The Indian Air Force celebrated its 94th Anniversary on 08 October 2026 at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad with a ceremonial Air Force Day Parade reviewed by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. The event was attended by the Chiefs of Army and Naval Staff, former Chiefs of Air Staff, and senior military officers and civilians.
The proceedings began with the marching-in of the President's Colours, followed by an aerial salute by three Mi-17 1V helicopters in 'Dhwaj' formation carrying the National flag and IAF flag. Group Captain Manish Sharma commanded the parade, which included an investiture ceremony where Air Warriors received medals for gallantry and distinguished service, and five units were presented with citations for excellence: 24 Squadron 'The Hawks', 110 Helicopter Unit 'The Vanguards', 200 Squadron 'Skanda', 2402 Squadron 'Vajra', and the Electronic Warfare Range.
The theme for this year's celebration was 'Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise' (भारतीय वायु सेना: अचूक, अभेद्य व सटीक), reflecting the IAF's commitment to safeguarding national skies. In his address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized that air power is the primary means of protecting national interests, stating that the IAF remains "alert, committed and ready to meet any contingency." He highlighted Operation Sindoor as demonstrating the IAF's destructive power and effective Air Defence operations, and stressed that operational preparedness is the true measure of an air force's strength.
Singh reiterated the IAF's commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), noting that emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems would be integrated while maintaining human authority at the core. He emphasized the importance of deep synergy with the Army and Navy through joint planning and integrated combat applications, and mentioned space as a natural extension of the air domain, highlighting growing collaboration with ISRO and the domestic space industry including the IAF's role in the Gaganyaan mission.
A static display showcased IAF's operational and combat capabilities including fighter aircraft, helicopters, Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon Systems, Radars, and one-way attack unmanned aerial systems, highlighting the focus on 'Make in India' and indigenous capability development. The event also featured performances by Team Shakti (the IAF's all-women Air Warrior Drill Team) and the IAF Drummers Team comprising 33 young Air Warriors. A spectacular Aerial Display by IAF Heritage Flight included a vintage 'Tiger Moth' aircraft. The Air Force Day aerial display will next be conducted at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, on 25 October 2026.