Archive · 9 Oct 2026
IAF Marks 94th Air Force Day, Singh Stresses Readiness
The Indian Air Force celebrated its 94th birthday with a parade in Ghaziabad.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the force is becoming more prepared and capable.
He said its people are especially important, not just its planes and equipment.
He also said air power can help protect a country’s interests.
Singh pointed to Operation Sindoor as an example of the IAF acting quickly.
The event included aircraft displays and helicopters flying in formation.
Singh arrived in a car from the 1960s.
He is due to leave his job on October 31, and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is to take over.
The Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary on October 8, 2026, with a parade and displays at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the IAF had become a network-centric, multi-domain force and that its operational readiness was improving.
Singh said air power is central to protecting national interests and that preparedness—not advanced equipment alone—measures an air force’s strength.
Citing Operation Sindoor, he highlighted the IAF’s speed of combat operations, precision-strike and air-defence capabilities.
The event featured aircraft and equipment displays, helicopter flypasts and a vintage-car arrival; Singh is due to retire on October 31, with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named as his successor.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force and its chief, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
- What
- The IAF celebrated its 94th anniversary with a parade, displays and remarks on readiness and air power.
- When
- October 8, 2026.
- Where
- Hindan Air Base, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Air Force Day commemorates the establishment of the force and the sacrifices of its air warriors.
Emphasis on equipment
Emphasis on readiness and personnel
What makes an air force strong
Emphasis on equipment
The event showcased advanced aircraft, weapons and air-defence systems as examples of the IAF’s capabilities.
Emphasis on readiness and personnel
Singh said equipment and technology are tools, and that operational preparedness and air warriors are the true sources of strength.
- Occasion
- 94th Air Force Day
- Date
- October 8, 2026
- Venue
- Hindan Air Base, Ghaziabad
- IAF chief
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh
- Aircraft and helicopters displayed
- Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, Tejas, LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv were named across the reports
- Other displayed systems
- Reports named BrahMos, Akash and the Rohini radar system
- Singh's retirement date
- October 31
- Named successor
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Sources
IAF has evolved into exceptional, network-centric force: Chief
IAF has grown into exceptional, network-centric force: Air Chief Marshal Singh
IAF has evolved into exceptional, network-centric force: Air Chief Marshal Singh
Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh calls IAF 'multi-domain force', hails drones, AI and niche tech
