At the moment, the Indian Air Force is the fourth most powerful air force in the world, after the air forces of the United States, Russia, and China.
The Indian Air Force was started on October 8, 1932, so this year is its 90th anniversary. Yes, the Indian Air Force was already running before India became independent.
The day also wants to make more people aware that the Indian Air Force, also called the “Bhartiya Vayu Sena,” is a group that works to improve national security and authority. So another goal of this day is to encourage people to join the Indian Air Force as a way to serve their country.
Indian Air Force Day History:
The Indian Air Force was set up in British India on October 8, 1932, as an extra air force for the Royal Air Force. With the passing of the Indian Air Force Act in 1932, they became an auxiliary force and had to wear the uniforms, badges, brevets, and insignia of the Royal Air Force. The IAF’s first squadron, No.1 Squadron, was formed on April 1, 1933. It had four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots.
During World War II, the first major operation of the Indian Air Force was stopping the advance of the Japanese army in Burma. This was where the first IAF air strike took place. The first mission was meant to attack the Japanese military base in Arakan. After that, the IAF continued to attack Japanese airbases in different places. The IAF mostly helped RAF and USAAF heavy bombers with strike, close air support, reconnaissance, bomber escort, and pathfinding missions.
After India got its freedom from the British Empire in 1947, the country was split in two, with Pakistan becoming a new country. This was called the Partition of India. This caused the IAF to be split up, and three of the ten squadrons were given to the Pakistan Air Force. This made the IAF a little bit weaker. But soon after India got its independence, the IAF got involved in a war between India and Pakistan over the land of Jammu and Kashmir. During this war, the IAF played an important role for India.
Since then, the Indian Air Force has been a very important part of every major war or conflict that India has been involved in. The Indian Air Force and Navy were only not used during the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which India also lost. But other than that, the Indian Air Force was a very important part of India’s many victories. Most recently, it was a very important part of India’s victory in the Kargil War in 1999. It helped India secure key positions, which led to India’s victory.
At the moment, the Indian Air Force is quickly updating its fleet, and since its budget keeps going up every year, it is likely to become even stronger in the years to come. Also, the Indian Air Force is very reliant on imports, so right now it is trying to get more weapons made in India so it can be less reliant on other countries.
Indian Air Force Day Significance:
Indian Air Force is the air branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a big part of the Indian Military’s overall power. Its main job is to protect Indian airspace and fight from the air during armed conflicts to keep the country safe from any attacks. It is also one of the biggest air forces in the world, with more than 170,000 active members.
Since 1950, the IAF has been in four wars with Pakistan, which is right next door. Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai are some of the other major operations that the IAF has done. Along with Pakistan, it has been used a lot in fights with China and in different UN missions to keep the peace.
The Indian Air Force not only protects Indian territory and national interests from all threats, but it also helps the country when there are natural disasters. As it did during the Tsunamis in the Indian Ocean in 2004, the earthquakes in Bhuj, Gujarat, in 2001, and other disasters. So, the day is celebrated to honour and thank all the bravehearts in the airforce and in the force as a whole for their selfless work.
Along with celebrating the start of the Indian Air Force, this day is also a chance for all Indians to honour those who serve in the Indian Air Force, especially pilots, for their bravery and selfless service to the country. This day also serves as a memorial, reminding people of all the brave things the Indian Air Force has done in the past.
At the moment, the Indian Air Force has a fleet of more than 2,300 planes, including more than 500 fighter jets. Some of these fighter jets, like the Dassault Rafael, Sukhoi Su 30, Mig 29, Mirage 2000, and Tejas, are very good. The Indian Air Force also has a wide range of planes, with planes from France, Russia, the US, Israel, and, of course, India.
Indian Air Force Day Celebrations:
All of the Air Force bases in the country celebrate this day with a lot of passion and pride. All of the Air Force units in the area hold parades at their bases in the different states. As an awareness day, these amazing air shows are also open to the public, giving them a chance to see the pilots do amazing stunts that are beautifully choreographed.
On October 6, several planes began full dress rehearsals for the air show at the Hindon base near Ghaziabad. On this day, planes will fly at low altitudes in different parts of the country. This gives pilots more practise before the Indian Air Force Day, when they can show off their skills.
As a way to let people know about this day and the Indian Air Force, rallies, demonstrations, and parades are held all over the country on this day. In some places, recruitment ads for the Indian Air Force are also given on this day.
