NEW DELHI: On Saturday, the Chief of Air Staff revealed the updated Indian Air Force (IAF) flag, signifying a momentous occasion in the history of the IAF and mirroring the evolving principles of the organisation.
The new IAF flag incorporates the Air Force Crest in the upper right corner, situated towards the end of the flag. This emblem showcases the national emblem, the Ashoka lion, along with the phrase “satyamev jayate” written in Devanagari script just below it.
Beneath the Ashoka lion, an eagle from the Himalayas with wings outstretched represents the IAF’s determined nature. Surrounding the eagle is a light blue ring bearing the inscription “Indian Air Force” in Devanagari. The IAF’s motto, “Nav Sparsh Diptam,” drawn from the Bhagavad Gita, can be translated as “Radiant Thou Touchest Heaven” or “Touching the sky with glory.”
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The IAF ensign has evolved over the years. Initially, it featured the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (Red, White, and Blue) on the fly side. However, following India’s independence, the ensign underwent a transformation, with the Union Jack being replaced by the Indian tricolour and the RAF roundels substituted with the IAF tri-color roundel in the lower right canton.
The updated flag symbolises the IAF’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s airspace and preserving its proud legacy, all while embracing contemporary advancements.