REPUBLIC OF INDIA
AIR FORCE FLAGS & PENNANTS SINCE 1947
The Royal Indian Air Force was granted a distinctive ensign in 1945: similar to the British RAF Ensign with the roundel in the fly placed over the Star of India. When India achieved independance as a Dominion within the British Empire, this ensign was retained, but when India declared itself a republic in 1950 it was replaced by an ensign with a canton of the Indian national flag and the new saffron (orange)/white/green Indian Air Force roundel vertically centered in the fly. In 2023 the ensign was modified by reducing the roundel in size, moving it to the lower fly, and placing the Indian Air Force badge over it.The design of the Presidential Colour of the IAF is based on that of the Sovereign's (King's or Queen's) Colour of the RAF.The elephant in the upper fly, representing strength and fortitude, was taken from the now-obsolete Presidential Standard (abolished in 1971).
The first IAF rank flags were copied from the RAF, with green and saffron in place of dark blue and red. These were replaced in 1980. Since only one officer in the rank of Air Chief Marshal serves on active duty at any given time, in the position of Chief of the Air Staff, the flag of that rank is also the positional flag of the COAS.The version adopted in 1980 was modified in 2023 by the addition of four stars in the fly. There is also a flag for the rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force, but only one officer has ever held that rank.
Flag Proportions: The IAF ensign has 1:2 proportions. Proportions of the Presidential Colour are 2:3 (plus fringe) and 2:3 for rank flags and pennants.and rank flags are 2:3.
Images Added August 2024
Royal Indian Air Force Ensign • Indian Air Force Ensign Since 2023 • Air Chief Marshal's Rank Flag Since 2023
