The skies have changed, so has IAF's mission: 94 years of India's air power
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 94th anniversary while navigating challenges regarding its fighter squadron strength. The force is currently modernizing its fleet with indigenous and imported aircraft to maintain its role in national defense and strategic deterrence.
Why it matters
As the world's fourth-largest air force, the IAF's operational readiness is critical to regional security and India's defense capabilities.
The Indian Air Force was raised on October 8, 1932, on the recommendation of the Skeen Committee, which had been set up to look into demands for the Indianisation of the Army. Its first squadron, the Tigers, came a few months later on April 1, 1933, at Drigh Road in Karachi, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots, a sixth having been moved to a logistics role. One of those five, Subroto Mukherjee, went on to become the first Indian chief of the air force.
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