- On October 8, the Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorates Indian Air Force Day.
- In the upper right corner of the new ensign is the crest of the Indian Air Force.
- Beginning in 2025, the locally developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft will replace the MiG-21s.
On October 8, the Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorates Indian Air Force Day, a tradition that dates back to the country’s British era. The day’s theme, “IAF – Airpower Beyond Boundaries,” reflects the IAF’s dedication to quality and innovation as well as its responsibility to protect the nation’s skies.
At the annual Air Force Day parade in Prayagraj, the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari displayed the new ensign 72 years after a comparable exercise was conducted. In the upper right corner of the new ensign is the crest of the Indian Air Force.
Indian Air Force Day
In addition to having an all-female contingent this year, the Air Force Day Parade was also the first to be led by a female officer, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, and to feature newly inducted Agniveer Vayu women.
Including female Agniveers, the IAF successfully inducted the first group of Agniveers. In recognition of the inherent global reach of airpower, this year’s Air Force Day theme is “IAF-Airpower Beyond Boundaries.”
At the Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj’s magnificent air show to honor Indian Air Force Day, the Garud Commandos were on display. Despite IAF plans to phase out the remaining three squadrons of the MiG-21 aircraft, the Russian-made planes will participate in the annual Air Force Day parade for the final time.
Beginning in 2025, the locally developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft will replace the MiG-21s. 120 fighter jets and transport aircraft from ten air stations were among the more than 100 aircraft that took part in the air display during the Air Force Day celebration. In the Luv and Kush formations at Sangam, two historic aircraft—Harvard and Tigermoth—will fly.
