Indian Air Force Day 2025: Why is it important?
1 , 6
Established in 1932, the Indian Air Force plays a vital role in securing the country’s airspace and protecting India’s national and humanitarian interests against all threats. File photo: The Surya Kiran aerobatic display team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) flies BAE Hawk Mk 132 aircraft during an air show in Mumbai on January 13, 2024. Reuters/Francis Mascarenhas
2 , 6The day pays tribute to the unwavering dedication and passion of the IAF personnel as well as highlights the many technological advancements achieved over the years. File photo: Members of the Indian Air Force’s first all-women drill team, Agniveervayu, demonstrate in front of the India Gate War Memorial in New Delhi, India, July 26, 2024. Reuters/Priyanshu Singh
3 , 6The Indian Air Force, launched on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary force under British rule, was originally named the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). The RIAF’s first operational flight took off on April 1, 1933, carrying six RAF-trained officers and 19 airmen. File photo: An Indian Air Force fighter aircraft takes off during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India on January 26, 2025. Reuters/Adnan Abidi
4 , 6The RIAF made significant contributions during the Second World War and earned the ‘Royal’ prefix in 1945 for its service. When India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after 200 years of British colonial rule, and became a republic in 1950, the prefix was officially dropped, and the force was formally established as the Indian Air Force. File Photo: The Suryakiran aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) performs during the “Aero India 2025” air show at the Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru, India, on February 10, 2025. Reuters/Abinaya Kalyanasundaram
5 , 6The Indian Air Force has a proud history of playing a major role in some of India’s most significant conflicts. These include the India-Pakistan wars of 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999 as well as the India-China war of 1962. The force also participated in important operations such as Operation Poomalai in 1987 and Operation Safed Sagar during the Kargil War in 1999. File photo: C295 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, carrying out flood rescue and relief operations in Dharali, lands at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, India, on August 9, 2025. Reuters/Francis Mascarenhas
6 , 6Indian Air Force Day honors the dedication of IAF personnel and celebrates the technological advancements of the force in protecting India’s airspace and responding to crises. File photo: Indian Air Force (IAF) light combat aircraft “Tejas” fires a missile during the “Vayu Shakti” or Vayu Shakti exercise at Pokhran in Rajasthan state, India on February 16, 2019. Reuters/Amit Dave/file photo
Share this content:
Post Comment