The Indian Air Force (IAF) today marked its 94th anniversary with a ceremonial
parade and flypast at Hindon Air Force Station, returning to the venue after a three-
year gap. The celebrations, spread across Hindon, Jodhpur, and Varanasi,
highlighted the IAF’s role in safeguarding India’s skies and supporting disaster relief
operations.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh reviewed the parade, which featured marching
contingents and a spectacular aerial display by frontline aircraft including the Rafale,
Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Tejas, C-17, and Apache helicopters. Mi-17 helicopters carried
the National Flag, the IAF flag, and the Operation Sindoor flag, symbolising the
force’s operational legacy. Presidential awards were conferred during the ceremony.
This year’s theme — “Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise” —
underscores the force’s commitment to precision and resilience. Last year’s theme,
“Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar”, had focused on indigenous projects such as the
Tejas fighter, AMCA, and Light Combat Helicopter.
At Jodhpur, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team led an air show attended by Defence
Minister Rajnath Singh and NCC cadets. Later this month, Varanasi will host a
historic public air show over the Ganga from October 24–26, centred on Namo Ghat,
featuring fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerobatic formations.
The celebrations also coincide with Tarang Shakti 2026, an international air exercise
running from September 26 to October 12, enhancing cooperation between the IAF
and foreign air forces. Veteran gatherings and commemorative events are being held
across Air Force stations, paying tribute to generations of air warriors.
Ranked sixth in the Global Air Powers Ranking 2026, the IAF continues to evolve as
a modern, self-reliant force, combining air defence, airlift, surveillance, and
humanitarian missions.
