Last Updated: October 08, 2023, 08:10 IST
This year, the theme for IAF day is ‘IAF – Airpower Beyond Boundaries.’ (PTI)
IAF Day 2023: This is the first Air Force Day Parade to be commanded by a woman officer, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami.
The mighty Air Force celebrates the Indian Air Force Day on Sunday. The Indian Air Force came into existence during the British rule in India as the ‘Royal Indian Air Force,’ on October 8, 1932. On this day, the force carries out grand parades, felicitates IAF personnel, and conducts air shows across the country.
This year, the theme of IAF day is ‘IAF – Airpower Beyond Boundaries’, which highlights the commitment of the force to excellence, innovation and its role as the guardian of the nation’s skies.
IAF to Unveil New Ensign at Air Force Day Parade in Prayagraj
During this year’s celebration, the IAF will unveil its new ensign at the annual Air Force Day parade at Prayagraj to better reflect its values, 72 years after a similar exercise was undertaken.
The Indian Air Force’s move comes over a year after the Navy made changes in its ensign shedding its colonial past. In the new ensign, the Indian Air Force crest will be in the top right corner.
First IAF Day Parade To Be Commanded By A Woman Officer
This is the first Air Force Day Parade to be commanded by a woman officer, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami. She is also the first woman officer of the IAF to command a combat unit.
In another first, the parade will have an all-women contingent comprising the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu women, who shall march shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.
Last Appearance of MiG-21 Jets at Air Force Day Parade
The legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 jets are set to participate for the last time at the annual Air Force Day parade on October 8, with the IAF rolling out the process to phase out the remaining three squadrons of the aircraft.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Tuesday that the indigenously-developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft will replace the MiG-21s from 2025 onwards.
At present, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has three MiG-21 squadrons with a total of around 50 aircraft.
Over 100 Aircraft To Participate in Air Force Day Celebration
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will put up a mega air show in the Sangam area in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. Group Captain Prajyot on Tuesday announced that 120 fighter jets and transport aircraft including the Rafale fighter jets and helicopters from 10 air bases will take part in the air display on the occasion.
Two vintage aircraft — Harvard and Tigermoth — will operate in the Luv and Kush formations at Sangam.
The parade also includes a flight of Garud Commandos of the IAF for the first time. The Garuds have recently completed 20 years of service to the nation.
