• By Imran Zafar
  • Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:55 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 91st anniversary on Sunday with a grand parade and an air show in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. The IAF unveiled its new ensign, which better reflects its values and role as the guardian of the nation’s airspace. The parade was commanded by a woman officer for the first time and featured an all-women contingent of Agniveer Vayu women. 

The legendary MiG-21 jets participated in the parade for the last time, as they will be phased out by 2025. The air show showcased over 100 aircraft, including the Rafale fighter jets and helicopters from 10 air bases.

The IAF 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 guard of the nation’s sovereignty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes to the Indian Air Force and its officers on the occasion of 91st Air Force Day. “The nation is proud of the valour, commitment and dedication of the Indian Air Force. Their great service and sacrifice ensure our skies are safe,” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The parade started at 7:40 am at Central Air Command, Bamhrauli. Paratroopers jumped first from a height of 8,000 feet. Band march, parade march and Air Force colour march also took place while spectators applauded the march past. The Air Force Chief took the parade salute at 9 o’clock. During this time, the process of changing the flag of the Air Force was also completed in a grand manner.

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The air show showcased over 100 aircraft, including the Rafale fighter jets and helicopters from 10 air bases. (Image: IAF)

The new ensign has the IAF crest in the top right corner, instead of the Ashoka emblem in the centre. The IAF’s move comes over a year after the Navy made changes in its ensign shedding its colonial past.

The parade was commanded by Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, who is also the first woman officer of the IAF to command a combat unit. She led an all-women contingent comprising the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu women, who are trained to operate advanced weapons systems and provide ground support to air operations.

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The MiG-21 jets, which have been in service since 1963, made their last appearance at the Air Force Day parade. 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 IAF has three MiG-21 squadrons with a total of around 50 aircraft.