New Delhi: Every year on October 8, Indian Air Force Day is celebrated in the country. On this day, the country honours the brave personnel and pilots who have given their lives for the country, serve the nation unconditionally and come to the rescue during critical operations and natural crises like landslides and floods. The bases of the Indian Air Force hold parades and air shows to mark the holiday.
Notably, the Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. Hence the Indian Air Force Day also marks the establishment of the aviation wing of the Indian armed forces. In this article, we will take a look at some of the interesting facts about the Indian Air Force.
Interesting facts about the Indian Air Force
The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force. After its formation, the British Empire honoured the aviation wing during World War II with the prefix Royal. After India gained independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept. After India became a republic, the prefix Royal was removed.
Since 1950, the IAF has faced Pakistan in four wars. Its other major operations include Operation Vijay, Operation Cactus, Operation Meghdoot, and Operation Poomalai. The IAF has also taken part in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The IAF’s main goal is to defend India and its airspace against Air threats in coordination with the Army and the Navy. Its secondary purpose is to help civil power at times of natural calamities and internal disturbances.
Also, the IAF gives close air support to the troops of the Indian Army. Also, it provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities and gives strategic airlift to the Indian Army.
The IAF played a crucial role during World War II in thwarting the advancing Japanese army in Burma. It targeted the Japanese military base in Arakan and continued to strike the Japanese airbases in northern Thailand. Mainly, it was involved in close air support, strike, aerial reconnaissance, pathfinding missions and bomber escort for RAF and USAAF heavy bombers.
The President of India is the IAF’s supreme commander. The Chief of the Air Staff is enstrusted with leading the operations of the Air Force. The rank of Marshal of the Air Force has been conferred by the President of India on one occasion in history, to Arjan Singh who is the only five-star rank officer of the IAF.
Notably, the Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. During World War II, the Indian Air Force played a crucial role in the British Empire. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
