Historic Milestone: GP Capt. Shaliza Dhami Commands First Air Force Day Parade
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari Unveils New IAF Ensign on 91st Air Force Day” – X-Indian Air Force
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari marked a historic moment on Sunday by unveiling a new ensign of the Indian Air Force (IAF), replacing the existing one that had been in use for over seven decades.
The unveiling ceremony took place during the 91st IAF Day celebrations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This significant change in the ensign comes over 72 years after the last update was made, aligning it with the IAF’s core values.
“On this historic day of October 8, the Chief of Air Staff has unveiled the new IAF ensign,” stated the IAF.
The new ensign prominently features the Indian Air Force crest in the top right corner, representing a symbolic shift in the organization’s identity.
The IAF, officially established on October 8, 1932, underwent changes in its name and ensign over the years. It was initially designated as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) in 1945 due to its commendable performance during World War II. However, in 1950, following India’s transition to a republic, the “Royal” prefix was dropped, and the ensign was modified to incorporate the Indian tricolour in place of the Union Jack.
The new IAF ensign has been designed to better reflect the values of the Indian Air Force. It features the IAF crest with the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, and the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ in Devanagari below it. Additionally, a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, signifying the IAF’s fighting spirit, is positioned below the Ashoka lion. A light blue ring encircles the Himalayan eagle, bearing the words ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena.’ Below the Himalayan eagle, the IAF motto, derived from the Bhagavad Gita, reads, “Touch the Sky with the Glory.”
The Air Force Day parade and air display were held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were among the top military officials in attendance.
This year’s parade held special significance as Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, a female officer and a helicopter pilot, led the Indian Air Force Day parade at the Air Force station Bamrauli in Prayagraj. Earlier in the year, Captain Dhami became the first woman to command a frontline combat unit in the IAF, heading a missile squadron in the western sector.
In his address to air warriors, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari emphasized the need to refine the IAF’s strategy, enhance its capabilities, and cultivate a flexible mindset to address the challenges of the current complex and dynamic strategic environment. He urged the force to reduce its dependency on imports by developing indigenous capabilities and adapt to evolving air power dynamics.
“In this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building robust all-round capabilities, and more importantly, developing a flexible mindset to prosecute future wars will prove decisive,” stated Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari during the event.
The unveiling of the new ensign and the IAF Day celebrations underscore the commitment of the Indian Air Force to uphold its traditions while embracing modernization and inclusivity in the ranks.
