New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 93rd anniversary on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with a spectacular parade and air display at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. The day stood as a proud reminder of the IAF’s glorious legacy, its technological evolution, and the unmatched dedication of its air warriors who continue to safeguard the nation’s skies with courage and precision.
Established on October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force has grown from a small auxiliary air wing of the British Empire into one of the world’s most formidable and advanced air forces. Over the past nine decades, the IAF has played decisive roles in defending India’s sovereignty from the 1947 Kashmir conflict to the 1999 Kargil War earning global respect for its professionalism and precision.
This year’s celebration theme highlights “Operation Sindoor”, reflecting the IAF’s increasing strategic reach, operational excellence, and its commitment to peace and stability in the region. The theme also underscores the modernization efforts underway, focusing on indigenous production and technological innovation in line with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
The main event at Hindon Air Force Station began with a crisp parade featuring officers, airmen, and contingents representing various commands of the IAF. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari, reviewed the parade and extended greetings to all IAF personnel, emphasizing that “the sky is not the limit when dedication and innovation take flight.”
Following the parade, the audience was treated to a thrilling aerial display showcasing the IAF’s cutting-edge aircraft and operational capability. The show featured the Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, LCA Tejas, and transport giants like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules. Helicopters such as the Apache AH-64E, Chinook, and the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv demonstrated precision maneuvers and coordination.
A special moment came when the IAF paid tribute to the MiG-21 fighter jet, which is being phased out after serving the nation for over 60 years. The jet, which once formed the backbone of India’s air defense, performed a final ceremonial flypast a nostalgic salute to its legendary service.
The air display also highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology. The Netra AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control System), Akash surface-to-air missile, and Rohini radar system all developed indigenously took center stage, underlining the IAF’s transition towards a self-sustaining and future-ready force.
Before the parade, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honoring the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. Wreaths were placed in solemn remembrance, reinforcing the IAF’s unwavering commitment to the motto “Nabha Sparsham Deeptam” “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
In his address, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari reaffirmed the IAF’s readiness to meet any challenge, noting that “our air warriors stand ever-prepared to protect the nation’s interests on land, at sea, or in the air. The IAF of the future will be agile, lethal, and technologically superior.”
Citizens across the country joined in the celebrations, watching the live telecast of the event and paying tribute on social media platforms. Schools, defense academies, and aviation enthusiasts marked the occasion by organizing exhibitions and discussions on India’s aviation milestones.
As the Indian Air Force enters its 94th year, it continues to symbolize the spirit of courage, innovation, and resilience. From defending the nation’s skies to extending humanitarian aid during natural disasters, the IAF remains a beacon of India’s strength and solidarity.
The skies over Hindon today didn’t just echo with the roar of fighter jets they resonated with the pride of a billion hearts.