The Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 8 mark its raising day, which is observed annually as IAF Day. The year 2021 marks 89 years since the IAF’s foundation and as always, celebrations will take place at the Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad in the presence of the Chief of Air Staff and senior officials of the three armed forces.

The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, as a supporting force of the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. It was initially known as the Royal Indian Air Force. The prefix Royal was dropped in 1950 when India transitioned into a Republic.

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The IAF is the air wing of the Indian Armed Forces and the fourth largest air force in the world. It is headed by an Air Chief Marshal (ACM), while the President of India is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

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The 2021 IAF Day parade will pay tribute to the heroes of the 1971 war, which saw India defeat Pakistan, and led to the birth of Bangladesh. There will also be a Vinaash formation, which will showcase the victory in the Battle of Longewala. Six Hunter aircraft will carry out this formation.

The IAF will also honour its only Param Vir Chakra awardee, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, with a Sekhon formation. This would see one aircraft each–Rafale, Tejas, Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000–flying over the marchpast together.

The Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters will also perform the Meghna formation.