TL;DR : On October 8, 2025, Today, India celebrated the 93rd Indian Air Force Day with parades, air shows, and flypasts at Hindon Air Force Station. The event honored the IAF's history, modernization, and achievements, including tributes to the retiring MiG-21 Bison and recent international and humanitarian missions.
Key Highlights : Indian Air Force Day 2025
- 93rd Anniversary Celebrations Held at Hindon Air Force Station
- The main event took place in Ghaziabad with a ceremonial parade and air display showcasing IAF's operational strength and discipline.
- Theme: “Bhartiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar” (Capable, Powerful, Self-Reliant).
- Flypast Showcased India's Air Power
- Aircraft involved: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, C-17, C-130J, Apache helicopters, Netra AEW&C system.
- Finale: Tiranga Formation painted the national flag in the sky.
- A farewell tribute was paid to the MiG-21 Bison, retired after six decades of service.
- Tribute to Heroes and War Legacy
- Parade honored IAF’s role in Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on Pakistani targets.
- Top defence leaders, including Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and CDS General Anil Chauhan, paid respects at the National War Memorial.
- Showcased Modernization and Indigenous Tech
- Displayed advancements in Indian-made platforms like Tejas and cooperation with HAL and DRDO.
- Emphasized focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
- Highlighted International and Humanitarian Missions
- Recent exercises: Red Flag (USA), Desert Knight (France).
- Humanitarian efforts included disaster relief and COVID-era operations.
- Recognized Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, first IAF pilot on the International Space Station.
- Public Engagement and Inspiration
- Air shows open to the public showcased IAF aerobatic teams - Suryakiran and Sarang.
- Aimed to inspire youth to consider careers in the IAF.
- Historical Context
- IAF was founded on October 8, 1932.
- Played key roles in major conflicts, including 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999 Indo-Pak wars.
- Now ranks as the 4th largest air force globally, with over 1,700 aircraft and 140,000 personnel.