Indian Air Force Day 2021: Significance

October 8 every year is celebrated as Indian Air Force Day. The event was inaugurated in 1932 and this year will be the 89th anniversary of Indian Air Force Day.

This day marks recalling the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to assist the army fighting on the ground. It also aims to increase awareness about the Indian Air Force, also known as the ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena’, as an organisation dedicated to enhancing national security and authority.

The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, and has since taken part in a number of pivotal missions. However, the first operational squadron was established in April 1933.

Operations such as Operation Meghdoot, Operation Vijay, and Operation Poomalai all relied heavily on the Indian Air Force.

IAF was formally created as an auxiliary air force of the British Raj. During World War II, the IAF proved to be a formidable defence force, notably in Burma. In 1945, the IAF  earned the Royal prefix.

In recent years, IAF has grown tremendously and has also begun to recruit women for short-term commissions.