Royal Indian Air Force
Aerial warfare branch of British India's military / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article is about the air force of the British ruled India (1932–1947) and the air force of the Dominion of India (1947–1950). For the current air force of the Republic of India, see Indian Air Force. For the current air force of Pakistan, see Pakistan Air Force.
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.
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Royal Indian Air Force | |
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Active | 1932–1950 |
Country | India |
Type | Air Force |
Size | 25,000 personnel by VJ Day (1945)[1] |
Command | RAF India |
Nickname(s) | RIAF |
Motto(s) | "Per Ardua ad Astra" (Latin) (Through Adversity to the Stars) |
Engagements | Notable operations |
Commanders | |
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Roundel | |
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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.