Report by Yashasvi Anika Tandon
Indian Air Force (IAF) Day is celebrated on 8th October every year.
2022 marks the 90th anniversary of IAF.
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Indian Airforce, a flypast with 80 participating helicopters and aircrafts was held in Chandigarh.
Before the event, a wreath was also laid on the National War Memorial to remember the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the nation.
Why was the fly past held at Chandigarh?
The flypast celebrating Indian Airforce day is usually held at the Hindon Air Base, Delhi NCR. But this time, it was held in Chandigarh. This is because our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has taken an initiative to move a few major festivities and events to other places rather than in the capital.
The flypast was held in Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake Complex.
The helicopters part of the flypast were:
— ALH Mk IV chopper making Rudra formation (Trishul)
–Recently launched, light combat helicopter ‘Prachand’ highlighted India’s progress in the Airforce department
–Light combat aircrafts – Sukhoi, Tejas Jaguar, Rafael, Mig-29, C-130J, l-76, and Hawk.
–Advanced light helicopters – Dhruv, Apache, and Chinook
–Mi-17 for the aerial display.
The flypast was followed by a parade inspected by Air Marshal Shri V. R. Chaudhari.
New launches on IAF Day, 2022
A new camouflage uniform
A digital camouflage uniform for the Indian Airforce’s ground staff. It is similar to the Indian Army’s combat uniform launched this year. The new uniform has colours that can blend in the surroundings easily with the base colour being olive green and other colours that can blend easily in nature.
A new weapon system
For surface, flying, intelligence, and remote. The sub-categories of the above 4 are – surface-to-air missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, twin and multi-crew aircraft weapon system operators, and remotely piloted aircrafts.
History of the IAF ensign
From 1943 to 1945 the ensign was the fin flash and the roundel in shades of blue, that is light blue and dark blue. The roundel had light blue in the centre and dark blue around while the fin flash (standing rectangle) had light blue to the left and dark blue to the right.
From 1945 to 1947 the ensign had the Union Jack in the top left corner and next to it, was the roundel inside a star, called the ‘Star of India’. All these elements were on a light blue background.
From 1947 to 1948 the fin flash with saffron white in green respectively was used along with the Ashok chakra.
Now the Indian Airforce ensign has a light blue background with the Indian flag in the top left corner and the roundel of saffron white and green next to it. Saffron is the outermost colour, followed by white, and then green.
