Indian Air Force Day 08 Oct 2023

The Indian Air Force celebrates Air Force Day on 08 Oct every Year. The Indian Air Force was officially established on 08 OCT 1932. It celebrates 91st Anniversary of its raising today. The Flight flight became operational on 01 Apr 1933 with four Westland Wapiti IIA biplanes.

IAF was raised as an auxiliary Air Force of the Royal Air Force in British India. Some milestones in its 88 Year old history.

On 01 April 1933 the No 1 Squadron was commissioned with Five Indian Pilots and Four Westland Wapiti Biplanes . The squadron was led by  British RAF Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal ) Cecil Bouchier.

During World War II it saw action in Burma & Thailand against Japanese and IAF Pilots took part in operations in Europe. It was conferred the Prefix “Royal” by King George VI for its service. This was later dropped after India became a Republic.

The Air Force Day Parade is being held in Prayagraj on 08 Oct 2023

Marshal of the Air Force  – Arjan Singh DFC (15 Apr 1999 -16 Sep 2017). He was son of a Dafadar of Hudson’s Horse. Arjan Singh commanded No 1 Air Squadron as acting Squadron Leader in 1943 and later on in 1944 took part in Arakan Campaign where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).He became the First IAF officer to be promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal  in 1966. He was Chief of Air Staff from 01 Aug 1964 to 15 July  1969. He was awarded the Padma Vibhusan in 1966.He was promoted to Five star Rank of Marshal  of Indian Air Force equivalent to a Field Marshal on 26 Jan 2002.