Indian Air Force (IAF) Day is celebrated annually on October 8 to commemorate the official establishment of the Indian Air Force in 1932. The day honours the bravery and dedication of air warriors, acknowledges the IAF’s historical achievements, showcases its modern capabilities and technological advancements, and inspires patriotism and potential careers in the force.
Operation Sindoor – Recent success of Indian Air Force (IAF)
Operation Sindoor was an Indian military operation conducted on May 7, 2025, in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was a series of precise strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation unfolded across land, air, and sea—a seamless demonstration of synergy between the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in delivering precision strikes against terror infrastructure across Pakistan. It conducted high-impact air operations on targets such as the Nur Khan Air Base and the Rahimyar Khan Air Base, with visual evidence of damage presented during official briefings. The Air Force’s robust air defence environment proved pivotal in protecting Indian airspace during retaliatory drone and UAV attacks from across the border.
What does the IAF Logo mean?
On Indian Air Force Day, let’s take a look into the meaning of the Indian Air Force Logo. The Indian Air Force (IAF) unveiled a new ensign on October 8, 2023, which includes the IAF crest on the top-right corner of the flag. The IAF crest is a comprehensive emblem that encapsulates the core values and aspirations of the Indian Air Force, serving as a symbol of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement for its members.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) logo, or crest, features the Ashoka Lion, symbolizing truth and righteousness, above a Himalayan eagle with outstretched wings, representing the IAF’s fighting spirit. The words “सत्यमेव जयते” (Truth Alone Triumphs) are inscribed below the lion, and the motto “नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम् – Touching the Sky with Glory” is beneath the eagle, signifying aspiration and greatness. A light blue ring encircling the eagle bears the words “भारतीय वायु सेना” (Indian Air Force), identifying the branch and reinforcing its role in protecting the skies.
Design of the new IAF logo
Indian tricolor: The Indian flag is displayed in the upper left canton.
IAF crest: The IAF crest is prominently featured on the top-right, fly side of the flag.
Ashoka lion and motto: The crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, at the top with the words “सत्यमेव जयते” (Satyameva Jayate) underneath it.
Himalayan eagle: Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, symbolizing the fighting qualities of the IAF.
“Bharatiya Vayu Sena”: A light blue ring encircles the eagle, with the words “भारतीय वायु सेना” (Bharatiya Vayu Sena) inscribed on it.
“Touch the Sky with Glory”: The IAF motto, “नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्” (Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Deeptam), is written in golden Devanagari script below the eag
What do the Key Elements in the IAF logo represent?
Ashoka Lion: The lion capital from the national symbol, representing India’s commitment to truth and righteousness.
“सत्यमेव जयते” (Satyamev Jayate): The national motto inscribed beneath the Ashoka Lion, meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs”.
Himalayan Eagle: A powerful symbol of the IAF’s indomitable spirit, strength, and fighting qualities, with its wings spread wide.
“नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्” (Nabhah Sprusham Deeptam): The IAF’s motto, taken from the Bhagavad Gita, meaning “Touching the Sky with Glory,” inspiring a sense of ambition and achievement.
Light Blue Ring: A ring in the colour of the sky, with the words “भारतीय वायु सेना” (Indian Air Force), signifying the guardians of the Indian skies.
How the IAF Ensign (Logo) evolved over time?
Pre-1950: The Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) used the Royal Air Force (RAF) ensign, which featured the Union Jack in the top-left canton.
1950–2023: After India’s independence, the Union Jack was replaced by the Indian tri-color, and the RAF roundel was replaced by the IAF tri-color roundel.
October 2023: The IAF ensign was redesigned to better reflect its values by including the IAF Crest in the top-right corner.