When is Indian Air Force Day 2024? Key Facts About the IAF and Today’s Airshow at Chennai's Marina Beach

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on October 8 to honour the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its pilots who dedicate their lives to protecting India. The Indian Air Force was officially formed on October 8, 1932. Its first flight took off on April 1, 1933, with six RAF-trained officers and 19 airmen. The aircraft fleet included four Westland Wapiti IIA biplanes stationed at Drigh Road, forming the “A” Flight nucleus of No.1 (Army Co-operation) Squadron.

This year, the IAF celebrates its 92nd anniversary under the theme “Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant), reflecting the force’s commitment to safeguarding India’s skies.

Interesting Facts About the Indian Air Force

• The IAF has participated in four wars with Pakistan: 1947-48, 1965, 1971 (Bangladesh War), and 1999 (Kargil War).
• In 1961, it played a pivotal role in incorporating Goa into the Indian Union.
• The IAF provided critical support to Indian troops during the 1962 war with China.
• It was involved in the capture of the Siachen Glacier in 1984.
• In 1988, the IAF stopped an attempted coup by the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) in the Maldives.
• The IAF often steps in during natural disasters and has rescued Indian citizens during overseas crises.
• It works closely with the Department of Space and ISRO.
• Rakesh Sharma, who travelled to space in 1984, was an IAF pilot.

Everything About Today’s IAF Airshow at Chennai’s Marina Beach

As part of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day celebrations, an air show will take place over Chennai’s Marina Beach on October 6, 2024.

Chennai residents can expect an exhilarating display featuring 72 IAF aircraft performing jaw-dropping aerobatic stunts and formation flying.

The event, which kicks off at 11 am, is expected to draw huge crowds, similar to the one held over Prayagraj’s Sangam area on October 8, 2023, which attracted lakhs of spectators.

The show will include performances from the elite Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team known for their tight formation flying, and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, famed for their impressive aerial choreography.

Additionally, the IAF will present flypasts and aerial displays featuring aircraft from its inventory. Highlights include India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and heritage planes like the Dakota and Harvard.

The grand spectacle at Marina Beach on October 6, is open to everyone. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, showing the IAF’s military aviation expertise and its critical role in protecting India’s airspace.