Indian Air Force gets new flag

October 8, 2023 has become an important day in the history of the Indian Air Force as the Air Force unveiled its new flag on its 91st anniversary.

Indian Air Force Flag: From History to Present

• The Indian Air Force (RIAF) flag initially consisted of the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (red, white and blue) on the fly side.
• Then after independence (since 1947) the flag of the Indian Air Force was created by replacing the Union Jack in the lower right canton with the Indian Tri Color and the RAF roundels with the IAF Tri Color roundel.
• The new flag of the IAF was unveiled on October 8, 2023, to better reflect the values of the Indian Air Force. The new flag of the Indian Air Force will be reflected by the inclusion of the Air Force Crest on the fly side in the upper right corner of the ensign.

The national emblem at the top of the IAF crest is the Ashoka symbol and below it are the words “Satyamev Jayate” in Devanagari. Below the Ashoka symbol is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread. This eagle reflects the fighting qualities of the Indian Air Force. Encircling the Himalayan Eagle is a light blue ring with the inscription “Indian Air Force”. Below the Himalayan Eagle is the motto of the Indian Air Force “Nabh Sprisham Deeptam” inscribed in golden Devanagari letters. The motto is taken from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Verse 24 and means “To touch the sky with splendour”.

91st anniversary of IAF

The Air Force celebrated its 91st anniversary in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh with the theme ‘Indian Air Force – Global Airpower’. On this occasion, a spectacular parade was organized at Bamrauli Air Force Center and Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary took the salute of the parade. Army Chief General Anil Chauhan and General Officer in Command of Central Air Command Air Marshal RGK Kapoor were also present in this program.

This year, for the first time, the parade on Air Force Day was led by a woman officer (Group Captain Shalija Dhami). For the first time, a contingent of women military personnel participated in the parade, including Agniveer Vayu women. Sky para jumpers thrilled the audience with spectacular stunts.

Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Choudhary unveiled the new flag of the Air Force in a parade. For this, the old flag of the Air Force was taken down and respectfully handed over to the Air Force Chief. The old flag of IAF will be displayed in the Air Force Museum. During this, the Air Force Chief also handed over citations to four units. These include 16 squadrons, 142 helicopter units, 901 signal units and 3 base repair depots.

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