Air Force Day is observed in Nicaragua every July 31, honoring the service members and veterans of the Nicaraguan Air Force. The modern Nicaraguan Air Force originated in 1938 as part of the Nicaraguan National Guard, known as Fuerza Aérea de la Guardia Nacional, and it became one of the strongest air forces in Central America for a time. Following the Nicaraguan Revolution in the 1960s, many pilots defected to support revolutionary movements, leading to the establishment of the Sandinista regime in 1979, which formally recognized the air force as the Sardinista Air Force/Air Defense Force. This day commemorates the anniversary of its establishment and reflects the transition to the Nicaraguan Air Force in 1996, which operates a small fleet of aircraft and five operational airbases located in Managua, Puerto Sandino, Puerto Cabezas, Montelimar, and Bluefields. Although it is not a public holiday, the day serves as a significant observance of military history and aviation in Nicaragua.