INDIAN AIR FORCE DAY 2022: October 8 is designated as Indian Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year (IAF). The day and its commemoration are a source of pride for Indians and ignite a patriotic fervour among the populace for the Indian Armed Forces’ air force. Not only do they protect Indian airspace during times of cross-border conflict, but they also carry out rescue operations during disasters to protect the country. The Commander-in-Chief of the IAF is the President of India.
Indian Air Force Day 2022: Key Take Aways
- In a historic step for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Government has approved the creation of a new branch, called the Weapon Systems (WS) branch. The creation of WS branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.
- The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. The branch will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force.
- Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari revealed the first look of what is called a digitally camouflaged uniform for the air force’s ground personnel. The IAF’s Garud Special Forces use camouflage uniforms akin to the army.
- The Air Force’s new combat uniform is believed to borrow features that were unveiled earlier this year by the Army when it too adopted a new digital camouflaged combat uniform.
- Most militaries across the world have switched to disruptive digital patterns in camouflage uniform. The battle fatigues are now pixelated designs, not the organic patterns that were used earlier. The digital pattern is all-terrain friendly giving personnel the flexibility to move from say desert, woodland, mountainous and urban landscape without detection more easily.
Also Read: 10 Major Differences Between Indian Air Force New Combat Uniform Vs Old Uniform
Indian Air Force Day 2022: Celebrations
Similar to the years before, the IAF will mark the occasion with air displays that highlight the skill of its IAF pilots and IAF aircraft. Chandigarh Air Force Station will host the main festivities. Since the event was held in the National Capital Region the previous year, this is a first for the IAF (NCR). Flybys will be part of the air shows. At Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake, passes for the air show will be handed out.
In honour of those who gave their lives in the line of duty on Friday, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs placed wreaths at the National War Memorial on the eve of Air Force Day 2022. (Photo from Twitter/@IAF MCC)
Indian Air Force Day: History
On October 8, 1932, the former British Empire created the IAF. It was established to support the Royal Air Force of the UK, particularly against Japan in World War II. To stop the Japanese army’s progress into India, the IAF was utilised to target Japanese sites in Burma. In 1945, King George VI bestowed the prefix “Royal” in recognition of the IAF’s accomplishments. After India became a republic in 1950, this honorific title was abolished.
In honour of those who gave their lives in the line of duty on Friday, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs placed wreaths at the National War Memorial on the eve of Air Force Day 2022. (Photo from Twitter/@IAF MCC)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) also had significant contributions to make during the Congo Crisis (1960–1966), the Goa Annexation (1961), the Second Kashmir War (1965), the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), the Kargil War (1999), the Balakot airstrike, and the India–Pakistan standoff in 2019.
Indian Air Force Day: Significance
The celebration of Indian Air Force Day honours the fighter pilots who put their lives in danger to protect their country. Additionally, it serves as a demonstration of India’s military power to the outside world, particularly to its neighbours.
What is the motto of the IAF?
“Touch the sky with Glory“ The Motto of the Indian Air Force (Touch the sky with Glory) has been taken from the eleventh chapter of the Gita, the Discourse given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during the Great War of Mahabharata. The Lord is showing His Supreme Divine form to Arjuna and the great form of the Lord is reaching the sky with glory, evoking fear and loss of self-control in the mind of Arjuna.The Indian Air Force, similarly, aims to overwhelm the adversaries with application of aerospace power in defence of the nation.
नभ:स्पृशं दीप्तमनेकवर्णं व्यात्ताननं दीप्तविशालनेत्रम् ।
दृष्ट्वा हि त्वां प्रव्यथितान्तरात्मा धृतिं न विन्दामि शमं च विष्णो ।।
Lord, seeing your form “Touching the Sky With Glory”, effulgent, multi-coloured, having its mouth wide open and possessing large flaming eyes, I, with my innermost self frightened, have lost self-control and find no peace.
What is Air Warrior Code?
- Irrespective of rank / appointment, or branch / trade, as an IAF person, I am foremost an Air Warrior.
- In every act and deed, the Air Warrior places the security and honour of the country above everything else.
- The Air Warrior always volunteers for the toughest tasks.
- When ordered, the Air Warrior undertakes the assigned mission unflinchingly and endeavours to complete it to the best of his ability regardless of consequences to his safety.
- The Air Warrior upholds the high traditions of the IAF and always strives to bring credit to his Country and Service.
- Professionally and otherwise, the Air Warrior pursues excellence in whatever he/she does or supervises.
- The Air Warrior is always honest and lives up to the trust placed in him/her by the Service and the Country.
- The Air Warrior keeps physically fit and mentally agile.
- When in Command or in-charge of subordinates, the Air Warrior leads with due concern for their safety and welfare and is prepared to do what he/she expects of them.
- The Air warrior is impeccably turned-out and by his bearing and conduct strives to be a role model for others.
All About Indian Air Force Crest
A crest symbolises the source of inspiration and encouragement. The Indian Air Force has adopted various crests for the commands, Squadrons and the other establishments. The Crests in the Indian Air Force have a standard frame. The central portion of the frame contains the individual formation sign with a motto shown in the scroll at the foot of the frame. The unit sign is drawn inside a circle of 3 inches diameter. The name of the formation of the units is shown in the upper half of the circle while Bhartiya Vayu Sena inscribed in the lower half. The crest and the motto are designed based on the role of the formation. The Crest is approved by the President of India and is of great historical and sentimental value. The Crest is normally presented by the AOsC-in-C at ceremonial parades. The importance of the crest can be understood from the fact that the movement of the crest from one place to another is done only by hand of an officer.
Indian Air Force Ranks -An Overview
Below you can find the equivalent ranks of the Indian army, navy, and air force.
| Indian Army | Indian Navy | Indian Air Force |
| Field Marshal | Admiral of the Fleet | Marshal of the Air Force |
| General | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
| Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
| Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice Marshal |
| Brigadier | Commodore | Air Commodore |
| Colonel | Captain | Group Captain |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
| Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader |
| Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant |
| Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
Personnel Below Officer Ranks
| INDIAN ARMY | INDIAN NAVY | INDIAN AIR FORCE |
|---|---|---|
| Subedar Major | Master Chief Petty Officer (First Class) | Master Warrant Officer |
| Subedar | Master Chief Petty Officer (Second Class) | Warrant Officer |
| Naib Subedar | Chief Petty Officer | Junior Warrant Officer |
| Havaldar | Petty Officer | Sergeant |
| Naik | Able Seaman | Corporal |
| Lance Naik | Leading Seaman | Leading Aircraftsman |
| Sepoy | Seaman | Aircraftsman |
- Field Marshal Kondandera Madappa Cariappa (1899–1993)
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1914–2008)
- Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh
Indian Air Force Day: Why do we celebrate?
The British Empire, which used to be in charge, set up the IAF on October 8, 1932. It was made to help the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, especially against Japan in World War II. Indian Air Force Day is held on October 8 to remember the day in 1932 when the country’s air force was officially set up.
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Please check the photographs. In photo the aircraft is F16 which is not used by India but is an icon of Pakistani Air Force. This is our knowledge of our forces.