Air Force Day in India Date in the current year: October 8, 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) was established in British India on October 8, 1932. It was an auxiliary air force of the Royal Air Force. The first squadron of the IAF was commissioned on April 1, 1933. The five pilots of the squadron were Indian, but their commander was RAF Flight Lieutenant Cecil Bouchier.

Following the partition of India in 1947, its air force was also divided between the two separate nations. The IAF was reduced to create the Pakistan Air Force. Since India gained independence, the IAF has participated in the Congo Crisis, the Bangladesh Liberation War, four wars with Pakistan, and other military engagements. It has also been actively involved in UN peacekeeping missions.

The IAF has an estimated strength of 127,000 active personnel and 1,588 aircraft in service. Much attention has been paid lately to modernization of the IAF fleet.

Indian Air Force Day is marked with pomp and splendor. A traditional parade is held on the occasion in the capital city of New Delhi. Air Force Day is not a public holiday, so employees are not given a paid day off.