Air Force Day 2025: From the Sky to Space—Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Story

A Day of Honour and High Ambition

Every year on October 8, India celebrates Indian Air Force (IAF) Day. In 2025, the 93rd anniversary was a time to celebrate the IAF’s history, its current strength, and its big plans for the future—plans that now reach beyond Earth.

The main person leading the celebration this year was Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He is a decorated IAF test pilot who became an astronaut. His journey perfectly shows how the IAF is moving forward. Shukla used the day to give heartfelt thanks to the force that he says gave him “more than wings.”

Shubhanshu Shukla: A Pilot Who Flew to the Stars

“Every 8th of October is deeply personal to me,” shared Shukla. His path is a great example of courage and drive. He went from being a cadet to flying some of India’s most powerful jets. Now, he’s traveled into space.

Shukla has spent over 2,000 hours flying, mastering advanced fighter planes like the MiG-29, Jaguar, and Su-30MKI. His move from being a test pilot to an astronaut highlights India’s growing strength in aerospace and space travel.

He made history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom Mission 4. This mission showed the perfect connection between India’s military air power and its new space goals.

“The Air Force Gave Me More Than Wings”

In a touching message, Shukla shared his deep thanks to the IAF:

“The Indian Air Force gave me more than wings. It gave me brotherhood, a sense of mission, and the honour of serving our nation with every heartbeat.”

He explained that serving in the Air Force builds a strong character that lasts forever. He also updated the IAF’s famous motto: “While safeguarding our skies, the Air Force builds character that stays long after the uniform is folded away. Our motto has always been ‘Touch the sky with glory.’ Today, it’s becoming ‘Touch the sky and space with glory.’”

His words perfectly captured the IAF’s change: from simply protecting the nation’s sky to leading India’s move into space.

Air Force Day 2025: Honouring the 93rd Anniversary

The 93rd Air Force Day was celebrated with great pride and emotion at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad.

Paying Respects to Fallen Heroes

The day began with a serious ceremony at the National War Memorial. The heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force stood together to honor India’s heroes who died for the nation.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, along with the other military chiefs, laid wreaths. They saluted the powerful spirit of those who sacrificed their lives. The President of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent their warmest wishes to all Air Warriors and their families, thanking them for their service.

Operation Sindoor: A Show of Modern Air Power

This year’s event specially recognized Operation Sindoor, a major mission that proved India’s skill and accuracy in the air.

A Defining Moment

Operation Sindoor took place in May 2025 following a terror attack. The IAF launched accurate air strikes on nine terrorist camps deep inside enemy territory. They used advanced systems and India’s own, home-grown aircraft and weapons.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh called it a “shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning, disciplined training, and determined execution.” The operation proved that India’s self-made defense technology is accurate and highly effective in real-life missions.

Serving Humanity: Operation Sindhu

The Indian Air Force doesn’t just fight; it also helps people. In June 2025, the IAF completed Operation Sindhu, a key mission to evacuate hundreds of Indian citizens from dangerous conflict zones abroad.

Despite the highly risky conditions, the IAF personnel finished the mission with great care, speed, and compassion. This successful operation reinforced the Air Force’s deep commitment to saving lives around the world.

Spectacular Parade: A Display of Strength

The main show at Hindon Air Base included a grand ceremonial parade that was watched by people across the country.

Highlights of the Air Display

Powerful jets like the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29 thundered through the sky, saluting years of sacrifice.

The parade also showed off India’s own technology, including the Netra AEW&C (an airborne radar system) and the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System. Large transport planes like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules were on display, too, showcasing India’s ability to move troops and supplies. Attack helicopters like the Apache were also part of the display.

The parade was also a farewell to the famous MiG-21 Bison, which retired after over six decades of amazing service, marking the end of an important era in Indian aviation history.

The Future of Indian Air Power

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh spoke about the importance of the Air Warriors’ discipline and dedication. He stressed that India’s strength in the air comes not just from technology but from the human spirit behind the machines.

The celebrations weren’t just about the past; they pointed toward a confident future. The IAF is now focusing on making more defense equipment in India, working more closely with space programs, and investing in advanced drone and AI technology. The goal is to become a global leader in aerospace.As astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla so perfectly put it, “Even the sky is not the limit anymore.” His journey from the cockpit to the cosmos embodies India’s next big chapter—one where the Air Force’s wings extend all the way into space.