New Delhi, October 8, 2025 – The 93rd Indian Air Force raising day was celebrated today with unprecedented grandeur at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, as India’s premier air force marked nearly a century of unwavering service to the nation. The Indian Air Force Raising Day 2025 celebrations showcased the IAF’s technological prowess, operational readiness, and the remarkable success of Operation Sindoor.
Historic Significance of the 93rd Indian Air Force Raising Day
The 93rd raising day commemorates the establishment of the Indian Air Force on October 8, 1932, when it was originally formed as the Royal Indian Air Force under British rule. What began as a modest auxiliary force with just four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots has evolved into the world’s fourth-largest air force, demonstrating exceptional courage and technological advancement over nine decades.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who presided over the 93rd raising day ceremonies, emphasised the IAF’s transformation from its humble beginnings to a formidable force capable of safeguarding India’s vast airspace and conducting complex operations across multiple theatres.
Operation Sindoor Takes Center Stage at 93rd Raising Day
The Indian Air Force Raising Day 2025 celebrations prominently featured Operation Sindoor, India’s swift and decisive military response following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. This operation became the defining theme of the 93rd raising day, showcasing the IAF’s precision strike capabilities and strategic dominance.
During the 93rd raising day address, Air Chief Marshal Singh revealed stunning details of Operation Sindoor’s success, including the destruction of 12-13 Pakistani combat aircraft, damage to radar installations at four locations, command and control centres at two sites, and runways at two Pakistani airbases. The operation achieved what Singh described as “the longest kill at 300 kilometres” using the S-400 Triumf missile system, demonstrating India’s advanced air defence capabilities.
Grand Military Display and Aircraft Demonstration
The 93rd raising day parade at Hindon Air Force Station featured an impressive array of frontline military assets, highlighting India’s indigenous defence capabilities and international partnerships. The ceremonial parade showcased advanced fighter jets, including the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, alongside heavy-lift aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules.
A poignant moment during the 93rd raising day celebrations was the farewell tribute to the legendary MiG-21 Bison, which served the IAF for over six decades. The aircraft played a crucial operational role in Operation Sindoor along the western air corridor before its retirement, marking the end of an iconic era in Indian aviation history.
Indigenous Defense Systems and Technological Advancement
The Indian Air Force Raising Day 2025 celebrations highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology through the display of indigenous systems, including the Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system, the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, and the S-band Rohini radar. These cutting-edge technologies demonstrate the IAF’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign defence equipment while enhancing operational capabilities.
The 93rd raising day also celebrated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station, marking the IAF’s pioneering venture into human spaceflight and expanding India’s presence in space exploration.
Humanitarian Mission Excellence and Global Footprint
Beyond combat operations, the 93rd raising day celebrations emphasised the IAF’s role as a “first responder” in humanitarian crises and disaster relief operations. The force’s recent contributions include flood relief operations in Uttarakhand and Punjab, earthquake assistance in Myanmar, and various international humanitarian missions that showcase India’s soft power projection capabilities.
The Indian Air Force raising day 2025 also highlighted the IAF’s expanding international engagement through participation in multinational exercises, including Red Flag Alaska, Desert Knight, Udara Shakti in Malaysia, and Bright Star in Egypt. These collaborations strengthen India’s defence partnerships and enhance interoperability with allied air forces worldwide.
Innovative Two-Part Celebration Format
For the first time in its history, the 93rd raising day celebrations were structured in two distinct phases – the main ceremonial parade at Hindon Air Force Station on October 8, followed by a separate flypast event scheduled for mid-November in Guwahati. This innovative format allows the IAF to demonstrate its capabilities across different regions while strengthening its eastern operational footprint.
The 93rd raising day at Hindon featured precision drill displays, ceremonial marches, and aircraft demonstrations that honoured the courage, discipline, and dedication of IAF personnel who safeguard India’s sovereignty. The event attracted senior defence officials, military veterans, and distinguished guests who witnessed the spectacular showcase of India’s air power capabilities.
Legacy of Excellence and Future Preparedness
As the Indian Air Force Raising Day 2025 celebrations concluded, they reinforced the IAF’s evolution from a colonial auxiliary force to a modern, technologically advanced air force capable of multi-domain operations. The 93rd raising day demonstrated how the force has successfully adapted to contemporary security challenges while maintaining its core values of courage, commitment, and excellence.
The success of Operation Sindoor, highlighted throughout the 93rd raising day events, exemplifies the IAF’s strategic thinking, precision execution, and ability to achieve decisive military objectives while maintaining escalation control. This operation will be remembered as a defining moment that showcased India’s air power maturity and strategic restraint.
The 93rd Indian Air Force raising day celebrations at Hindon Air Base served as a powerful reminder of the IAF’s unwavering commitment to protecting India’s airspace while contributing to global peace and security through humanitarian missions and international cooperation.
