About Indian Air Force (IAF) Ensign:
- Only the IAF Crest will be incorporated into the new IAF Ensign.
- This crest prominently features the national symbol, the Ashoka Lion, at the top, with the words "Satyamev Jayate" in Devanagari script below it.
- Beneath the Ashoka Lion is a Himalayan eagle with outstretched wings, symbolising the fighting spirit of the IAF.
- A ring in light blue colour encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words “Indian Air Force".
- The IAF motto, derived from the Bhagavad Gita, "Nabha Sparsham Deeptam", meaning "touching the sky with glory," is inscribed below the Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.
- IAF crest symbolises the source of inspiration and encouragement.
- IAF has adopted various crests for commands, squadrons and the other establishments.
- However, all the crests follow a standard frame that contains the individual formation sign with a motto shown in the scroll at the foot of the frame.
- History:
- During the British era, the Indian Air Force was known as the Royal Indian Air Force.
- Its ensign consisted of the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (Red, White & Blue) on the fly side.
- Post-Independence, the Indian Air Force ensign was created by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tricolour and the RAF roundels with the IAF tri-colour roundel in the lower right canton.
