Royal Indian Air Force

Royal Indian Air Force
Active1932–1950
CountryIndia
 British India
 Dominion of India
TypeAir Force
Size25,000 personnel by VJ Day (1945)[1]
CommandRAF India
Nickname(s)RIAF
Motto(s)"Per Ardua ad Astra" (Latin)
(Through Adversity to the Stars)
Engagements
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign

The Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) was the aerial force of British India and later the Dominion of India. Along with the Indian Army, and Royal Indian Navy, it was one of the Armed Forces of British Indian Empire.

The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932. Its first flight came into being on 1 April 1933 with six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers). The aircraft inventory consisted of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road, Karachi as the "A" Flight nucleus of the planned No.1 (Army Co-operation) Squadron.

  1. ^ "Royal Indian Air Force". RAF Museum. Retrieved 12 May 2020.