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 | RIAF |
| Mottos | "Per Ardua ad Astra" (Latin) (Through Adversity to the Stars) |
| Engagements | Notable operations |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel | |
| Fin flash | |
| Ensign | |
The Indian Air Force (1932–1945) and the Royal Indian Air Force (1945–1950) were the air forces of British India. Granted the 'Royal' prefix in March 1945 during the final months of the Second World War, the Royal Indian Air Force continued as the air force of the Dominion of India until it became a republic in 1950, when the Indian president became India's head of state; replacing the British monarch. It was replaced by the Indian Air Force thereafter.
Alongside the Indian Army and the Royal Indian Navy, it comprised the armed forces of British India and the Dominion of India between 1932 and 1950.
The Royal Indian Air Force's 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.