Indian Air Force founded in 1932, launches first operational flight in 1933
The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932 and conducted its first operational flight on 1 April 1933.
Its initial unit at Karachi's Drigh Road comprised six RAF‑trained officers, 19 Hawai Sepoys and four Westland Wapiti biplanes that formed the nucleus of No. 1 Squadron moved to Westland Lysanders, while No. 3 Squadrons operated Audax aircraft before introducing Hurricanes, and by the end of 1942 the IAF was operating five squadrons.