New Delhi, October 8. The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 93rd anniversary with a grand ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad on October 8. The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, and several former Air Chiefs, along with senior IAF officers and veterans.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal AP Singh reviewed the parade, which began with the marching-in of the President’s Colours – a symbol of the Air Force’s unity, pride, and honour. The parade commenced with an aerial salute by three Mi-17 1V helicopters in ‘Dhwaj’ formation, carrying the national flag, the IAF flag, and the Operation Sindoor flag. The parade, commanded by Group Captain Chetan Pradeep Deshpande, featured a spirited march past accompanied by the Air Force Band’s patriotic tunes and an impressive performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team.
During the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Singh felicitated Air Warriors with 97 medals in various categories and presented six Unit Citations in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication.
In his address, the CAS highlighted the remarkable evolution of the Indian Air Force from modest beginnings to becoming the fourth-largest air force in the world.
“The IAF today stands capable of shaping military outcomes with precision and speed,” he said.
Referring to the force’s performance in Operation Sindoor, he said it reaffirmed the strategic importance of offensive air power and showcased the effectiveness of indigenously integrated weapons systems. He also stressed the IAF’s focus on innovation, adaptability, and realistic training under the principle of ‘Train like we fight’.
An Innovation Arena was set up at the venue, showcasing inventive ideas and solutions developed by Air Warriors from across the force. Another display chronicled the IAF’s achievements and milestones over the past year, reflecting its dedication and resilience.
The highlight of the celebrations was a captivating aerial display by the Heritage Flight, featuring the vintage ‘Tiger Moth’ and ‘HT-2’ aircraft, followed by a solo display by the historic ‘Harvard’. The demonstration paid tribute to the IAF’s rich legacy and continued excellence. The traditional Air Force Day flypast and aerial display are scheduled to take place in Guwahati on November 9, 2025.
The static display at the Hindan base featured advanced aircraft and systems including the C-17 Globemaster, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, MiG-29, Apache, C-130J Super Hercules, ALH Mk-III, AEW&C aircraft, Akash missile system, and Rohini radar.
The event served as a fitting tribute to the IAF’s 93 years of service to the nation, reflecting this year’s theme of ‘Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise’.
