New Ensign of Indian Air Force

Why is in news? Chief of Defence Staff extends greetings to air warriors, veterans & their families on 92nd Indian Air Force Day

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has extended greetings and felicitation to all air warriors, veterans and their families on the 92nd Indian Air Force (IAF) Day on October 08, 2023.

This momentous occasion marks nearly a century of unwavering dedication and unparalleled service of the IAF to the nation.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also pay homage to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Their courage, valour and dedication continue to inspire generations of Indians.

The Chief of the Air Staff unveiled a new Ensign for the force, as it marked its 92nd anniversary, by the inclusion of the Air Force Crest in the top right corner of the Ensign, towards the fly side.

This year, the Air Force Day parade was held at the Air Force Station, Bamrauli in Prayagraj.

The air display held in the afternoon on the banks of the Triveni Sangam, saw a few lakh people turn up to watch the aerial manoeuvres.

The theme for this year’s Air Force Day was “IAF — air power beyond boundaries”.

This is the first Air Force Day Parade to be commanded by a woman officer, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami.

She is also the first woman officer of the IAF to command a combat unit.

The parade had an all-woman contingent of newly inducted Agniveer Vayu personnel.

About the ensign:

Explaining the new Ensign, a statement said the IAF Crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, on the top with the words Satyameva Jayate in Devanagari below it.

Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, denoting the fighting qualities of the IAF, it stated, adding, “A ring in light blue colour encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’ and the motto of the IAF is inscribed below Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.”