Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8 every year to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The IAF has participated in all major wars and conflicts involving India, including World War II, the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971, and the Kargil War.
The IAF has also played a key role in post-disaster relief and humanitarian relief operations.
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated with various events including air shows, parades and seminars. The IAF also opens its bases to the public on this day, giving people a chance to know more about the Indian Air Force and its capabilities.
What is the history of Indian Air Force Day?
According to the Indian Air Force website, “The Indian Air Force was formally established on 8 October 1932. Its first rotational flight began on 1 April 1933 with six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers).”
The IAF was officially established on October 8, 1932 with only six aircraft. Since then, it has grown into the fourth largest air force in the world, with a fleet of over 1,700 aircraft.
The IAF has played a key role in India’s defense over the years. It participated in all major wars and conflicts involving India
What is the significance of Indian Air Force Day?
The IAF is significant for several reasons:
- It is a powerful and modern air force capable of deterring aggression and defending India’s airspace.
- It is a highly skilled and professional force with a proven track record in combat.
- It is a force for good in the world, participating in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
- It is a source of national pride and inspiration for Indians.
Indian Air Force Day is a day to celebrate the IAF and their contribution to the defense of India. It is also a day to educate the public about the importance of the IAF and to encourage young people to consider a career in the Indian Air Force.
List of world records held by the Indian Air Force
According to the Indian Air Force website, these are the best records:
- Air Marshal VK Bhatia was the first Indian to perform a tandem skydive in India at the age of 56.
- Group Captain NK Prashar was the first to fly the X-Air microlight at night.
- Squadron Leader MIK Reddy performed a parachute jump from an X-Air Microlight at night.
- Squadron Leader Sanjay Thapar introduced tandem skydiving to the Air Force and set two world records and seven national skydiving records.
- Squadron Leader Jay Shankar is a non-professional skydiver with more than 600 jumps.
- Squadron Leader RC Tripathi jumped from the X-Air microlight aircraft with Group Captain NK Prashar.
- Squadron Leader Vasant Raj and Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Mane are the first couple in the Air Force to skydive together.
- Flight Lieutenant Kamal Singh Oberh was the first Indian to skydive over the South Pole.
- Flight Lieutenant KB Samyal and Flight Lieutenant Kopal Gupta were the first couple to do related work.
- Wg Cdr HN Bhagwat led the six-man Relative Work jump in August 2000.
These brave and skilled officers have contributed significantly to the field of parachuting and brought pride to the Indian Air Force.
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Source: HIS Education