On the occasion of Air Force Day, President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, veterans, and their families, lauding the force’s indomitable strength and unwavering readiness to confront any challenge. In a stirring post on X, the President celebrated the IAF’s legacy of courage, commitment, and excellence, emphasizing its pivotal role in safeguarding India’s skies and serving the nation during crises. The annual commemoration, observed on October 8, marks the establishment of the IAF in 1932 and honors the sacrifices of its air warriors.
“The Indian Air Force has consistently demonstrated unparalleled valor and dedication,” Murmu stated. “Our air warriors not only protect our sovereignty but also extend tireless service in humanitarian missions and disaster relief, earning the gratitude of the nation.” She highlighted the IAF’s multifaceted contributions, from securing India’s airspace with advanced assets like the Rafale jets and indigenous Tejas fighters to executing critical operations such as the 2023 Sudan evacuation, where the IAF airlifted 3,862 stranded citizens amidst conflict, per Ministry of Defence records.
The IAF, with its fleet of over 1,700 aircraft and 140,000 personnel, has evolved into a formidable force, ranking among the world’s top five air forces. Its modernization efforts, including the induction of 36 Rafale jets and the ongoing development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), underscore its strategic readiness. In 2025 alone, the IAF conducted over 10,000 sorties for border patrols and disaster response, including flood relief in Assam and Uttarakhand, delivering 2,500 metric tons of aid, according to official data.
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President Murmu’s message resonated across the nation, with ceremonies at air bases like Hindon and Sulur showcasing aerobatic displays by the Suryakiran team and tributes to fallen heroes. “The IAF’s legacy inspires pride and confidence,” she added, referencing its historic roles in conflicts like the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where it achieved air superiority in 72 hours, and recent counter-terrorism strikes like Balakot in 2019. She extended best wishes for the IAF’s future endeavors, emphasizing its role in India’s vision of a secure and self-reliant nation by 2047.
The tribute comes amid heightened regional tensions, with the IAF maintaining vigilance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following 2020’s Galwan clash. Defence analysts note the force’s strategic pivot, with 60% of its assets now oriented toward northern borders, per a 2025 DRDO report. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, also joined the chorus, saluting the IAF’s “sky guardians” on X, though debates persist over delayed modernization projects like the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender.
As India celebrates the IAF’s 93rd anniversary, Murmu’s words underscore a collective pride in a force that blends cutting-edge technology with selfless service. From Himalayan patrols to tsunami relief, the IAF’s wings carry a nation’s aspirations. With ongoing investments of ₹1.5 lakh crore in defence modernization, the force is poised to soar higher, ensuring India’s skies—and its future—remain secure.
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