Air Force Day 2026: President Murmu leads nation in commemorating IAF’s 94th anniversary

New Delhi: The president, Droupadi Murmu on Thursday led national greetings to air warriors, veterans and their families as the Indian Air Force marked its 94th Raising Day, praising its exemplary service, professionalism, discipline and preparedness. She said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the “courage, precision and operational preparedness” of India’s air warriors in safeguarding national security, while also recognizing the force’s contribution during disasters and humanitarian crises.

In a post on X, Murmu greeted air warriors, veterans and their families, saying: “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. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the courage, precision and operational preparedness of our air warriors in safeguarding the nation’s security.

They have also extended valuable assistance during disasters and humanitarian crises. Their dedication remains a source of inspiration and pride for the nation. May the Indian Air Force continue to uphold its proud legacy of service and excellence.”
The vice-president, CP Radhakrishnan, praised the IAF’s valour, professionalism and “unwavering devotion to duty”, saying these continued to safeguard India’s sovereignty. He also highlighted its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief role during crises.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi, shared a video of the Indian Air Force on X and focused his message on the personnel protecting India’s skies. “India is proud of our Air Warriors. On Air Force Day, we salute their courage and commitment to protect our skies!” he said.

The home minister, Amit Shah, paid tribute to IAF personnel and those killed in the line of duty, describing air warriors as “real-life bravehearts” and praising what he called their valour, precision and striking capabilities.

Operation Sindoor, combat readiness in focusThe chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, said on the eve of Air Force Day that Operation Sindoor had reaffirmed the importance of integrated air operations and demonstrated the IAF’s ability to defend the country’s sovereignty. He cited Exercise Vayushakti, bilateral exercises, Dronathon and the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti as key activities through which the force was testing combat readiness and incorporating niche technologies into operational plans.

Addressing the ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Hindan on Thursday, Singh said Operation Sindoor had shown how rapidly the IAF could move into combat and stressed the importance of remaining prepared for operational missions. The three service chiefs, senior military officers and former IAF chiefs attended the celebrations, which also featured Rafale, Su-30MKI and Jaguar fighters, helicopters and air defence systems on static display.

This year’s theme is “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.” The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, while No. 1 Squadron became its first operational squadron the following year.

The anniversary comes as the force pursues modernization while facing a shortage in fighter strength. Air chief Marshal, Singh said ahead of Air Force Day that the IAF currently has 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5 and needs faster aircraft induction to rebuild combat mass, as RNA Media reported earlier.

The wider anniversary period also coincides with Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur, where seven foreign air forces are participating with combat, transport and refuelling aircraft. The exercise runs from September 26 to October 12 and forms part of the IAF’s continuing emphasis on interoperability and operational training, as RNA Media reported earlier.

Across the leadership messages and the Air Force Day programme, the focus remained on honouring the service and sacrifice of air warriors while highlighting operational preparedness, technological adaptation and the IAF’s role in both national security and humanitarian response.