IAF turns 94, highlights combat readiness, indigenous capability and jointness
Ghaziabad, Oct 8. The Indian Air Force on Thursday marked its 94th anniversary with a display of its combat capabilities, technological advancements and operational preparedness, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh asserting that air power remains central to protecting India’s national interests.
The Air Force Day celebrations at Air Force Station Hindan brought together the chiefs of the Army and Navy, former Air Chiefs and senior military and civilian officials. The ceremonial parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Singh.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise”, reflecting the force’s emphasis on precision, resilience and readiness to respond to emerging security challenges.
The ceremony began with the marching-in of the President’s Colours, followed by an aerial salute to the Air Chief by three Mi-17 V5 helicopters flying in ‘Dhwaj’ formation with the National Flag and IAF flag.
The parade, commanded by Group Captain Manish Sharma, was followed by an investiture ceremony during which Air Warriors received medals for gallantry and distinguished service. Five IAF units were also presented Unit Citations for their exceptional performance.
Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the IAF remained “alert, committed and ready to meet any contingency”, stressing that operational preparedness was the ultimate measure of an air force’s strength.
He said possessing advanced aircraft alone was not sufficient and that the real test of an air force lay in how quickly and confidently it could respond when called upon to act.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Air Chief said the IAF’s swift transition to combat operations had demonstrated its destructive capability as well as the effectiveness of its air defence systems.
He said the Air Force Day theme was not merely a slogan but reflected the IAF’s strength and resolve.
Air Chief Marshal Singh also reaffirmed the force’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), describing self-reliance as a guiding principle for its modernisation. At the same time, he stressed the need to integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, while ensuring that human authority remained at the core of decision-making.
Emphasising the growing importance of joint operations, he said modern warfare demanded close coordination among the three services. Joint planning and integrated combat employment with the Army and Navy, he added, had become part of the armed forces’ routine operational activity.
The Air Chief also highlighted the expanding role of the space domain, describing space as a natural extension of the air domain. He pointed to the IAF’s growing cooperation with ISRO and India’s private space industry, besides its role in the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
A static display at Hindan showcased a wide range of IAF platforms and weapon systems, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface guided weapons, radars and one-way attack unmanned aerial systems.
The display highlighted the force’s increasing focus on indigenous defence production and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The five units receiving citations were 24 Squadron ‘The Hawks’, 110 Helicopter Unit ‘The Vanguards’, 200 Squadron ‘Skanda’, 2402 Squadron ‘Vajra’ and the Electronic Warfare Range.
The celebrations also featured a performance by Team Shakti, the IAF’s all-women Air Warrior Drill Team, which showcased synchronised movements and complex formations. The performance highlighted the precision, discipline and professionalism of women serving in the Air Force.
A 33-member IAF Drummers Team added to the spectacle with performances involving snare, roto and bass drums and cymbals, accompanied by coordinated formations and acrobatic movements.
The IAF Heritage Flight showcased the service’s rich aviation legacy, with a vintage Tiger Moth aircraft taking part in the aerial display.
The Air Force Day celebrations will culminate in a public aerial display at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on October 25, where the IAF will showcase its aerial capabilities and aviation heritage.
