New Delhi: Every year on October 8, India Celebrates National Air Force Day. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force was established in 1932 as a supporting component of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, and since then it has accomplished incredible feats such as participating in critical conflicts and completing landmark missions.
This year, India recognises the country's aviation sector and air force personnel who have spent years safeguarding the country.
Indian Air Force Day 2022: A brief history
The former British Empire formed the IAF on October 8, 1932. It was established to help the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, particularly during World War II against Japan. To halt the Japanese army's progress to India, the IAF was utilised to strike Japanese bases in Burma. In 1945, King George VI bestowed the prefix "Royal" on the accomplishments of the IAF. After India became a republic in 1950, this honorary title was abolished.
The Indian Air Force also played critical roles in the Congo Crisis (1960-1966) and the annexation of Goa (1961), the Second Kashmir War (1965), the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), the Kargil War (1999), and the Balakot airstrike and the India-Pakistan standoff of 2019.
Indian Air Force Day 2022: Significance
The celebration of Indian Air Force Day is a show of the power, bravery, and heroism of India's fighter pilots who risk their lives to defend the country. It is also a demonstration of India's military power to the rest of the world, particularly its neighbours.
Indian Air Force Day 2022: Celebration
For the first time in history, the Air Force Day parade has been relocated outside of the national capital region and will take place in Chandigarh.
The parade will take place in the morning at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. On this occasion, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff, will also present the new battle uniform for air force personnel.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will put on an incredible performance in Chandigarh with over 80 aircraft to commemorate the Air Force's 90th anniversary. Officials say that, in addition to the LCH Prachand, the fly-past will feature Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Sukhoi, Mig-29, Jaguar, Rafale, IL-76, C-130J, and Hawk.
The aerial spectacle will also include Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17 helicopters.
In addition to this, aircraft such as the Rafale, Prachand, Mi-35, Su-30, Jaguar, Mi-17, Chinook, Apache, Howard, and Dakota will fly in various formations.
Among the forms are Akashganga, Ensign, Eklavya, Trishul, Mehar, Shamsher, Vajra, Sarang, and Suryakiran.