• By Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala
  • Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:28 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Every year on October 8, the nation looks skyward, not just in admiration but in gratitude. It’s Indian Air Force Day, a celebration of courage, precision, and the unfailing loyalty of the men and women who protect India’s skies.

This year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorates its 93rd anniversary, a journey that began in 1932 with a modest fleet of four Westland Wapiti biplanes and six officers. Today, it is recognised as one of the most formidable air forces in the world, a technologically advanced, combat-ready, and humanitarian pillar of India’s defence framework.

From Humble Beginnings to Supersonic Heights

The IAF was officially established on October 8, 1932, under British rule, as an auxiliary air force of the Royal Air Force. The first flight took to the skies on April 1, 1933, led by the legendary Subroto Mukerjee, who later became the first Indian Chief of Air Staff.

By the time of Independence in 1947, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had already established a reputation for professionalism. However, the partition not only divided the land but also the Air Force, resulting in the allocation of assets between India and Pakistan. What remained in India’s possession formed the basis of a force that would later distinguish itself through various wars, relief missions, and peacekeeping operations.

The narrative of the IAF spans from the Kashmir conflict of 1947-48 to the Balakot airstrikes of 2019, reflecting a continuous evolution in both spirit and technology.

Defending the Nation: The IAF in Combat

Since gaining independence, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has participated in five major wars, each of which has redefined its role and reputation.

During the 1947-48 war, the IAF played a crucial role by providing air support to Indian ground troops and airlifting personnel and supplies to remote areas, such as Srinagar and Poonch, thereby ensuring that the Valley remained under Indian control.

In the 1965 Indo-Pak war, IAF pilots demonstrated exceptional skill in dogfights, underscoring India's growing aerial capabilities. The 1971 war, however, stands out as a pivotal moment; in just 13 days, the IAF achieved complete air superiority over East Pakistan, significantly contributing to the establishment of Bangladesh.

The Kargil conflict of 1999 further illustrated the IAF's adaptability in high-altitude conditions. “Operation Safed Sagar” involved Mirage 2000 jets executing precise strikes on enemy positions at elevations exceeding 16,000 feet, a task many had deemed impossible.

In February 2019, the IAF once again showcased its strategic capabilities with surgical airstrikes deep within Pakistani territory, following the Pulwama terror attack. This operation reaffirmed the IAF's readiness to respond swiftly and decisively when national security is at stake.

Wings of Compassion: The Humanitarian Role

While its combat record is impressive, the IAF's contributions extend well beyond warfare. From disaster relief to medical evacuations, it has served as India’s first responder in both natural and man-made crises.

Whether responding to floods in Uttarakhand, earthquakes in Gujarat, or cyclones in Odisha, IAF helicopters and transport aircraft have carried out thousands of sorties to rescue civilians, deliver supplies, and restore hope.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAF played a vital logistical role, transporting vaccines, oxygen tanks, and essential medical equipment across the country under "Operation Sanjeevani."

Beyond India's borders, the IAF has carried the country's humanitarian message globally, airlifting stranded Indians during Operation Rahat (Yemen, 2015) and conducting rescue missions in Nepal (2015 earthquake) and Turkey (2023 earthquakes).

Technology, Transformation, and Tomorrow

The IAF’s transformation has been both strategic and symbolic, evolving from a defensive force to one capable of projecting power across the region. Today’s Air Force is built around a multi-domain combat philosophy, integrating space, cyber, and artificial intelligence into its core operations.

With an estimated 1,700 aircraft and 140,000 personnel, the IAF is among the world's top five air forces. Its fleet includes a blend of Russian, European, and indigenous aircraft, from the trusted Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale fighters to transport giants like the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules.

One of its proudest achievements is the rise of indigenous aviation. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, designed and built in India, symbolises a new era of self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The IAF’s planned induction of Tejas Mk2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and Armed Drones will redefine India’s aerial strategy for decades to come.

In space and surveillance, the Air Force is equally proactive. With new-generation AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems), surface-to-air missile systems, and integration with ISRO’s satellite networks, the IAF is preparing for future conflicts that may span air, land, cyber, and space domains.

Women in Blue: Breaking the Glass Canopy

The public's attention has been captivated by the introduction of women into combat roles. In 2016, the Indian Air Force (IAF) became the first of India’s armed forces to open its fighter pilot stream to women. Flight Lieutenants Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh Jitarwal made history as the first female fighter pilots in India.

Since then, women have flown combat aircraft, commanded air traffic control, and participated in international exercises. In 2023, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami became the first woman officer to command a frontline combat unit, marking a significant milestone in gender inclusion.

As the Air Chief Marshal recently stated, “The IAF doesn’t see gender, only competence and courage.” This ethos continues to motivate a new generation of air warriors, both men and women, to aspire to the skies.

Training, Discipline, and Innovation

Behind the glamour of aerobatic displays and supersonic fighters lies a culture of rigorous training and constant innovation. The Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, produces some of the world’s finest pilots, navigators, and engineers. Training emphasises not only flying skills but also leadership, discipline, and technological literacy.

The IAF’s Garud Commando Force, established in 2004, showcases its elite special operations capability. Trained in counterterrorism, airfield defence, and high-value target operations, the Garuds are often deployed alongside the Army’s Para Special Forces and the Navy’s Marine Commandos in joint missions.

Modernisation Meets Tradition

This year’s Air Force Day theme, “Beyond the Boundaries,” encapsulates the IAF’s dual spirit, honouring its legacy while embracing future challenges. The grand parade and air display at Hindon Air Base highlight not only its hardware but also its harmony, discipline, and teamwork.

Spectators are treated to thrilling performances by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), the Sarang helicopter team, and newly inducted platforms, such as the Rafale and LCA Tejas. These demonstrations represent not only technological excellence but also national pride. Air Force Day also serves as a moment of reflection and remembrance.

Tributes are paid to the fallen, those who never returned from their missions but whose courage still motivates the living. Their names are etched not only on memorials but also in the hearts of every Indian who gazes skyward with reverence.

The Strategic Edge: IAF in the Indo-Pacific Era

In an era defined by shifting global power dynamics, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) strategic role has never been more vital. The Indo-Pacific region, characterised by escalating geopolitical tensions, necessitates a robust and adaptable air force capable of both deterrence and diplomacy.

India’s increasing involvement in multinational exercises, such as Exercise Garuda with France, Indradhanush with the UK, and Cope India with the US, underscores its growing interoperability with global partners. These collaborations ensure that the IAF remains not only combat-ready but also strategically aligned with emerging global security frameworks.

Simultaneously, the IAF has been making investments in network-centric warfare, electronic intelligence, and unmanned systems, acknowledging that future conflicts will be fought as much through algorithms as through aircraft.

Sustainability and Self-Reliance: The New Flight Path

Modern warfare hinges on innovation as much as ideology. The IAF’s transition toward indigenous manufacturing, from avionics to ammunition, marks a significant step toward achieving strategic autonomy.

The IAF, along with DRDO, HAL, and private aerospace startups, is collaborating to accelerate research in crucial areas such as stealth technology, air-launched drones, and electronic warfare systems. The creation of homegrown systems, such as the Astra air-to-air missile, the Akash NG system, and the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) drone swarm project, demonstrates that India is becoming increasingly confident in its ability to develop its own defence technology.

A Nation’s Pride, A Pilot’s Promise

When asked what keeps them motivated, any air warrior will give a straightforward answer: Service before Self, the timeless motto of the IAF. Behind every aircraft lies a narrative of dedication, from technicians on the ground ensuring optimal readiness to pilots who embrace the risks of flying, relying on their training.

Former Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, during his address at the Air Force Day parade, expressed it poignantly: “Our mission is to ensure that the Indian tricolor always flies high, in the sky and in the hearts of every citizen."

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Air Power

The upcoming decade will be pivotal in determining how the IAF positions itself in a landscape characterised by hypersonic weapons, autonomous drones, and space-based warfare. The focus will be on AI-driven command systems, next-generation fighters, and joint operations with the Army and Navy.

Plans for the Integrated Theatre Commands are already underway, aiming to consolidate India’s defence resources under a unified operational framework. In this new structure, the IAF will act as the technological spearhead, ensuring speed, precision, and intelligence-driven dominance.

Conclusion: Guardians of a Grateful Nation

As jets roar over Delhi and formations paint the sky in saffron, white, and green, the message is clear: the Indian Air Force is not merely a defence institution but a powerful symbol of national resolve and unity.

From its humble beginnings in 1932 to today’s advanced space-age operations, the IAF’s journey reflects India’s own evolution, from colonial subjugation to a position of global prominence.

Air Force Day, therefore, transcends mere aircraft displays or acrobatics. It embodies a nation’s gratitude towards those who protect its skies, provide humanitarian relief, and shape its destiny.

With every takeoff of an IAF aircraft, it carries not just a pilot but also the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. As long as they safeguard the nation’s skies, India can indeed rest in peace.

 

(Note: Dr (Prof.) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, Icon Endoscopic Surgeon of North India, and National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon of India. She is rated as India's Best Gynaecologist by Google.)

(Air Vice Marshal V P Kala is the coauthor of the blog. He is an experimental test pilot with over 10,000 hours of flying on more than 70 types of aircraft: supersonic fighters, jet bombers, jet and turboprop transport aircraft, and helicopters. For many years, he served as the examiner of IAF pilots.)

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.)