Indian Air Force gets new flag, unveiled in Air Force Day program

Indian Air Force Day: Indian Air Force is celebrating its 91st Foundation Day. On this occasion, a major change has taken place in the Indian Air Force. Today the Air Force has got its new identity. The Air Force has changed its flag from today. The new flag was unveiled today on 8 October in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Here Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary unveiled the new flag. Along with this, the Air Force showed its strength to the world here. The fleet of aircraft, including several fighter aircraft, took off, showcasing why the Indian Air Force is one of the finest in the world.

How was the flag of the Air Force earlier?

Going back in history, the Air Force flag consisted of the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (red, white and blue) on the fly side. After independence, the flag of the Indian Air Force was created by replacing the Union Jack in the lower right canton with the Indian Tri Color and the RAF roundels with the IAF Tri Color roundel. Now a new flag has been created to better express the values of the Indian Air Force. The upper right corner of the ensign will now be reflected by the inclusion of the Air Force crest on the fly side.

VIDEO | New Indian Air Force ensign unveiled by Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari during the 91st anniversary day celebrations of Indian Air Force (IAF) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/6yG5ffqv8p

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 8, 2023

What changes were made in the new flag?

The IAF crest has the national emblem Ashok Singh at the top and the words "Satyamev Jayate" in Devanagari below it. Below the Ashok Singh is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, signifying the fighting qualities of the Indian Air Force. A light blue ring surrounds the Himalayan eagle, with the words "Indian Air Force" written on it. The motto of the Indian Air Force "Nabhah Sprisham Deeptam" is inscribed in golden Devanagari letters below the Himalayan eagle. The motto of the IAF is taken from Chapter 11 Verse 24 of the Bhagavad Gita and means "To touch the sky with splendour".

A momentous day in the annals of #IAFHistory.

On the sidelines of the Annual Air Force Day Parade conducted today morning, the CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari unveiled the new #IAF ensign.
Read more at https://t.co/dUMkfkl0qV#AirForceDay2023#91stAnniversary… pic.twitter.com/UBVAJlBpgR

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 8, 2023

IAF's MiG-21 fighter aircraft took part in the IAF Day flypast over the Sangam in Prayagraj for the last time this year. Around 110 aircraft participated in the flypast, including the IAF's latest C-295 transport aircraft. The aerial display included Rafale, Sukhoi-30s, Mirage-2000s, MiG-29s, Jaguar, LCA Tejas, C-17s, C-130Js, IL-76s, AN-32s, Chinooks, Apaches and Hawks.