About : Air Force Museum
(Palam, Delhi)

HISTORY OF AF MUSEUM

The Government of India sanctioned the establishment of the Air Force Museum on 06 June 1955, to display Air Force exhibits of historical, educational, and traditional value. Initially, the museum was part of the reference and technical library at Air HQ. Subsequently, on 31 December 1958, sanction was given for retaining one of each type of aircraft of the IAF, after its withdrawal from active service at 1 BRD. According to Government of India instructions dated 31 May 1966, the reference and technical library at Air HQ and 1 BRD were merged and relocated to Air Force Station, Palam, along with all their assets. Thus, the Air Force Museum was established on 08 April 1967 and was inaugurated by Sardar Swaran Singh, the then Defence Minister of India, in the presence of Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh DFC, the then Chief of Air Staff.

INTRODUCTION

The IAF Museum comprises a War Memorial, four galleries, one aircraft hangar, and vintage aircraft displayed in the open, each having historical, educational, and traditional value on either side of the entrance. A Gnat fighter aircraft and a SAM-II (Surface-to-Air Missile) welcome visitors to the museum at the gate.

The Air Force Museum today features a number of aircraft and equipment on display, in addition to numerous exhibits shown in various galleries. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM for visitors from Wednesday to Sunday and remains closed on Monday, Tuesday, and government holidays. The details of the various exhibits are as follows:

• Gallery-I : Gallery-I features panels depicting the history of the IAF since 1932, showcasing various uniform patterns introduced in the IAF, various operations conducted by the IAF during wartime and peacetime, a prototype of the Longewala battlefield, and a remembrance corner for martyrs of various wars.

• Gallery-II : Gallery-II includes a designated corner for war heroes awarded gallantry awards, a photo frame corner of all operational squadrons and units of the IAF, and displays related to the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC. It also features his uniforms, mementos, photo albums, paintings of aircraft flown in the IAF since its inception, portraits of former Chiefs of Air Staff, mementos, and different uniforms and accouterments worn by IAF pioneers.

• Gallery-III : Gallery-III displays operational air defense equipment, missiles, armament, ranks worn by current Air Warriors, and the flags of the IAF and its seven commands. It also includes a separate corner depicting the rehabilitation operations undertaken by the IAF in the event of natural calamities or disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

• Gallery-IV (Mehar Baba Corner) : To encourage the development of swarm drone technology, the IAF initiated an open competition aligned with the Hon’ble PM’s “Make in India” call in October 2018, on the occasion of Air Force Day. Named in honor of (Late) Air Cmde Mehar Singh DSO MVC, affectionately known as ‘Baba Mehar Singh’ or ‘Mehar Baba,’ this gallery displays various miniature models of drones presented by five firms who participated in the Mehar Baba Swarm Drone Competition, along with a bust of (Late) Air Cmde Mehar Singh DSO MVC.

• Hangar : The main hangar houses different types of aircraft that have formed the backbone of the IAF since its inception. These include the Wapiti (the first aircraft to fly through the Khyber Pass), Lysander, Vampire, Hurricane, Spitfire, and Tempest, which played significant roles during World War II.

• Dispersal Area : In the dispersal area, the B-24 Liberator (a heavy bomber of World War II), Canberra, helicopters (Mi-4 & S-55), and SAM-II radar are on display. There is a separate section for housing war trophies from battles, such as wings of Pakistani Sabre aircraft, engines, and light vehicles. Also on display are the MIG-25, MIG-23, TU-124, Dakota, Packet, Hunter, SU-7, and AN-12.

• War Memorial : A war memorial is situated within the museum premises, constructed in honor of the IAF martyrs who laid down their lives in defense of the motherland. The names of the IAF martyrs from World War II, the 1947 War, the 1965 War, the 1971 War, the Ops Meghdoot, and the Kargil War are engraved in golden letters on the memorial. This memorial epitomizes the ultimate sacrifice made by our valiant martyrs in service to the nation.

• Souvenir Shop : Aviation souvenir items such as aircraft models, patches, magnets, and aviation jewelry are available for purchase.

• Museum Lounge (Cafeteria) : The museum houses a fully air-conditioned, operational lounge/cafeteria with a seating capacity of 32. Visitors can enjoy a range of snacks and meals after exploring the museum.

MUSEUM TIMINGS

• OPEN: 10:00 HRS TO 05:00 HRS (WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY)
• CLOSED: MONDAY, TUESDAY AND GOVT HOLIDAYS