Indian Air Force Unveils New Ensign to Reflect Its Values
A momentous day etched in the history of the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it proudly unveils its new ensign on October 8, 2023, under the leadership of the Chief of Air Staff.
Tracing back to its roots, the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) ensign featured the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel in Red, White, and Blue on the fly side. Following India’s independence, the IAF ensign was created, replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tricolor and the RAF roundels with the IAF’s tricolor roundel in the lower right canton.
Today, a new IAF ensign emerges, carefully designed to better embody the values and spirit of the Indian Air Force. This reaffirmation is manifested through the inclusion of the Air Force Crest in the top right corner of the ensign, towards the fly side.
The IAF Crest adorns the ensign with the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, positioned at the top, accompanied by the words “सत्यमेव जयते” in Devanagari, symbolizing the pursuit of truth. Beneath the Ashoka lion stands a Himalayan eagle, its wings outstretched, representing the indomitable fighting qualities of the IAF. Encircling the Himalayan eagle is a light blue ring bearing the words “भारतीय वायु सेना,” signifying the Indian Air Force.
Engraved below the Himalayan eagle, in golden Devanagari, is the IAF motto, “नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्,” drawn from verse 24, Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita. It translates to “Radiant Thou Touchest Heaven,” or, in simpler terms, “Touching the sky with Glory.”
This new ensign serves as a powerful symbol of the IAF’s commitment to its core values and its unwavering dedication to soaring to new heights while defending the nation’s skies.
