IAF unveiled its new flag on the 91st Foundation Day in Prayagraj

On October 8, 2023, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari unveiled the new flag of the Indian Air Force during the 91st Air Force Day Parade in Prayagraj. The new flag of the Air Force has been introduced in place of the flag adopted 72 years ago.

What is the theme of Air Force Day?

• This year the theme of Air Force Day has been set as 'IAF - Airpower Beyond Boundaries'.

Features of the new flag of the Air Force:

• The new flag has the National Emblem Ashoka Symbol on top of the Air Force Crest on the fly side in the upper right corner and 'Satyamev Jayate' written in Devanagari below it.
• Below the Ashoka symbol is a Himalayan Garuda with its wings spread, signifying the fighting prowess of the Indian Air Force.
• A light blue ring surrounds the Himalayan Garuda, with 'Indian Air Force' written on it.
• The motto of the Indian Air Force 'Nabh Sprisham Deeptam' is inscribed in golden letters in Devanagari below the Himalayan Garuda, taken from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Verse 24 which means 'To touch the sky with splendour.'
• The old flag was lowered with full respect in the parade which will now be kept in the museum.
• After the new flag was unveiled by the Air Force Chief, two drones appeared in front of him from behind the curtain wall with the new flag.

Establishment of Indian Air Force:

• The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932. It flew for the first time on 01 April 1933. Six RAF-trained officers and 19 soldiers were present in this AC flight.
• Subroto Mukherjee is considered as the father of the Indian Air Force. He was one of the founding members of IAF and known as father of the Indian Air Force. After the country gained independence, he was made the first Air Force Chief on April 1, 1954. The headquarters of the Air Force is in Delhi.
• Before independence, the Indian Air Force was known as the Royal Indian Air Force. After independence, it was named Indian Air Force.
• The Indian Air Force played an important role in the 1947, 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999 Kargil wars.