Founded in 1932 as a auxiliary to British Air Force, IAF came into it’s own in 1950 when India became a Republic.
IAF, the 4th largest air force in the World, has acquitted itself with honors, participating in WW II, and thereafter wars with China and Pakistan, including helping the establishment of Bangladesh.
Celebrating it’s 88th. birthday, the IAF has been lauded by India’s PM Narendra Modi, and other leaders. Many celebrities, including kangana Ranaut also took to Twitter to praise the Indian Air Force.
Indian Air Force Day History
The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on 8th October to pay tribute to the contribution made by Indian Air Force. ‘It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during World War II.’
Post independence in 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force served The Indian Republic. Some of the major contribution of Indian Air Force includes Operation Vijay, Operation Cactus, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Poomalai.
Besides conflicts IAF has also been a part of some peace missions such as United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The Indian President Pranab Mukherjee serves as the ex-officio Commander-in-Chief of the IAF. The Chief of Air Staff, an Air Chief Marshal (ACM), is a four-star commander and commands the Air Force. There is never more than one serving ACM at any given time in the IAF.
