October 8
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Day is celebrated every year on October 8. Recently, the 84th anniversary of the IAF has been celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla near Pune on October 8, 2016 .The IAF is the world’s 4th largest air force with a primary responsibility to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict. It was officially established on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during World War II. After India became independent from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force served the Dominion of India, with the prefix being dropped when India became a republic in 1950.