IAF 94th Air Force Day: President Murmu, VP Radhakrishnan hail air warriors
Synopsis
India’s 94th Air Force Day saw the President and Vice-President both invoke Operation Sindoor as a defining moment of IAF valour, even as the Suryakiran aerobatic team takes to the skies over Jodhpur alongside Tarang Shakti 2026 — a twin signal of combat pride and growing indigenous air power.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C.P.
Radhakrishnan extended greetings to IAF personnel on 8 October 2026 , the force’s 94th Raising Day .
President Murmu specifically cited Operation Sindoor as proof of the IAF’s ‘courage, precision and operational preparedness.’ The Suryakiran aerobatic display at Jodhpur Air Force Station is the centrepiece of this year’s celebrations, held alongside Tarang Shakti 2026 .
The IAF was established in 1932 ; its first operational squadron was raised in 1933 .
Since Independence, the IAF has participated in the 1947–48 J&K operations , the 1965 and 1971 wars , and the Kargil conflict .
On the occasion of the 94th Air Force Day on 8 October 2026, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan extended warm greetings to all air warriors, veterans, and their families, commending the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its unwavering service, professionalism, and operational readiness. The day also marks the 94th Raising Day of the IAF, which was established in 1932 during the British colonial period.
President Murmu's Message
President Droupadi Murmu, in a post on social media platform X, said: “Greetings to all air warriors, veterans and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force has rendered exemplary service to the nation, upholding high standards of professionalism, discipline and preparedness.”
Murmu specifically highlighted Operation Sindoor, stating it “demonstrated the courage, precision and operational preparedness of our air warriors in safeguarding the nation’s security.” She also acknowledged the IAF’s contributions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, calling the force’s dedication “a source of inspiration and pride for the nation.”
Vice-President Radhakrishnan's Tribute
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan also conveyed his greetings to IAF personnel and their families, saying: “The IAF’s valour, professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty continue to safeguard our sovereignty and inspire the nation.”
Radhakrishnan underscored the force’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, noting it “reflects its steadfast commitment to serving humanity in times of crisis.” He expressed confidence that the IAF would “continue to soar to greater heights and remain steadfast in the service of the Nation.”
Celebrations at Jodhpur: Suryakiran and Tarang Shakti 2026
The 94th anniversary is being marked with a major Suryakiran aerial display at Jodhpur Air Force Station, held alongside the flagship exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. The event serves as a showcase of India’s air power, advanced aircraft, operational capabilities, and growing indigenous defence technology.
Notably, this year’s celebrations carry added weight following Operation Sindoor, which the President cited as a defining demonstration of the IAF’s combat readiness and precision.
The IAF’s Journey: From 1932 to the Present
The Indian Air Force was formally established in 1932, with its first operational unit, No. 1 Squadron, formed in 1933. After Independence in 1947, the IAF has been central to several critical military operations, including the 1947–48 Jammu and Kashmir operations, the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Kargil conflict, and subsequent counter-terrorism operations.
Air Force Day is observed every year on 8 October to commemorate the IAF’s founding and to recognise the courage and contributions of its personnel in protecting India’s airspace and supporting national security. As the IAF enters its 95th year, the focus increasingly turns to its indigenous capabilities and multi-domain operational readiness.
Point of View
In form, ceremonial — but the explicit invocation of Operation Sindoor by the head of state is a deliberate political signal, not a ritual flourish. Linking a constitutional office’s Air Force Day message to a specific recent military operation underscores how Sindoor has been absorbed into the national security narrative at the highest level. Meanwhile, the pairing of the Suryakiran display with Tarang Shakti 2026 reflects the IAF’s dual ambition: projecting legacy prestige while accelerating indigenous capability. The real metric to watch is not the aerobatics, but how quickly the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA programmes translate aspiration into operational squadrons.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Indian Air Force Day celebrated and why?
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on 8 October to commemorate the founding of the IAF in 1932 . The day honours the courage and contributions of IAF personnel in protecting India’s airspace and supporting national security.
What did President Murmu say on the 94th Air Force Day?
President Droupadi Murmu praised the IAF for its professionalism and cited Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the force’s courage, precision and operational preparedness. She posted her message on social media platform X.
What events mark the 94th IAF Raising Day celebrations?
The 94th Raising Day is being celebrated with a Suryakiran aerobatic display at Jodhpur Air Force Station , held alongside the defence exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 . The events showcase India’s air power, advanced aircraft, and growing indigenous defence capabilities.
What is Operation Sindoor, referenced in the Air Force Day messages?
Operation Sindoor is a military operation cited by President Murmu as evidence of the IAF’s ‘courage, precision and operational preparedness in safeguarding the nation’s security.’ The President’s explicit mention signals the operation’s significance in current national security discourse.
What is the history of the Indian Air Force?
The Indian Air Force was established in 1932 during the British colonial period, with No. 1 Squadron formed in 1933 . Since Independence, the IAF has participated in the 1947–48 J&K operations , the 1965 and 1971 wars , the Kargil conflict , and various counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations.
