The Indian Air Force is a part of the Indian Armed Forces of the Republic of India. The IAF or Indian Air Force recently celebrated its 92nd anniversary on Air Force Day by glorifying the clear skies of Chennai’s coastline with amazing feats and flights. Air Force Day celebrations have been a mesmerising way of engaging the public and showcasing the might and skill of the Air Force. Though Delhi has witnessed most of these, since a few years, the IAF has performed in other cities, including Chandigarh and Prayagraj.
The recent air show in Chennai threw light on the prestigious role of the IAF and is perhaps a good time to learn a bit about its history and significance.
A Historical View of the Indian Air Force
The Bharatiya Vayu Sena or Indian Air Force was established as an auxiliary air force by the British in 1932 on 8th October. On 1st April 1933 the first official flight took place and the operational squadron with 6 trained officers and 19 air soldiers or Havai Sepoys came into being.
During the Second World War the prefix ‘Royal’ was given to the IAF by the British Empire and it carried out various operations, such as halting the Japanese Army in Burma. The IAF was also involved in various other air operations in Europe and North Africa. Some of the legendary leaders who played crucial roles in the IAF during the British rule include Sergeant Shailendra Eknath Sukthankar, Noor Inayat Khan, Mohinder Singh Pujji and more.
After India officially became a republic in 1950, the prefix ‘Royal’ was dropped and since then the IAF has been involved in a range of national security and humanitarian efforts. It played a crucial role in the four wars and undertook courageous operations that were instrumental in strategy and warfare.
Legendary Operations
The IAF with unfaltering bravery and skill has carried out pivotal operations in warfare. Some of its most notable operations, include Operation Meghdoot in 1984 that led to taking control of the highest battlefield in the world – the Siachen Glacier. Operation Poomalai or Eagle Mission 4, demanded airdropping essential supplies over Jaffna during the Sri Lanka Civil War. Operation Safed Sagar was the codename given for the Kargil War.
Besides, the IAF has also been instrumental in leading humanitarian and rescue operations. They are called upon every time there is a natural crisis or emergency. In 2013 the IAF created a record by making the highest landing at 5065m in Ladakh on the Daulat Beg Oldi strip to deliver troops and supplies. Whether it was Yemen Evacuation, or during the Tamil Nadu Flash Floods, or Operation Karuna or rescue operations at Amarnath, Assam, Meghalaya and Kullu. Whether it was Operation Neer where the IAF airlifted packaged drinking water to Male or Operation Rahat where the IAF was crucial in saving lives in Uttarakhand floods, the Indian Air Force has never let the nation down. For both international and domestic humanitarian and rescue efforts, the IAF has never shunned from stepping up.
Fleet and Flight
The IAF started off with humble beginnings where there were only limited aircrafts and trained personnel. However, today it boasts of a range of advanced and technologically updated equipment and aircrafts. In fact, from the late 1990s the IAF made concentrated efforts to upgrade and modernise its fleet. India is today the fourth largest airforce of the world and some of its most trusted and formidable aircrafts include Rafale, Sarang, Hawk, Tejas, Chinook, Apache and more.
The IAF consists of both foreign and Indian make aircrafts. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI from Russia, Rafale and Mirage 2000 from France are a few internationally made aircrafts in the IAF inventory. Besides, the made in India aircrafts, include the HAL Tejas, HAL AMCA, HAL Marut, HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, Rudra Advanced Light Helicopters, HAL TEDBF, HAL Ajeet and more.
Air Shows
To celebrate the Indian Air Force Day, the IAF performs dazzling air shows across the country. From parades to air shows, the anniversary celebrations are a way to showcase the strength, resilience and achievements of the Indian Air Force. This year, 2024, saw one of the most daring and enthralling air shows themed as ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt aur Atmanirbhar’ (Potent, Powerful and Self Reliant).
Celebrated on 8th October on the Marina Beach in Chennai it was a spectacle to behold. With about 13 lakh spectators this air show has now entered the Limca Book of Records. It was the 92nd anniversary of the Air Force Day and the show was hosted by Chennai after a long 21 years.
IAF Air Show Chennai – To Touch the Sky with Glory
Lakhs of spectators witnessed the spectacular air show. Besides, thousands of viewers watched it online. With 72 aircrafts participating, the skies of Chennai lit up with the colors of the tiranga and the thundering sound of the jets as they flew, somersaulted, looped, swirled and not only made but captured hearts. Set across the hot sun rays shining on the calm waters of the ocean, the aircrafts zoomed across the beach, performing heart stopping stunts with a roaring aplomb. The Sukhoi Su-30 jet performed the loop-tumble-yaw move, the Sarang Helicopters swished past each other in what seemed like inches apart to spectators down below. Fighter jets performed ‘Snap Rolls’ and ‘Vertical Charlie’ and the ‘Red Eye Turn’ with extraordinary speed and clarity. LCA Tejas, Rafael, HAL Prachand, MiG 29, Jaguar, MI-17, Dakota, C-295, P-81, Mirage 2000, Harvard and many other iconic, as well as, modern aircrafts toured and touched the sky with glory.
The Akash Ganga Sky Diving Team created magic with their adventures and free falling stunts. The Special Garud Force commandos enacted and displayed rescue operations freeing hostages. However, the show stoppers, the magnificent displays by the Surya Kiran team wrapped it all up perfectly.
Surya Kiran Team
The Surya Kiran is an aerobatics unit of the IAF. SKAT or Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team has its base in Bidar Karnataka and was formed 1996. However, aerobatics were not an alien concept for the IAF prior to the formation of SKAT. The Thunderbolts were an aerobatic team that were in action till 1989 and aerial shows were also held on various occasions, such as, the 1947 Independence Day celebrations and on the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the IAF.
The first public air display by SKAT was held in 1996 in Coimbatore. The pilots go through a selection process twice in a year and serve the team for three years. With approximately 30 performances in a year the Surya Kiran Team is a delight to watch. During the 2024 air show in Chennai, the SKAT garnered immense love and applause from the crowd as the team synchronised exceptional moves and left trail blazers of the Indian tricolor. With swirls and loops and sky marches, they created some of the best air movements on the blue landscape of the sky.
Also, just to give perspective, the pilots of SKAT are experienced flyers, who are flying only a few feet apart from each other at the speed of more than 500km per hour. The nine aircrafts in perfect alignment looked like diamonds in the sky as they looped, slid and left behind them trails of perfect symmetry.
The air show focused to give insight into the structure and character of the IAF. It also aimed to inspire the younger generation to find their true professional and personal calling in the air force. 21 years ago when the air show displayed its glory in Chennai, 2 boys watched the show in mesmerised wonder. Those two boys were a part of the IAF air show this year and were on the very same beach, albeit, this time up in the air!
Watching the colors of the Indian flag etch long lasting hues in the skies, as the thunderous roars of the aircrafts whizzed past at astounding speeds, visitors at Marina Beach and the many watching the show on screens, could probably hear the national anthem playing in their minds and a sense of utmost respect and patriotism for the place they call home.
The IAF is undoubtedly, one of the most prestigious and honourable institutions of the country. To learn about teamwork, courage, discipline, detail, practice and dedication, the IAF remains one of the highest citadels of education, technology and patriotism.
FAQs on Indian Air Force Day
Q: When is Air Force Day celebrated and why?
A: Air Force Day is celebrated on 8th October. It was on this day in 1932 that the Indian Air Force was established.
Q: Where were the Air Force Day shows held in the last three years.
A: The IAF air show was held in Chandigarh in 2022, Prayagraj in 2023 and Chennai in 2024.
Q: What was the theme of the 2024 AIF air show?
A: ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt aur Atmanirbhar’ (Potent, Powerful and Self Reliant).
Q: What is the aerobatic team of the IAF called?
A: The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team or SKAT is the aerobatic display team of the IAF.
Q: What are some of the aircrafts that are a part of the IAF inventory?
A: Rafael, Sukhoi, Tejas, Chetak, Jaguar, MiG, Mirage and more.
Few Lines on Indian Air Force Day
- An air show that dazzled the skies of Chennai
- IAF displays stunning air show on the Marina Beach
- Air Force Day celebrations – An insight into the achievements and skill of our air commandos
- Learn about the Indian Air Force – Its history, growth, fleet and operations
- IAF Air Show – To Touch the Sky with Glory
- Speed, Skill and Precision – A look at the IAF celebrations
- Sound, Action and Colors – A splendid display by the IAF
