Air Force Day: IAF lethal and formidable force, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

• Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Sunday unveils a new ensign of the IAF, replacing the existing one that was adopted more than seven decades back
• As we celebrate this milestone, we also pay homage to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation: CDS Gen Chauhan
• 5 Base Repair Depot at Sulur celebrates 91st anniversary of IAF

Gen Chauhan in his message said this momentous occasion marks “nearly a century of unwavering dedication and unparalleled service” of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to the nation. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was conferred with an honorary Group Captain rank in 2010, also greeted the IAF personnel on the occasion.

Touch the sky with glory! @IAF_MCC

Happy #AirForceDay! pic.twitter.com/fo7zVPrk0a

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 8, 2023

Tendulkar posted a video message on X, donning the Air Force blues. “On the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force, I extend my congratulations to all personnel and families of the IAF. I thank the Indian Air Force for giving me an opportunity to don the blues,” he said in the video.

Tendulkar, a former captain of Team India, said he wears the uniform with great pride and honour and cherish being a part of the IAF. “I felt the same way, each time I wore the blues, when I played for India. I thank each one of you, on behalf of a grateful nation for your service. I wish all of you a happy Air Force Day. Happy landings. Jai Hind!” Tendulkar said in his short video message.

The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. In view of its professional efficiency and achievements during World War II, the force was bestowed with the prefix “Royal” in March 1945. So, it became the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). In 1950, the IAF dropped its “Royal” prefix and amended the ensign as India became a Republic.

#IndianAirForceDay | Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari unveils the new Indian Air Force ensign during the Air Force Day celebrations at Bamrauli Air Force Station in #Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.@IAF_MCC @SpokespersonMoD #IAFDay pic.twitter.com/KSzdQDBkU3

— DD News (@DDNewslive) October 8, 2023

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Sunday unveiled a new ensign of the IAF, replacing the existing one that was adopted more than seven decades back. The IAF Chief released the new ensign at the 91st IAF Day celebrations in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

Greetings and warm wishes to all Indian Air Force personnel and their families on the occasion of the #91stAnniversary of this amazing force.

We are proud of our #Airwarriors who play significant role in keeping India safe. The #IAF today is lethal and formidable force,… pic.twitter.com/RTOcwFddNB

— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2023

Defence Minister Singh extended greetings with a post on X. “Greetings and warm wishes to all Indian Air Force personnel and their families on the occasion of the #91stAnniversary of this amazing force. We are proud of our #Airwarriors who play significant role in keeping India safe. The #IAF today is lethal and formidable force, projecting its air power beyond boundaries. #AFDay2023 @IAF_MCC,” he wrote.

Saluting the valorous legacy of the #IAF on its 91st Anniversary, today #CDS Gen Anil Chauhan extends heartfelt greetings to all air warriors, veterans and their families. Read for more: https://t.co/bvwWIkGwK8 @rajnathsingh@giridhararamane@IAF_MCC@PIB_India@CAC_CPRO

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) October 8, 2023

CDS Gen Chauhan said this momentous occasion marks “nearly a century of unwavering dedication and unparalleled service of the IAF to the nation”. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also pay homage to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Their courage, valour and dedication continue to inspire generations of Indians,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the defence ministry.

“The IAF has played an important role in all wars fought by the country, undertaken punitive air strikes, extricated the Indian diaspora from conflict zones and provided relief through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions within and beyond the borders,” the statement said.

The IAF has a rich history of regular and successful engagements in international air exercises with friendly countries. It has adequately demonstrated interoperability with global air forces, thereby credibly establishing its capability to operate effectively in our immediate neighbourhood and also in our extended environment, it said. The IAF is poised to embrace the challenges of the 21st century, with a commitment to modernisation, innovation, and international cooperation. May the IAF reach new heights of glory always, he said.

5 Base Repair Depot at Sulur celebrates 91st anniversary of IAF

5 Base Repair Depot (5 BRD) at Airforce Station, Sulur celebrated #IndianAirForceDay. Air Officer Commanding Air Commodore Vishnu Gaur extended warm felicitations and urged everyone to rededicate ourselves to the service of our nation.@IAF_MCC @SpokespersonMoD @pibchennai pic.twitter.com/inAyWCSVka

— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) October 8, 2023

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday celebrated its 91st anniversary. On the occasion, 5 Base Repair Depot (5 BRD), Sulur celebrated through a solemn ceremony of oath taking and address by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Station. During the oath taking ceremony, AOC Air Commodore Vishnu Gaur, urged everyone to rededicate to the service of our nation.

He reiterated the role of 5 Base Repair Depot in the IAF whose task is to overhaul and repair selected aircraft and equipment and also rendering spares support to certain aircrafts and systems of the IAF. He added that the Depot has been fostering innovation, reclamation and complete self-reliance in the aeronautical segment.