Air Force Day 2026: PM Modi Salutes Air Warriors, Praises Courage to Protect India’s Skies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to the Indian Air Force on Air Force Day, saluting the courage and commitment of the country’s air warriors. In a post on X, Modi said India is proud of its Air Warriors and thanked them for protecting the nation’s skies.

“India is proud of our Air Warriors. On Air Force Day, we salute their courage and commitment to protect our skies!” the Prime Minister said.

‘India Is Proud of Our Air Warriors’

India is proud of our Air Warriors.

On Air Force Day, we salute their courage and commitment to protect our skies! https://t.co/ZiPJOlVd2C

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2026

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Indian Air Force Personnel

The Prime Minister’s message came as India observed Air Force Day on October 8. The day commemorates the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 8, 1932. Air Force Day is marked each year to recognise the contribution of IAF personnel in safeguarding India’s airspace and supporting the country’s national security.

Indian Air Force Marks 94th Anniversary

Air Force Day 2026 marks the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.” The celebrations this year also come amid the IAF’s participation in major operational and multinational exercises. Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, being conducted from September 26 to October 12, includes participation from Australia, the United States, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

IAF Highlights Operational Readiness

In his message ahead of Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said the IAF remains prepared to protect the country with alertness and firm commitment. He also highlighted exercises and operational initiatives, including Vayushakti, Dronathon and Tarang Shakti, as part of efforts to strengthen combat readiness and incorporate new technologies into the force’s operational capabilities. The Indian Air Force has also continued to play a role beyond combat operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief missions during crises.

Air Force Day: A Look at IAF’s History

The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. Its first operational flight took place in April 1933, with the force initially comprising a small number of personnel and aircraft. Over the decades, the IAF has evolved into a modern air force with fighter aircraft, transport platforms, helicopters, air-defence systems and other advanced capabilities. It has participated in major conflicts and operations and has undertaken humanitarian missions both within India and abroad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2026 08:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).