Indian Air Force Day: An air power story that began with 6 pilots, 4 biplanes 93 years ago

Indian Air Force (IAF), on October 8, 2025, marked the 93rd anniversary, a legacy that began in 1932 with just six RAF-trained officers and four Westland Wapiti biplanes. From these humble beginnings, the IAF has grown into the world’s fourth-largest air force, tasked with safeguarding India’s skies.

IAF Day commemorates the force’s birth and evolution. Initially formed as the Royal Indian Air Force, it earned the ‘Royal’ prefix during World War II, which was later dropped when India became a republic in 1950. Today, the day celebrates not only a history of aerial defence but also the dedication of the men and women of the IAF, as well as its technological progress.

The 2025 celebrations was held at Hindon Air Force Station, returning to its traditional venue after events in Chennai (2024) and Prayagraj (2023). The day featured a grand parade, a spectacular flypast of frontline aircraft including the Rafale, Su-30MKI, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, Apache Guardian helicopters, and the indigenous Netra AEW&C system. The highlight was the Tiranga formation, painting the sky in the tricolour, alongside a poignant farewell to the MiG-21 Bison after six decades of service.

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Celebrating 93 glorious years of valour, excellence and dedication of #IAF.
As part of the celebrations leading up to 8th Oct, a special promo video is released.
Come join us in this incredible journey.

Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise #93rdAnniversary… pic.twitter.com/F1IiM2QE5k

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 3, 2025

Honouring achievements and showcasing strength

The celebrations highlighted key milestones and achievements. Operation Sindoor was a recent testament to the IAF’s precision, destroying 12-13 Pakistani combat aircraft, including 4-5 F-16s, and damaging radar and command infrastructure. Such operations reinforce India’s air defence supremacy.

VIDEO | Ghaziabad: IAF Chief AP Singh addresses the 93rd celebration of Indian Air Force Day. He said:

"Beyond the combat role, the Indian Air Force has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, both within India and… pic.twitter.com/o5Rl0DPSSv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 8, 2025

Technological prowess was on display, including the Netra AEW&C system, Akash missile, S-band Rohini radar, and the HAL Tejas fighter jet. The IAF’s growing global presence was showcased through exercises like Desert Knight with France, Red Flag Alaska with the US, Udara Shakti in Malaysia, Bright Star in Egypt, and INIOCHOS-25 in Greece.

Beyond combat, the IAF continues its humanitarian role with disaster relief missions in Uttarkashi, Punjab, Myanmar, and medical evacuations, embodying India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Additionally, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was remembered as the first IAF pilot aboard the International Space Station, marking the service’s expanding role in space capabilities.

The celebrations was attended by top defence leaders including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

For aspiring defence personnel, the IAF offers opportunities through NDA, AFCAT, and CDS, with Doon Defence Dreamers providing specialised guidance and coaching for future air warriors.