India marked the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force on Thursday, 8 October 2026, with a ceremonial parade, static display of combat assets and an aerial demonstration at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad.
The main observance was held under the theme “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.” The day commemorates the raising of the force on 8 October 1932. A full-dress rehearsal was conducted at Hindan on 6 October.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade. He arrived at the venue in a 1960s-era vintage car, with three helicopters flying past in ‘Dhwaj’ formation. The Chief of the Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, attended along with other senior officers, former IAF chiefs, veterans and families. The parade included the presentation of awards to personnel for distinguished service.
On the tarmac, the IAF placed Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Jaguar and Tejas fighters on static display, together with the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. Weapon and air-defence systems, including the Akash system and the BrahMos missile — reported to be on display at the Air Force Day event for the first time — were also exhibited. Helicopters formed part of the flypast; during the rehearsal, Mi-17s carried the National Flag over the station.
In his address, Air Chief Marshal Singh traced the force’s growth from four Westland Wapiti aircraft in 1932 to what he described as an exceptional, network-centric and multi-domain air power. He said operational capabilities were growing in the right direction and that the force remained alert and ready for any contingency.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the world had seen the speed with which the IAF moved into combat, and that the year’s theme was a manifestation of the force’s strength and resolve, not merely a slogan. He is due to superannuate on 31 October 2026 and described his tenure as Chief of the Air Staff as his greatest fortune.
The Government has appointed Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume charge as the 29th Chief from the afternoon of 31 October. A fighter pilot commissioned on 6 December 1986, he has more than 3,500 flying hours and previously served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to air warriors, veterans and their families. The President said the IAF had rendered exemplary service and cited Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the courage, precision and preparedness of air warriors. The Prime Minister said India was proud of its air warriors and saluted their commitment to protecting the skies.
Beyond the Hindan ceremony, Central Air Command is scheduled to hold a public aerial display in Varanasi on 22, 24 and 25 October, with the VIP stand at Namo Ghat.
