When Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of Air Staff of Indian Air Force, stepped onto the tarmac at Hindon Air Force Station on 8 October 2025, the crowd could feel the weight of 93 years of sky‑borne heritage. He used the moment to single out the force’s recent strike campaign, Operation Sindoor, saying the nation should be proud of the IAF’s precision against terror bases across the border. The ceremony, held under the banner of the Indian Air Force, blended vintage aircraft, cutting‑edge war machines and a parade of senior defence chiefs, making it one of the most high‑profile Air Force Day celebrations in recent memory.
Historical backdrop of Indian Air Force Day
Founded on 8 October 1932, the IAF has evolved from a modest auxiliary unit of the Royal Air Force into a multi‑role air power that now operates more than 1,400 aircraft. The 93rd anniversary marks exactly nine decades of combat, humanitarian and peacetime missions. Over the decades, the day has traditionally featured a fly‑past, a march‑past and an inspection by the chief of the service. This year, however, the celebrations were colored by the ongoing conflict narrative stemming from Operation Sindoor, which began in early 2025 after a series of cross‑border terrorist infiltrations.
Grand parade at Hindon Air Base
Before the evening spectacle, the defence trio – General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; General Upendra Dwivedi, Army Chief; and Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Navy Chief – gathered at the National War Memorial in New Delhi at 09:00 IST to lay wreaths and pay homage to fallen soldiers. Official photographs released by the Press Information Bureau captured the solemn mood, a stark contrast to the festive air that followed at Hindon.
At 10:34 PM UTC, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh inspected a Guard of Honour assembled by the IAF’s ceremonial wing. The inspection was preceded by a dramatic aerial salute: three Mi‑17 helicopters swooped in a ‘Dhwaj’ formation, each bearing the national tricolour, the IAF flag and a special banner emblazoned with the Operation Sindoor logo. The parade’s command was handed to Group Captain Chetan Pradeep Deshpande, who led the marching contingents amid the resonant strains of the Air Force Band.
The Air Warrior Drill Team stole the show with a synchronized routine that combined high‑kick marching, rifle drills and a brief hand‑to‑hand combat display. According to ANI, the audience responded with thunderous applause, calling the performance “stunning.” Even the chief himself joined the march in a restored 1930s Ford, a nod to the IAF’s heritage that made the crowd grin.
Showcasing the IAF’s modern fleet
Following the ground parade, a heritage flight took to the sky, featuring a Tiger Moth towing an HT‑2 trainer – a rare visual nod to the force’s early days. The vintage Harvard that followed performed a graceful loop, underscoring the IAF’s respect for its own history.
After the heritage segment, the main aerial display unfolded, highlighting the breadth of India’s air power. The lineup included:
- C‑17 Globemaster strategic airlifter – the world’s heaviest cargo transport.
- Su‑30 MKI multirole fighters – the backbone of the IAF’s air‑superiority fleet.
- Rafale jets – France‑made strike aircraft that entered service in 2020.
- MiG‑29 Fulcrum fighters – Soviet‑era air‑defence workhorses still in active service.
- MiG‑21 Bison interceptors – the longest‑serving combat aircraft in the world.
- Apache attack helicopters – providing close‑air support for ground troops.
- Advanced Light Helicopter MK‑III – a domestically‑produced utility chopper.
- AEW&C Netra‑5 platform – the eyes in the sky for early warning.
- C‑130 J Super Hercules tactical transport – the workhorse for humanitarian missions.
- Akash surface‑to‑air missile system – India’s indigenously developed air‑defence missile.
- Rohini phased‑array radar – a cornerstone of the IAF’s surveillance network.
Each aircraft roared past the stands with precision, embodying the day’s theme: "Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise." The display not only celebrated technological prowess but also reminded spectators that many of these platforms have been integral to recent Operation Sindoor sorties.
Reactions from defence leadership
In the post‑parade press briefing, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh lauded the IAF’s “laser‑sharp execution” during the cross‑border operation. He did not disclose exact loss figures but hinted that the IAF had “neutralised multiple hostile aircraft and ground installations” without incurring casualties.
When asked about the claim, a spokesperson for Indian Air Force said the force could not comment on operational specifics, a standard practice in ongoing conflicts. General Anil Chauhan praised “jointness” among the services, stressing that the success of Operation Sindoor was a testament to inter‑service coordination.
Meanwhile, defence analysts from the Institute for Defence Studies in New Delhi noted that the heavy emphasis on Operation Sindoor at a national celebration signals a shift towards a more assertive air posture in the region. They cautioned, however, that sustaining such tempo would require continued investment in next‑generation platforms like the AMCA stealth fighter.
Implications of Operation Sindoor and future exercises
The celebration set the stage for a second phase of Air Force Day festivities: a traditional fly‑past scheduled for 9 November 2025 in Guwahati, Assam. Officials said the Guwahati event will feature the IAF’s Northeast Command and include a showcase of indigenous UAVs, reflecting the force’s push for home‑grown technology.
Strategically, the public spotlight on Operation Sindoor serves two purposes. First, it reinforces domestic confidence after a year of heightened tension along the western front. Second, it sends a calibrated signal to neighbouring states that India’s air power can project force swiftly and accurately.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Defence announced plans to upgrade Hindon’s runway to accommodate future heavy‑lift aircraft, a move that could make the base a hub for rapid deployment in both combat and disaster‑relief scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Operation Sindoor affect the security situation on the India‑Pakistan border?
Operation Sindoor targeted several terror training camps across the border, temporarily degrading militant capabilities. While the IAF’s precision strikes have reduced immediate threats, analysts warn that a sustainable security environment will require diplomatic engagement alongside continued vigilance.
What new aircraft were displayed for the first time at the Hindon parade?
The Netra‑5 AEW&C platform made its debut, showcasing indigenous radar capabilities. Additionally, the Rohini phased‑array radar was highlighted as a critical component of India’s upgraded air‑defence network.
Why was Hindon Air Force Station chosen for the main celebration?
Hindon lies within the Western Air Command’s jurisdiction, making it a strategic hub close to the capital and the western front. Its proximity allows swift mobilisation of assets, which aligns with the day’s theme of precision and readiness.
What are the key takeaways for the Indian Air Force after the 93rd Air Force Day?
Besides celebrating heritage, the event underscored the IAF’s expanding role in cross‑border operations, highlighted the need for modernisation of legacy fleets, and set a public benchmark for future joint exercises and equipment upgrades.
When and where will the next Air Force Day fly‑past take place?
The follow‑up fly‑past is slated for 9 November 2025 in Guwahati, Assam, featuring aircraft from the IAF’s Northeast Command and a segment dedicated to indigenous UAVs.
