APS Covers 1971 – Indian Air Force Day.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) was officially raised on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary of the Royal Air Force (RAF). Its first operational squadron was formed on 1 April 1933. After India became a Republic in 1950, the force dropped the ‘Royal’ prefix and became the Indian Air Force, marking the beginning of India’s sovereign air power.

On 1 April 1933, when No. 1 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was raised, it was equipped with four (4) Westland Wapiti aircraft. It is nicknamed “The Tigers” & is the oldest squadron of the Indian Air Force. Its initial strength consisted of 6 commissioned officers including Subroto Mukherjee who later became First Indian Chief of Air Staff.

Air Force Day was initially celebrated on 01 April till few decades after Independence.

First APS cover on Indian Air Force released on 01 April 1971 to mark Airforce Day.

The cover is cancelled with IAF emblem. The cover picture features two Marut (HF 24) fighter bombers flying over Delhi rehearsing for the Republic Day Fly past. The Brochure contains details of IAF fleet and history of IAF. A 20p stamp on GNAT aircraft is used.