The 92nd Indian Air Force (IAF) Day was celebrated with grandeur at the Air Force Station, Tambaram in Chennai from 06 to 08 Oct 2024, marking yet another significant milestone in the glorious history of the world’s fourth-largest air force. These celebrations highlighted the resilience, strength and future vision of the service. The celebrations featured a spectacular aerial display, where the nation witnessed both the might of modern technology and the agility of its air warriors. A ceremonial parade, reflecting the discipline and precision of the IAF, further highlighted the tradition of excellence that defines the force.
The Aerial Display: A Showcase of Strength and Innovation
The aerial display for last three years has been conducted outside of National Capital Region, and this year it was at Marina Beach, Chennai. This airshow was witnessed by some 12 to 15 lakh spectators (probably one of the largest gatherings to witness any aerial display) underscored the IAF’s superior air capabilities.
Why was Marina Beach chosen this year? Marina Beach in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal is India’s longest and world’s second longest beach. This predominant sand over nearly 12 kilometers extends from Beasant Nagar in the south to Fort St. George in the north. This display which was conducted at Chennai after 21 years, involved 72 aircraft including the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Apache attack helicopters, C-17 Globe Masters to the formidable Rafale. The sky was filled with aircraft that symbolized a robust blend of domestic and foreign technology. The Surya Kiran and Sarang aerobatic display teams, known for their synchronized manoeuvres, captured the essence of aerial mastery. These displays were not only a testament to the advanced operational capabilities of the IAF but also highlighted its journey of modernization and technological integration over the decades.
The participation of the Akash Ganga skydiving team, along with display of various fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft reinforced the IAF’s ability to swiftly respond to a variety of operational scenarios, be it combat or humanitarian assistance. This aerial spectacle emphasized the IAF’s preparedness to defend India’s skies while also assisting in missions of national importance, such as disaster relief operations and rapid troop deployments.
Tambaram Parade: A Reflection of Tradition and Discipline
The parade at Tambaram Air Force Station was a majestic affair, with air warriors marching in unison to showcase the ethos of the IAF. The parade honoured the legacy of its heroes, recalling the countless sacrifices made by generations of air warriors to protect the nation’s sovereignty. It also served as a reminder of the commitment, dedication, and discipline that is the hallmark of the IAF.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, reviewing his first parade as Chief of the Indian Air Force, in his address, emphasized the need for continued modernization and readiness, highlighting that the Indian Air Force is not only evolving to meet the challenges of modern warfare but is also focused on maintaining operational preparedness across all domains, including space and cyber.
Challenges Facing the Fourth-Largest Air Force
There are a few challenges that the world’s fourth-largest air force is facing right now both in terms of short and long term.
One of the most pressing concerns is fleet modernization. With aging platforms and depleted fighter squadron numbers, the IAF must accelerate the acquisition of advanced fighter jets and multirole aircraft to maintain a technological edge. The induction of the Rafale jets from France has given a significant boost, but the long-term vision includes the expansion of indigenous projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Another challenge is the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cyber capabilities into its operational framework. Modern warfare demands a force that is technologically superior, agile, and capable of handling asymmetric threats such as drone warfare and cyberattacks. The IAF is actively working toward enhancing its cyber warfare capabilities, which are crucial in an age where digital threats can compromise critical infrastructure.
The geopolitical scenario surrounding India, with rising tensions in its neighbourhood, demands an air force that is not only capable of safeguarding national airspace but also projecting power in contested zones. There are a large number of lessons which the IAF is processing on regular basis from the two ongoing wars that is Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars. The IAF’s challenge is to balance its modernisation efforts with the need to ensure readiness for multiple conflict scenarios, including two-front wars, as India’s strategic environment evolves.
The Strengths of the Indian Air Force
Despite these challenges, the IAF remains a formidable force.
One of its greatest strengths lies in its human capital—its highly trained and motivated air warriors. The selection and training process of IAF officers and Agni veer Vayu is rigorous, producing a cadre that is both physically and mentally resilient. The National Defence Academy, Air Force Academy and Air Warriors Training Centre ensure that young cadets and trainees both men and women are groomed into highly professional air warriors, ready to take on the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
Additionally, the IAF has a healthy mix of old and new platforms. While the older aircraft such as the MiG-21 that are being phased out, newer acquisitions like the Rafale, Apache attack helicopters, Chinooks, C-130 and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft provide the IAF with a cutting-edge capability. Indigenous platforms like the Tejas fighter jets and the upcoming AMCA project showcase India’s growing self-reliance in defence production, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the IAF.
The Role of Agniveer Vayu and Future Pathways
A significant milestone in this year’s celebration was the parade participation by Agniveer Vayu, under the Agnipath scheme. This bold initiative aims to induct young air warriors for a short-term tenure, providing them with a dynamic career path while infusing fresh energy into the ranks. The Agniveer Vayu have already started contributing to various operational and technical roles, with many displaying the enthusiasm and competence required to meet the challenges of modern-day warfare.
The scheme is seen as a way to create a more youthful, tech-savvy force, with an eye on future battles that will be fought with advanced technologies. The induction of Agniveer Vayu also aligns with the IAF’s vision to create a lean, agile force, adaptable to the needs of a rapidly changing battlefield environment.
The Way Ahead for the Indian Air Force
As the IAF moves forward, its focus will remain on modernization, enhancing joint operations with the Indian Army and Navy, and building indigenous capabilities. Technology integration will be a key driver of future success, with emphasis on AI, cyber warfare, and space-based operations. The IAF will also continue to expand its strategic reach through acquisitions and partnerships, ensuring that it remains a dominant force in the region.
In conclusion, the 92nd Indian Air Force Day not only celebrated the rich history of the IAF but also offered a glimpse into its bright future. The aerial displays, the induction of Agniveer Vayu in the parade and the ongoing modernization efforts reflect a force that is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of tomorrow while remaining deeply rooted in its tradition of excellence and service to the nation. As India strengthens its position in the global order, the Indian Air Force will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in securing the nation’s skies and beyond.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Air Marshal (Dr) Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd) a pilot, with over 8000 hrs of flying. He is a flying instructor and a pioneer in aerial refuelling in IAF. He commanded the air-to-air refuelling squadron, a large operational base, Air Force Academy and National Defence Academy. He holds an Airline Pilot License and is part of various think tanks, boards and studies.
