INDIAN AIR FORCE DAY: 88 Years of Touching the Sky with Glory.

1,70,000 personnel, 1,721 aircraft, 224 squadrons, and 60 airbases all over India, the India Air Force has been the pride and strength of the country, ferociously fighting and flying high for its honor. The Indian Air Force has managed to be the fourth largest Air Force in the World, amassing the largest airbase in the entire continent of Asia.

नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्  is the motto of the Indian Air Force. A phrase from Bhagavad Geeta, it means “Touching the Sky with Glory”. IAF was officially created in 1932 under the name Royal Air Force which was later changed to Indian Air Force in 1950 when India became a republic. In the 88 years since its inception, IAF has thrice changed its symbol and has participated in five major wars. On 8th October 1932, the British Government, then ruling India, established the Royal Air Force in India and has been commemorated as the Indian Air Force Day since then. The day is celebrated at the Hindon Base in Ghaziabad near Delhi. The ceremony usually starts at 8 am and continues till 11 am. IAF has achieved many triumphs over the years and has managed to create world records for various major feats. Amongst many of them, the most memorable ones include:

• Becoming the First Air Force is Asia to operate Fighter Jets. IAF now has amassed the world’s sturdiest fighter jets like Dassault Rafale, HAL Tejas Multirole Aircraft, Mikoyan MIG-29K, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
• Created a world record in 2013 by performing the highest landing of a Super Hercules Aircraft at the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in Ladakh at the height of 16614 feet.
• At 22,000 ft, the Siachen Glacier Air Force Station is the highest Air force station in the country.
• Operation Rahatwas the biggest civilian rescue operation in the world that was carried out by any air force using helicopters. The massive operation created a world record, launched by the IAF to evacuate civilians affected by the 2013 North India floods. The IAF airlifted a total of 19,600 people– flying a total of 2,140 sorties and dropping/landing a total of 3,82,400 kg of relief material and equipment.
• Largest transport aircraft Operating C-17 Globemaster 3, C-130J Super Hercules, and 2-76, IAF became the only Airforce to do this job.
• The Farkhor Airbase located in Farkhor near Tajikistan is India’s first and only military base outside the country.

The IAF has been courageously fighting for the country through its efficient officers and equally capable fleet of airplanes and other equipment accomplishing triumph in major operations like The Bangladesh Liberation War (1972), Operation Meghdoot (1984), Kargil War (1999), and the most recent Balakot Air Strike (2019). It is truly a matter of pride and honor for us Indians to have such courageous warriors serving our nation. Team Indore Talk wishes all of you a very proud Indian Air Force Day!

We urge all our viewers and followers to support the government and the authorities in their endeavor to fight this pandemic in the country. We urge them to not panic and stay positive and kind to all those who are battling with this virus, stay aware and safe, and assist the authorities in any way you can to prevent further spreading of this virus.

Keep hooked on our website for regular updates of our city Indore and follow our social media handle Indore Talk on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and Youtube for creative and amazing content, keeping you up-to-date about the happenings of our city Indore!