Indian Air Force (IAF) Day is an annual celebration that is held on October 8. It was on this day in 1932 when the Air Force in India was officially established. The IAF is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces with the primary mission of securing Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during armed conflicts. Indian Airforce Day 2023 will be the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force on October 8. Here's all you need to know about the history and significance of the Indian Air Force Day.

Indian Air Force Day 2023 Date

Indian Air Force Day 2023 will be celebrated on Sunday, October 8.

Indian Air Force Day Significance

Indian Air Force Day is an important celebration that marks the establishment of the force in 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. After India’s independence in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of the Dominion of India. With the transition to a republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed. Air Force Day 2023: Over 100 Aircrafts Including Rafale Fighter Jets To Be Part of Air Show in Prayagraj on October 8, Says Air Marshal RGK Kapoor.

Indian Air Force Day History

The first operational squadron came into being in April 1933. Its first AC flight came into being on April 1, 1933, with six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers). The aircraft inventory consisted of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road as the ‘A’ Flight nucleus of the planned No.1 (Army Co-operation) Squadron. After participation in World War II, the Air Force in India came to be called the Royal Indian Air Force in the mid-1940s.

The Indian Air Force plays a vital role in safeguarding the country's airspace and is responsible for aerial defense, strategic strikes, reconnaissance, and humanitarian missions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2023 09:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).