IAF 93rd Anniversary Celebrations in Guwahati

IN NEWS:

IAF 93rd Anniversary Celebrations in Guwahati

ANALYSIS:

1. Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 93rd anniversary with a series of events across the country, with the main celebrations taking place in Guwahati, Assam.
2. Event Details:
   • The grand fly-past is scheduled for 9th November over the Brahmaputra River at Lachit Ghat.
   • The celebration aims to showcase the operational excellence, air power, and technological advancements of the IAF.
3. Pre-Event Displays:
   • Spectators in Guwahati witnessed aerial demonstrations featuring Tejas, Rafale, and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
   • These displays highlighted India’s indigenous defence capability and the precision flying skills of IAF pilots.
4. Significance:
   • This is the first time that the IAF Day celebrations are being organized in the Northeast region, symbolizing the strategic importance of the region in India’s defence framework.
   • The event also aims to boost public awareness and inspire youth toward careers in the armed forces.

STATIC PART (For UPSC Relevance):

1. Indian Air Force (IAF):
   • Established: 8 October 1932.
   • Motto: “Nabhah Sprisham Deeptam” (Touch the Sky with Glory), taken from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11, Verse 24).
   • Primary Role: To secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts.
   • Headquarters: New Delhi.
   • Current Chief of Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal (as per latest appointment).
2. Aircraft Featured:
   • Tejas: Indigenous multirole light fighter aircraft developed by HAL under the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) program.
   • Rafale: 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft of French origin, inducted into IAF in 2020.
   • Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT): Renowned for precision aerobatic flying, using Hawk Mk-132 aircraft for public demonstrations.
3. Strategic Significance of the Northeast:
   • The region holds vital importance due to its proximity to international borders with China, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
   • Hosting IAF Day here underlines India’s focus on enhancing air defence readiness in the eastern sector.

Updated – 06 Nov 2025 ; 10:20 PM | News Source: All India Radio News (newsonair.gov.in)