| IAF Insignia |
The IAF had adopted the RAF uniforms , badges, brevets and insignia when it was formed in 1932 and has followed the same pattern till date. There were subtle changes, for when India went republic, the Royal Crown Insignia was replaced with the Ashoka Symbol of Saranath. The Khaki Uniform underwent a transformation into sky blue shirt/navy trousers combination in 1990. General rank Officers are wearing collar tabs with stars in the style of Army red collar tabs.
The crest of the IAF too underwent minor changes. Most significant besides the replacement of the Crown with the Ashoka Symbol was the inclusion in Devanagari Script the words "Bharatiya Vayu Sena" and the motto "Nabha Sparsham Deeptham".
Aircraft insignia followed the RAF pattern except for a short period after independence when the Ashoka Chakra markings were used briefly. Otherwise the RAF Roundel and Fin Flash markings along with RAF style serial numbers were implemented throughout.
Note: The Pictures of the IAF Brevets, and the RIAF Crest are from the book, The Flying Machines : Indian Air Force 1933 to 1999 by Vijay Seth. You can order the book by going to BR Book Store.
IAF BREVETS |
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| IAF Pilots wings, circa 1933. | IAF Pilots wings, circa 1942. The Crown replacing the star. |
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| IAF Pilots wings 1946. The letter 'R' added to signify the title 'Royal' | IAF Pilots wings 1950. Post Republic, The 'R' was dropped again and the Crown replaced with the Ashoka Symbol. |
IAF CREST |
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| Per Ardua Ad Astra (RIAF) | Nabha Sparsham Deeptham (IAF) |
IAF ROUNDELS |
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| IAF Roundels used during the period 1933-1942 in various sectors like the NWFP, Burma and India. | IAF Roundels used during the period 1942-45 in the Burma Sector. The Red Blob was removed to eliminate confusion with the Japanese Red Sun Emblem. |
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| The Interim Ashoka Chakra Insignia as used during the Hyderabad Deccan Operations. | The Saffron and Green IAF Roundels as adapted by the IAF after the declaration of the Republic in 1950. |