IAF Day 2026: Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi salute air warriors on 94th Raising Day
Synopsis
On the IAF’s 94th Raising Day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended tributes to air warriors, while Jodhpur Air Force Station hosted a Suryakiran aerial display alongside Tarang Shakti 2026 — underscoring the force’s nine-decade evolution from a colonial-era squadron to a formidable modern strategic force.
Key Takeaways
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended greetings on Indian Air Force Day, 8 October 2026 .
The Indian Air Force marks its 94th Raising Day , having been established on 8 October 1932 .
A major Suryakiran aerial display is being held at Jodhpur Air Force Station alongside Tarang Shakti 2026 .
The IAF’s first operational unit, No.
1 Squadron , was raised in 1933 ; the force has since served in the 1965, 1971 wars, and the Kargil conflict .
Air Force Day also serves as a showcase for India’s advancing indigenous defence technology and air power capabilities.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on 8 October 2026 extended warm greetings to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel on the occasion of Air Force Day, honouring the force's 94th Raising Day with praise for its valour, professionalism, and commitment to national defence. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also saluted the air warriors on the occasion.
What Leaders Said
Kharge offered tribute in terms that went beyond ceremony. “On the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, my warm greetings to our courageous air warriors, serving personnel, veterans and their families. With exceptional valour, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to duty, the men and women of the IAF have defended our skies and served the nation with distinction,” he said.
He added: “From safeguarding India during times of conflict to providing vital assistance during humanitarian crises, the Indian Air Force has always risen to the occasion. We salute their service and sacrifice and take immense pride in the IAF’s remarkable legacy and its continuing journey as a formidable, modern strategic force.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed the sentiment: “On Indian Air Force Day, I salute our brave air warriors who protect our skies with exemplary courage, discipline and dedication. Jai Hind.”
Significance of the 94th Raising Day
The Indian Air Force was formally established on 8 October 1932 during the British colonial period. Its first operational unit, No. 1 Squadron, was raised in 1933. Since Independence in 1947, the IAF has been central to several defining military operations — from the 1947–48 Jammu and Kashmir operations and the 1965 and 1971 wars to the Kargil conflict and subsequent counter-terrorism missions.
Air Force Day serves not only as a commemoration but also as a platform to showcase India’s growing air power, advanced aircraft, and the expanding footprint of indigenous defence technology.
Suryakiran Display and Tarang Shakti 2026
This year’s 94th anniversary is being marked with a major Suryakiran aerial display at Jodhpur Air Force Station, held alongside the high-profile Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise. The Suryakiran aerobatics team, known for its precision flying, draws large crowds and symbolises the IAF’s operational excellence and display capability.
IAF’s Evolving Role
Beyond combat, the IAF has built a significant record in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, deploying swiftly during floods, earthquakes, and other national emergencies. This dual mandate — strategic deterrence and civilian support — has shaped the force’s identity over nine decades. As India accelerates its indigenous defence push under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework, the IAF’s modernisation trajectory, including induction of next-generation platforms, remains a priority for national security planners.
The greetings from across the political spectrum on the 94th Raising Day reflect a rare moment of cross-party consensus around the armed forces, even as defence policy debates continue in Parliament.
Point of View
India’s most ambitious multilateral air exercise to date — yet the tributes remain politically safe and strategically shallow. What is missing from the discourse is substantive engagement with the IAF’s pressing capability gaps: delays in fighter jet inductions, the slow pace of the AMCA programme, and the force’s dwindling squadron strength. Cross-party praise is welcome, but accountability on defence modernisation timelines would be more meaningful than ceremonial salutes.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Indian Air Force Day celebrated on 8 October?
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on 8 October every year to mark the establishment of the IAF on 8 October 1932 during the British colonial period. It honours the courage, professionalism, and contributions of IAF personnel in protecting India’s airspace.
What is being held on the IAF’s 94th Raising Day in 2026?
The 94th Raising Day is being marked with a major Suryakiran aerobatics display at Jodhpur Air Force Station, held alongside the Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise. The event showcases India’s air power, advanced aircraft, and indigenous defence technology.
What did Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge say on Air Force Day?
Kharge praised the IAF’s ‘exceptional valour, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty,’ noting the force’s role both in conflict and humanitarian crises. He called the IAF a ‘formidable, modern strategic force’ and saluted the service and sacrifice of its personnel.
What is the history of the Indian Air Force?
The IAF was established on 8 October 1932 during British rule, with its first operational unit — No. 1 Squadron — formed in 1933. After Independence, the force served in the 1947–48 Jammu and Kashmir operations, the 1965 and 1971 wars, and the Kargil conflict, among other missions.
Who is Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and what did she say on Air Force Day?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is a Congress Member of Parliament. On Air Force Day 2026, she said: ‘I salute our brave air warriors who protect our skies with exemplary courage, discipline and dedication. Jai Hind.’
