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Indian Air Force Day: 08th October 2025
Indian Air Force Day 2025: Celebrating 93 Years of Valor and Service
Indian Air Force Day, celebrated annually on October 8th, is a significant national observance that honors the establishment, achievements, and sacrifices of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In 2025, the IAF marks its 93rd anniversary, with celebrations focusing on its operational readiness, technological advancements, and crucial role in national security and humanitarian missions.
Significance and Theme
Indian Air Force Day is a time to pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and professionalism of the IAF personnel who safeguard the nation's airspace. The day's significance is manifold:
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Honoring Service and Sacrifice: It is a solemn occasion to remember the air warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to celebrate the achievements of both past and present personnel.
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Showcasing Air Power: The events showcase the IAF's strength, discipline, and the modernization efforts that keep it as the world's fourth-largest air force.
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Inspiration for Youth: The displays and exhibitions aim to inspire the youth of the nation to consider a career in the armed forces.
The 2025 celebrations place a strong emphasis on Operation Sindoor, an operation highlighting India's swift and effective response against cross-border terrorist infrastructure. The Chief of Air Staff is expected to detail the IAF's crucial role in this operation.
Celebrations and Highlights
The main event at the Hindon Air Force Base in Ghaziabad is a grand spectacle that includes:
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Grand Parade and Flypasts: A ceremonial parade is held, followed by an impressive flypast that showcases the IAF's diverse fleet and combat capabilities.
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Aircraft and System Display: The event features an extensive display of advanced and indigenous aerial weaponry and platforms, including:
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Frontline Fighter Jets: Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29.
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Heavy-lift and Transport Aircraft: C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules.
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Helicopters: Apache attack helicopter with Longbow radar, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
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Indigenous Systems: Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system, Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, and S-band Rohini radar.
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Tribute to MiG-21 Bison: A special farewell tribute is paid to the legendary MiG-21 Bison, which has been a backbone of the IAF for over six decades.
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Celebrating Humanitarian Role: The IAF also highlights its capabilities as a "first responder" in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, such as flood relief and earthquake responses.
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International Engagements: The celebrations feature the IAF's increasing international collaboration through participation in joint exercises like Red Flag Alaska, Desert Knight, and Bright Star.
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Space Achievement: A key highlight is the recognition of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission as the first IAF pilot to board the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025.
History of Indian Air Force Day
The date of October 8th was chosen to commemorate the day the IAF was officially established:
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October 8, 1932: The Indian Air Force was officially established as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire under the name Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
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April 1, 1933: The RIAF commissioned its first squadron, No.1 Squadron, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots.
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World War II: Following its distinguished service in World War II, the IAF was granted the prefix 'Royal' in 1945.
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1950: With India becoming a republic, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped, and the force was formally constituted as the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The IAF's motto, "नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्" (Nabhaḥ Sparśaṁ Dīptam), meaning "Touch the Sky with Glory," is taken from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting the force's pursuit of excellence and commitment to the nation.
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