Grace, agility & might — IAF paints Sangam skies with aerial ballet on Air Force Day

IAF unveils new ensign reflecting its rich history & achievements. Over 100 aircraft took part in the celebrations which also saw ceremonial parade in Prayagraj.

Spectators during the 91st Air Force Day celebrations, in Prayagraj | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Prayagraj: Air Chief Marshal V.R Chaudhari unveiled the new ensign of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Sunday, as part of the Air Force Day celebrations. The new ensign replaces the old one that was in use for over 70 years.

The IAF was officially established on 8 October, 1932. It had earned the prefix “Royal” in March 1945 and became the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF), after its commendable performance and efficiency in World War 2. However, the prefix was dropped and the ensign was amended in 1950, when India became a Republic.

As the air force marked its 91st anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan greeted the air warriors and their families on the occasion. Singh praised the IAF as a “lethal and formidable force, projecting its air power beyond boundaries”.

“Best wishes to all air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. India is proud of the valour, commitment and dedication of the Indian Air Force. Their great service and sacrifice ensure our skies are safe,” the PM posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).

ThePrint’s Suraj Singh Bisht captured some glimpses from the Air Force Day.

IAF’s Akash Ganga team performs skydiving at Bamrauli headquarters of Central Air Command headquarters in Prayagraj on IAF’s 91st anniversary | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

‘Surya Kiran’, the aerobatic team of IAF, displays dazzling skills at the event | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

IAF’s Dakota vintage aircraft on display | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Air display over Sangam in Prayagraj | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The IAF’s first major transport aircraft, the Dakota DC-3, also known as the ‘Gooney Bird’, on display | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team’s display was all splendour | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

An IAF fighter jet paints the sky with flares in a stunning display of air power | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Thousands of people flock to Sangam Ghat to see the IAF’s air show, a showcase of air power and agility | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

IAF’s Chinook helicopter flies over Prayagraj as a sea of people watch in awe | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The sky is alive with the IAF’s air show as thousands of people gather at Sangam Ghat to witness the spectacle | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Air Force personnel perform at the Air Force Day parade in Prayagraj | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari inspects the Guard of Honour | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Air Force personnel march at the Air Force Day parade in Prayagraj | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The new IAF ensign unveiled by Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A burst of tricolour from IAF aircraft brightens the sky | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

IAF’s air show draws thousands of people to Sangam Ghat for a breathtaking display of aerial acrobatics | Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint