Royal Indian Air Force
| Royal Indian Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1932–1950 |
| Country | India |
| Type | Air Force |
| Size | 25,000 personnel by VJ Day (1945) |
| Command | RAF India |
| Nickname(s) | RIAF |
| Motto(s) | "Per Ardua ad Astra" (Latin) (Through Adversity to the Stars) |
| Engagements | Notable operations |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel | |
| Fin flash | |
| Ensign | |
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The Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) was the aerial force of British India and later the Dominion of India. Along with the British Indian Army, and the 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.
The Indian Air Force was established in 1932 without the "Royal" prefix, unlike its counterparts in Australia and Canada. This was partly due to the existing presence of the Royal Air Force in India and concerns about command structures between RAF and IAF officers. The "Royal" title was conferred upon the IAF on 12 March 1945, recognising its service during World War II. Following India's transition to a republic on 26 January 1950, the prefix was dropped, and the force reverted to being the Indian Air Force.