is the largest airbase in whole of Asia and the 8th largest in the world.
Indian Air Force has taken part in major relief operations during huge natural calamities like the Gujarat cyclone (1998), the tsunami (2004) and floods in North India. IAF created a world record while rescuing civilians stranded in the Uttarakhand flash floods. The mission was named ‘Raahat’ during which the force rescued about 20,000 civilians.
Indian Air force also works with the United Nations in peacekeeping missions around the globe
Indian Air force has included a significant number of women fighter pilots, navigators and women personnel who provide their selfless services to the Indian Air Force

Air Force Day festival dates between 2019 & 2029

Year	Date
2019	Tuesday, 8th of October
2020	Thursday, 8th of October
2021	Friday, 8th of October
2022	Saturday, 8th of October
2023	Sunday, 8th of October
2024	Tuesday, 8th of October
2025	Wednesday, 8th of October
2026	Thursday, 8th of October
2027	Friday, 8th of October
2028	Sunday, 8th of October
2029	Monday, 8th of October