The Indian Air Force has always been an inspiration for the whole nation. From its inception in 1933 till now, the Indian Air Force has numerous stories of valour and great courage. They protect the Indian skies by all means. Here is a list of things which we think everyone should know.

1. It never engaged the Pakistani Air Force in the 1947 war

Yes! This is true. But then it was always instrumental in transporting troops of Indian Army and Air Support.

 

2. The IAF is the fourth largest air force in the world

It has around 1,17,000 personnel and a lethal sky army of 1500 air crafts. The IAF is the fourth largest air force after US, China and Russia.

 

3. The motto of the IAF is taken from the Bhagavad Gita

The motto Nabha Sparsham Deepatham has been taken from the 11th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita which describes how Lord Krishna showed his divine form to Arjuna.

 

4. The IAF Museum in New Delhi

The IAF has its own museum in New Delhi which showcases a rare collection of all the achievements and memories and displays the entire history of the Indian Air Force.

 

5. The protectors of the Siachen Glacier

The IAF has taken the charge of protecting the freezing Siachen Glacier which is known to be the highest battlefield at a height of 5000 metres above the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

 

6. An outstation base in Tajikistan

The IAF has an out-station base in Tajikistan and is planning to make another in Afghanistan.

 

7. IAF’s Operation Rahat (2013)

IAF had carried out an operation with the name Operation Rahat which is considered to be one of the biggest civilian operations ever carried out in the world, to save the civilians trapped in the North India floods.