Every year Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2022.  Not only does the IAF protect Indian airspace during times of cross-border conflict, but they also carry out rescue operations during disasters to protect the country. The President of India serves as Commander-in-Chief of the IAF.

History

On October 8, 1932, the former British Empire formed the IAF. It was established to support the Royal Air Force of the UK, particularly against Japan in World War II. To stop the Japanese army’s progress into India, the IAF was utilised to target Japanese sites in Burma. In 1945, King George VI bestowed the prefix ‘Royal’ in recognition of the IAF’s accomplishments. After India became a republic in 1950, this honorific title was abolished.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) also had significant contributions to make during the Congo Crisis (1960–1966), the Goa Annexation (1961), the Second Kashmir War (1965), the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), the Kargil War (1999), the Balakot airstrike, and the India–Pakistan standoff in 2019.

Significance

The celebration of Indian Air Force Day honours the fighter pilots who put their lives on the line to protect their country. Secondly, it serves as a demonstration of India’s military power to the outside world, particularly to its neighbours.

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2022 celebrations

Similar to the times preceding, the IAF will mark the occasion with air displays that highlight the skill of its IAF pilots and IAF aircraft. Chandigarh Air Force Station will host the main festivities. Since the event was held in the National Capital Region the previous year, this is a first for the IAF (NCR). Flybys will be part of the air shows. Passes for the air show will be handed out at Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake.