Indian Air Force unveils its new flag on 91st anniversary

On the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF), its aircraft displayed a spectacular air show in the confluence area of Ganga and Yamuna here on Sunday. On this occasion, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari also unveiled the new flag of the IAF.

Nand Gopal Gupta, a minster in the Uttar Pradesh government, enjoyed the air show from the fort located on the banks of Yamuna. About 108 aircraft of the IAF, including the ALH Dhruv helicopter of the Indian Army and P-8I aircraft of the Indian Navy, participated in the air show. For the first time in India, C-295 transport aircraft was also seen in the air show, which started at 2.30 pm.

Prominent aircraft in the event included Chinook, Jaguar, Apache, Rafale, Tejas, C-17, Hawk, Tigermoth and Pilatus. People from all over Prayagraj enjoyed the air show at the Sangam area, Parade Ground, Arail Ghat. People even gathered on bridges built on the rivers to watch the air show. Some of them had even walked several kilometers to witness the manoeuvres.

Earlier, the IAF organised the Air Force Day Parade at the Air Force Station, Bamhrauli in which the Air Force chief, CDS General Anil Chauhan, Air Marshal RGK Kapoor and other senior Air Force officers participated. This was the first Air Force Day parade commanded by a woman officer, Group Captain Shalija Dhami. The parade also had, for the first time, an all-women contingent, which included Agniveer Air women who marched shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. After the completion of the show, the police had a tough time managing the large crowd when it started to return.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan on Sunday extended their wishes to air warriors and their families on the Air Force Day, with Singh saying that the IAF today is a "lethal and formidable force, projecting its air power beyond boundaries".

Gen Chauhan in his message said this momentous occasion marks "nearly a century of unwavering dedication and unparalleled service" of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to the nation.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was conferred with an honorary Group Captain rank in 2010, also greeted the IAF personnel on the occasion. Tendulkar posted a video message on X, donning the Air Force blues.

"On the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force, I extend my congratulations to all personnel and families of the IAF. I thank the Indian Air Force for giving me an opportunity to don the blues," he said in the video.

Tendulkar, a former captain of Team India, said he wears the uniform with great pride and honour and cherish being a part of the IAF. "I felt the same way, each time I wore the blues, when I played for India. I thank each one of you, on behalf of a grateful nation for your service. I wish all of you a happy Air Force Day. Happy landings. Jai Hind!"

Tendulkar said in his short video message. The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. In view of its professional efficiency and achievements during World War II, the force was bestowed with the prefix "Royal" in March 1945. So, it became the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). In 1950, the IAF dropped its "Royal" prefix and amended the ensign as India became a Republic.