Indian Air Force Day 2020: Everything you need to know

Team Udayavani, Oct 8, 2020, 4:02 PM IST

The Indian Air Force celebrated its 88th anniversary today. A stunning air show at the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad near Delhi captivated people across the country.

The Tejas LCA, Jaguar, Mig-29, Mig-21 and Sukhoi-30 aircraft were part of the rehearsal, besides the newly inducted Rafale fighter jet. Five Rafale fighter jets were formally inducted into the IAF on September 10 in a major boost to India’s air power capability at a time when the country has been engaged in a months-long tense border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.

As reported by Zee News, The IAF was founded on October 8, 1932, and the force has participated in several crucial wars and landmark missions. It was officially established as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which honoured India’s aviation service during World War II with the prefix Royal.

After India gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of Dominion of India. With the government’s transition to a Republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed.

In 1950, after the republic came into being it became the Indian Air Force. From six officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys back in 1933, the Air Force now is the fourth largest in the world.