Indian Air Force personnel toss their rifles during the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations, at Hindon Air Force Station, in Ghaziabad on October 8, 2025.

| Photo Credit: ANI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) celebrated its 93rd anniversary with a ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Hindon, showcasing its legacy, operational strength, and commitment to innovation.The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the Chiefs of the Army and Naval Staff, while the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh reviewed the parade. Former Air Chiefs and senior officers were also present.President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion through social media platforms.The proceedings began with the marching-in of the President’s Colours, symbolising unity and valour. As the CAS arrived, three Mi-17 1V helicopters flew overhead in the ‘Dhwaj’ formation, carrying the National Flag, the IAF Flag, and the Operation Sindoor Flag. The parade was commanded by Group Captain Chetan Pradeep Deshpande.The Air Force Band led the march, followed by a performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team. During the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Singh felicitated 97 Air Warriors with medals and presented six Unit Citations for exceptional service.Reflecting on the IAF’s journey, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the force had grown from “humble beginnings” to become the fourth-largest air force in the world, capable of influencing outcomes with “speed and precision.” Citing Operation Sindoor as an example of operational excellence, he reaffirmed confidence in indigenous platforms and underscored the IAF’s philosophy of “Train like we fight.”The Heritage Flight performed an aerial display featuring the Tiger Moth, HT-2, and Harvard aircraft, symbolising the IAF’s evolution over the decades.A static display of frontline assets - including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Apache, MiG-29, C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, and the Akash Missile System - reflected the IAF’s modernisation drive.The traditional flypast and aerial display are scheduled to be held in Guwahati on November 9, marking the culmination of this year’s Air Force Day celebrations. Published - October 08, 2025 08:03 pm IST