Jump to content

Indian Air Force

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Indian Air Force
भारतीय वायु सेना
Badge of the Indian Air Force
Founded26 January 1950; 74 years ago (1950-01-26) (as current service)

8 October 1932; 92 years ago (1932-10-08) (as Royal Indian Air Force)

Country India
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size139,576 active personnel[1]
140,000 reserve personnel[2]
Approx 1926+ aircraft[3][4]
Part of Indian Armed Forces
HeadquartersIntegrated Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi
Motto(s)Nabhaḥ Spr̥śaṁ Dīptam (ISO)
transl. "Touch the Sky with Glory"[5][6][7] (Taken from Bhagavad Gita)[8]
Colours      
March
  • Quick: Dēśa Pukārē Jaba Saba Kō
    (When the Country Calls Everyone)
  • Slow: Vāyu Sēnā Niśāna
    (The Air Force Emblem)
Anniversaries8 October (Air Force Day)[9][10]
Engagements
Notable operations
Websiteindianairforce.nic.in Edit this at Wikidata
Commanders
Commander-in-ChiefIndia President Droupadi Murmu
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
Notable
commanders
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Flag
President's Colour
Aircraft flown
AttackJaguar, Eitan, Harop
Electronic
warfare		A-50E/I, DRDO AEW&CS
FighterSu-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, MiG-21
HelicopterCH-47 Chinook, Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26
Attack helicopterPrachand, Apache AH-64E, Mi-25/35, Rudra
InterceptorMiG 21
ReconnaissanceSearcher II, Heron
TrainerHawk Mk 132, HJT-16 Kiran, Pilatus C-7 Mk II
TransportC-130J, C-17 Globemaster III, CH-47F (I) Chinook, Il-76, An-32, HS 748, Do 228, EADS CASA C-295, Boeing 737, ERJ 135, Boeing 777
TankerIl-78 MKI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which honoured India's aviation service during World War II with the prefix Royal.[11] After India gained independence from United Kingdom in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of the Dominion of India. With the transition to a republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed.

Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai. The IAF's mission expands beyond engagement with hostile forces, with the IAF participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the IAF.[12] As of 1 July 2017, 170,576 personnel are in service with the Indian Air Force.[13][14] The Chief of the Air Staff, an air chief marshal, is a four-star officer and is responsible for the bulk of operational command of the Air Force. There is never more than one serving ACM at any given time in the IAF. The rank of Marshal of the Air Force has been conferred by the President of India on one occasion in history, to Arjan Singh. On 26 January 2002, Singh became the first and so far, only five-star rank officer of the IAF.[15]

Mission

Evolution of the IAF roundel over the years:[16]
  1. 1933–1942
  2. 1942–1945
  3. 1947–1950
  4. 1950 – present

The IAF's mission is defined by the Armed Forces Act of 1947, the Constitution of India, and the Air Force Act of 1950.[17] It decrees that in the aerial battlespace:

Defence of India and every part there of including preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war to its prosecution and after its termination to effective demobilisation.

  • The Primary objective of IAF is to defend the nation and its airspace against Air threats in coordination with Army and Navy.[18]
  • The secondary purpose is to assist civil power during natural calamities and internal disturbances.
  • The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops in the battlefield and also provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities.
  • IAF also provides strategic air lift or secondary Airlift for the Indian Army.
  • The IAF also operates the Integrated Space Cell together with the other two branches of the Indian Armed Forces, the Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
  • Rescue of civilians during natural disasters
  • Evacuation of Indian nationals from foreign countries in case of instability or other problems

In practice, this is taken as a directive meaning the IAF bears the responsibility of safeguarding Indian airspace and thus furthering national interests in conjunction with the other branches of the armed forces. The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops on the battlefield as well as strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The Integrated Space Cell is operated by the Indian Armed Forces, the civilian Department of Space, and the Indian Space Research Organisation. By uniting the civilian run space exploration organisations and the military faculty under a single Integrated Space Cell the military is able to efficiently benefit from innovation in the civilian sector of space exploration, and the civilian departments benefit as well.[clarification needed][19][20]

The Indian Air Force, with highly trained crews, pilots, and access to modern military assets provides India with the capacity to provide rapid response evacuation, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and delivery of relief supplies to affected areas via cargo aircraft.[21] The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the Gujarat cyclone in 1998, the tsunami in 2004, and North India floods in 2013.[21] The IAF has also undertaken relief missions such as Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka.[21]

History

Main articles: History of the Indian Air Force and Royal Indian Air Force
See also: List of historical aircraft of the Indian Air Force

Formation and early pilots

A Westland Wapiti, one of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932 in British India as an auxiliary air force[22] of the Royal Air Force. The enactment of the Indian Air Force Act 1932[23][24] stipulated out their auxiliary status and enforced the adoption of the Royal Air Force uniforms, badges, brevets and insignia.[25] On 1 April 1933, the IAF commissioned its first squadron, No.1 Squadron, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots were led by British RAF Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal) Cecil Bouchier.[26]

World War II (1939–1945)

Main article: India in World War II

During World War II, the IAF played an instrumental role in halting the advance of the Japanese army in Burma, where the first IAF air strike was executed. The target for this first mission was the Japanese military base in Arakan, after which IAF strike missions continued against the Japanese airbases at Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.

The IAF was mainly involved in strike, close air support, aerial reconnaissance, bomber escort and pathfinding missions for RAF and USAAF heavy bombers. RAF and IAF pilots would train by flying with their non-native air wings to gain combat experience and communication proficiency. Besides operations in the Burma Theatre IAF pilots participated in air operations in North Africa and Europe.[27]

In addition to the IAF, many native Indians and some 200 Indians resident in Britain volunteered to join the RAF and Women's Auxiliary Air Force. One such volunteer was Sergeant Shailendra Eknath Sukthankar, who served as a navigator with No. 83 Squadron. Sukthankar was commissioned as an officer, and on 14 September 1943, received the DFC. Squadron Leader Sukthankar eventually completed 45 operations, 14 of them on board the RAF Museum's Avro Lancaster R5868. Another volunteer was Assistant Section Officer Noor Inayat Khan a Muslim pacifist and Indian nationalist who joined the WAAF, in November 1940, to fight against Nazism. Noor Khan served bravely as a secret agent with the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in France, but was eventually betrayed and captured.[27] Many of these Indian airmen were seconded or transferred to the expanding IAF such as Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji DFC who led No. 4 Squadron IAF in Burma.

During the war, the IAF experienced a phase of steady expansion. New aircraft added to the fleet included the US-built Vultee Vengeance, Douglas Dakota, the British Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Westland Lysander.

In recognition of the valiant service by the IAF, King George VI conferred the prefix "Royal" in 1945. Thereafter the IAF was referred to as the Royal Indian Air Force. In 1950, when India became a republic, the prefix was dropped and it reverted to being the Indian Air Force.[28]

First years of independence (1947–1950)

World War II photo: Arjan Singh (middle) as Flight Lieutenant. He went on to become Marshal of the Air Force

After it became independent from the British Empire in 1947, British India was partitioned into the new states of the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. Along the lines of the geographical partition, the assets of the air force were divided between the new countries. India's air force retained the name of the Royal Indian Air Force, but three of the ten operational squadrons and facilities, located within the borders of Pakistan, were transferred to the Royal Pakistan Air Force.[29] The RIAF Roundel was changed to an interim 'Chakra' roundel derived from the Ashoka Chakra.[16]

Around the same time, conflict broke out between them over the control of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. With Pakistani forces moving into the state, its Maharaja decided to accede to India in order to receive military help.[30] The day after, the Instrument of Accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to transport troops into the war zone. And this was when a good management of logistics came into help.[30] This led to the eruption of full-scale war between India and Pakistan, though there was no formal declaration of war.[31] During the war, the RIAF did not engage the Pakistan Air Force in air-to-air combat; however, a couple of IAF Hawker Tempest fighters did intercept a Pakistani Douglas DC-3 transport aircraft & tried to shoot it down but the pilot of the DC-3 (Mukhtar Ahmad Dogar) managed to evade the fighters.[32] Other than that, it also provided effective transport and close air support to the Indian troops.[33]

An IAF Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber over the Deccan plateau in the early 1950s

When India became a republic in 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped from the Indian Air Force.[34] At the same time, the current IAF roundel was adopted.[16]

Congo crisis and Annexation of Goa (1960–1961)

The IAF saw significant conflict in 1960, when Belgium's 75-year rule over Congo ended abruptly, engulfing the nation in widespread violence and rebellion.[35] The IAF activated No. 5 Squadron, equipped with English Electric Canberra, to support the United Nations Operation in the Congo. The squadron started undertaking operational missions in November.[36] The unit remained there until 1966, when the UN mission ended.[36] Operating from Leopoldville and Kamina, the Canberras soon destroyed the rebel Air Force and provided the UN ground forces with its only long-range air support force.[citation needed]

In late 1961, the Indian government decided to attack the Portuguese colony of Goa after years of disagreement between New Delhi and Lisbon.[37] The Indian Air Force was requested to provide support elements to the ground force in what was called Operation Vijay. Probing flights by some fighters and bombers were carried out from 8–18 December to draw out the Portuguese Air Force, but to no avail.[37] On 18 December, two waves of Canberra bombers bombed the runway of Dabolim airfield taking care not to bomb the Terminals and the ATC tower. Two Portuguese transport aircraft (a Super Constellation and a DC-6) found on the airfield were left alone so that they could be captured intact. However the Portuguese pilots managed to take off the aircraft from the still damaged airfield and made their getaway to Portugal.[37] Hunters attacked the wireless station at Bambolim. Vampires were used to provide air support to the ground forces.[37] In Daman, Mystères were used to strike Portuguese gun positions.[37] Ouragans (called Toofanis in the IAF) bombed the runways at Diu and destroyed the control tower, wireless station and the meteorological station. After the Portuguese surrendered the former colony was integrated into India.[37]

Border disputes and changes in the IAF (1962–1971)

See also: Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965
HAL HF-24 Maruts flying in formation. These were the first indigenous fighter jet to enter service with the IAF

In 1962, border disagreements between China and India escalated to a war when China mobilised its troops across the Indian border.[38] During the Sino-Indian War, India's military planners failed to deploy and effectively use the IAF against the invading Chinese forces. This resulted in India losing a significant amount of advantage to the Chinese; especially in Jammu and Kashmir.[38]

On 24 April 1965, an Indian Ouragan strayed over the Pakistani border and was forced to land by a Pakistani Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, the pilot was returned to India; however, the captured aircraft would be kept by the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) and ended up being displayed at the PAF museum in Peshawar.[39]

Three years after the Sino-Indian conflict, in 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, strategy of Pakistan to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir, and start a rebellion against Indian rule. This came to be known as the Second Kashmir War.[40] This was the first time the IAF actively engaged an enemy air force.[41] However, instead of providing close air support to the Indian Army,[42] the IAF carried out independent raids against PAF bases.[43] These bases were situated deep inside Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.[44] During the course of the conflict, the PAF enjoyed technological superiority over the IAF and had achieved substantial strategic and tactical advantage due to the suddenness of the attack and advanced state of their air force.[40] The IAF was restrained by the government from retaliating to PAF attacks in the eastern sector while a substantive part of its combat force was deployed there and could not be transferred to the western sector, against the possibility of Chinese intervention. Moreover, international (UN) stipulations and norms did not permit military force to be introduced into the Indian state of J&K beyond what was agreed during the 1949 ceasefire.[40] Despite this, the IAF was able to prevent the PAF from gaining air superiority over conflict zones.[45] The small and nimble IAF Folland Gnats proved effective against the F-86 Sabres of the PAF earning it the nickname "Sabre Slayers".[citation needed] By the time the conflict had ended, the IAF lost 60–70 aircraft, while the PAF lost 43 aircraft.[40] More than 60% of IAF's aircraft losses took place in ground attack missions to enemy ground-fire, since fighter-bomber aircraft would carry out repeated dive attacks on the same target. According to, Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh of the Indian Air Force, despite having been qualitatively inferior, IAF achieved air superiority in three days in the 1965 War.[46]

After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes to improve its capabilities. In 1966, the Para Commandos regiment was created.[47] To increase its logistics supply and rescue operations ability, the IAF inducted 72 HS 748s which were built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence from Avro.[48] India started to put more stress on indigenous manufacture of fighter aircraft. As a result, HAL HF-24 Marut, designed by the famed German aerospace engineer Kurt Tank,[49] were inducted into the air force. HAL also started developing an improved version of the Folland Gnat, known as HAL Ajeet.[50] At the same time, the IAF also started inducting Mach 2 capable Soviet MiG-21 and Sukhoi Su-7 fighters.[51]

Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)

A pair of MiG-21s during the 1971 war

By late 1971, the intensification of the independence movement in East Pakistan lead to the Bangladesh Liberation War between India and Pakistan.[52] On 22 November 1971, 10 days before the start of a full-scale war, four PAF F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions at Garibpur, near the international border. Two of the four PAF Sabres were shot down and one damaged by the IAF's Folland Gnats.[53] On 3 December, India formally declared war against Pakistan following massive preemptive strikes by the PAF against Indian Air Force installations in Srinagar, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur. However, the IAF did not suffer significantly because the leadership had anticipated such a move and precautions were taken.[54] The Indian Air Force was quick to respond to Pakistani air strikes, following which the PAF carried out mostly defensive sorties.[55]

Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out almost 12,000 sorties over East Pakistan and also provided close air support to the advancing Indian Army.[56] IAF also assisted the Indian Navy in its operations against the Pakistani Navy in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. On the western front, the IAF destroyed more than 20 Pakistani tanks,[57] 4 APCs and a supply train during the Battle of Longewala.[58] The IAF undertook strategic bombing of West Pakistan by carrying out raids on oil installations in Karachi, the Mangla Dam and a gas plant in Sindh.[59] Similar strategy was also deployed in East Pakistan and as the IAF achieved complete air superiority on the eastern front, the ordnance factories, runways, and other vital areas of East Pakistan were severely damaged.[60] By the time Pakistani forces surrendered, the IAF destroyed 94 PAF Aircraft[61] The IAF was able to conduct a wide range of missions – troop support; air combat; deep penetration strikes; para-dropping behind enemy lines; feints to draw enemy fighters away from the actual target; bombing; and reconnaissance. In contrast, the Pakistan Air Force, which was solely focused on air combat, was blown out of the subcontinent's skies within the first week of the war. Those PAF aircraft that survived took refuge at Iranian air bases or in concrete bunkers, refusing to offer a fight.[62] Hostilities officially ended at 14:30 GMT on 17 December, after the fall of Dacca on 15 December. India claimed large gains of territory in West Pakistan (although pre-war boundaries were recognised after the war), and the independence of Pakistan's East wing as Bangladesh was confirmed. The IAF had flown over 16,000 sorties[56] on both East and West fronts; including sorties by transport aircraft and helicopters.[56] while the PAF flew about 30 and 2,840. More than 80 per cent of the IAF's sorties were close-support and interdiction, and according to neutral assessments about 45 IAF Aircraft were lost while, Pakistan lost 75 aircraft.[63] Not including any F-6s, Mirage IIIs, or the six Jordanian F-104s which failed to return to their donors. But the imbalance in air losses was explained by the IAF's considerably higher sortie rate, and its emphasis on ground-attack missions. On the ground Pakistan suffered most, with 9,000 killed and 25,000 wounded while India lost 3,000 dead and 12,000 wounded. The loss of armoured vehicles was similarly imbalanced. This represented a major defeat for Pakistan.[64] Towards the end of the war, IAF's transport planes dropped leaflets over Dhaka urging the Pakistani forces to surrender, demoralising Pakistani troops in East Pakistan.[65]

Incidents before Kargil (1984–1988)

IAF An-32s were used to airdrop humanitarian supplies in Operation Poomalai

In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the Siachen Glacier in the contested Kashmir region.[66] In Op Meghdoot, IAF's Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.[67] Launched on 13 April 1984, this military operation was unique because of Siachen's inhospitable terrain and climate. The military action was successful, given the fact that under a previous agreement, neither Pakistan nor India had stationed any personnel in the area. With India's successful Operation Meghdoot, it gained control of the Siachen Glacier. India has established control over all of the 70 kilometres (43 mi) long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as the three main passes of the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier—Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Pakistan controls the glacial valleys immediately west of the Saltoro Ridge.[68][69] According to the TIME magazine, India gained more than 3,000 square kilometres (1,000 sq mi) of territory because of its military operations in Siachen.[70]

Following the inability to negotiate an end to the Sri Lankan Civil War, and to provide humanitarian aid through an unarmed convoy of ships,[71] the Indian Government decided to carry out an airdrop of the humanitarian supplies on the evening of 4 June 1987 designated Operation Poomalai (Tamil: Garland) or Eagle Mission 4.[71] Five An-32s escorted by four Mirage 2000 of 7 Sqn AF, 'The Battleaxes', carried out the supply drop which faced no opposition from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Another Mirage 2000 orbited 150 km away, acting as an airborne relay of messages to the entire fleet since they would be outside radio range once they descended to low levels. The Mirage 2000 escort formation was led by Wg Cdr Ajit Bhavnani, with Sqn Ldrs Bakshi, NA Moitra and JS Panesar as his team members and Sqn Ldr KG Bewoor as the relay pilot.[71][72] Sri Lanka accused India of "blatant violation of sovereignty".[71] India insisted that it was acting only on humanitarian grounds.[71]

In 1987, the IAF supported the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in northern and eastern Sri Lanka in Operation Pawan. About 70,000 sorties were flown by the IAF's transport and helicopter force in support of nearly 100,000 troops and paramilitary forces without a single aircraft lost or mission aborted.[73] IAF An-32s maintained a continuous air link between air bases in South India and Northern Sri Lanka transporting men, equipment, rations and evacuating casualties.[73] Mi-8s supported the ground forces and also provided air transportation to the Sri Lankan civil administration during the elections.[73] Mi-25s of No. 125 Helicopter Unit were utilised to provide suppressive fire against militant strong points and to interdict coastal and clandestine riverine traffic.[73]

On the night of 3 November 1988, the Indian Air Force mounted special operations to airlift a parachute battalion group from Agra, non-stop over 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) to the remote Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives in response to Maldivian president Gayoom's request for military help against a mercenary invasion in Operation Cactus. The IL-76s of No. 44 Squadron landed at Hulhule at 0030 hours and the Indian paratroopers secured the airfield and restored Government rule at Male within hours.[74] Four Mirage 2000 aircraft of 7 Sqn, led by Wg Cdr AV 'Doc' Vaidya, carried out a show of force early that morning, making low-level passes over the islands.

Kargil War (1999)

On 11 May 1999, the Indian Air Force was called in to provide close air support to the Indian Army at the height of the ongoing Kargil conflict with the use of helicopters.[74] The IAF strike was code named Operation Safed Sagar.[74] The first strikes were launched on 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships.[75] The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with MiG-21s and later MiG-29s providing fighter cover.[76] The IAF also deployed its radars and the MiG-29 fighters in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border.[77] Srinagar Airport was at this time closed to civilian air-traffic and dedicated to the Indian Air Force.[75]

On 27 May, the Indian Air Force suffered its first fatality when it lost a MiG-21 and a MiG-27 in quick succession.[78][79] The following day, while on an offensive sortie, a Mi-17 was shot down by three Stinger missiles and lost its entire crew of four.[76] Following these losses the IAF immediately withdrew helicopters from offensive roles as a measure against the threat of Man-portable air-defence systems (MANPAD). On 30 May, the Mirage 2000s were introduced in offensive capability, as they were deemed better in performance under the high-altitude conditions of the conflict zone. Mirage 2000s were not only better equipped to counter the MANPAD threat compared to the MiGs, but also gave IAF the ability to carry out aerial raids at night.[80] The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000.[81] Radar transmissions of Pakistani F-16s were picked up repeatedly, but these aircraft stayed away. The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and severely disrupted their supply lines.[82] Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo and the heavily defended Tiger Hill and paved the way for their early recapture.[76] At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.[81] By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully repulsed the Pakistani forces from Kargil.[83]

Post Kargil incidents (1999–present)

Since the late 1990s, the Indian Air Force has been modernising its fleet to counter challenges in the new century. The fleet size of the IAF has decreased to 33 squadrons during this period because of the retirement of older aircraft. Still, India maintains the fourth largest air force in the world. The IAF plans to raise its strength to 42 squadrons.[84] Self-reliance is the main aim that is being pursued by the defence research and manufacturing agencies.

On 10 August 1999, IAF MiG-21s intercepted a Pakistan Navy Breguet Atlantique which was flying over Sir Creek, a disputed territory. The aircraft was shot down killing all 16 Pakistani Navy personnel on board.[85] India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission to gather information on IAF air defence,[86] a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.[87]

On 2 August 2002, the Indian Air Force bombed Pakistani posts along the Line of Control in the Kel sector, following inputs about Pakistani military buildup near the sector.[88]

On 20 August 2013, the Indian Air Force created a world record by performing the highest landing of a C-130J at the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in Ladakh at the height of 5,065 metres (16,617 ft).[89][90] The medium-lift aircraft will be used to deliver troops, supplies and improve communication networks. The aircraft belonged to the Veiled Vipers squadron based at Hindon Air Force Station.[91]

On 13 July 2014, two MiG-21s were sent from Jodhpur Air Base to investigate a Turkish Airlines aircraft over Jaisalmer when it repeated an identification code, provided by another commercial passenger plane that had already entered Indian airspace before it. The flights were on their way to Mumbai and Delhi, and the planes were later allowed to proceed after their credentials were verified.[92]

2019 Balakot airstrike

Main article: 2019 Balakot airstrike

Following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the 2019 Pulwama attack that was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which killed forty servicemen of the Central Reserve Police Force,[93][94] a group of twelve Mirage 2000 fighter planes from the Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on alleged JeM bases in Chakothi and Muzaffarabad in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Furthermore, the Mirage 2000s targeted an alleged JeM training camp in Balakot, a town in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan claimed that the Indian aircraft had only dropped bombs in the forest area demolishing pine trees near the Jaba village which is 19 kilometres (12 mi) away from Balakot[95] and Indian officials claimed to bomb and kill a large number of terrorists in the airstrike.[96]

2019 India–Pakistan standoff

Main article: 2019 India–Pakistan standoff

On 27 February 2019, in retaliation for the IAF bombing of an alleged terrorist hideout in Balakot, a group of PAF Mirage-5 and JF-17 fighters allegedly conducted an airstrike against certain ground targets across the Line of Control. They were intercepted by a group of IAF fighters consisting of Su-30MKI and MiG-21 jets. An ensuing dogfight began. According to India, one PAF F-16 was shot down by an IAF MiG-21 piloted by Abhinandan Varthaman, while Pakistan denied use of F-16s in the operation. According to Pakistan, a MiG-21 and a Su30MKI were shot down, while India claims that only the MiG-21 was shot down. Indian officials rejected Pakistani claims of shooting down an Su-30MKI stating that it's impossible to hide an aircraft crash as of now in a populated area like Kashmir and said it's a coverup for the loss of F16.[97][98] While the downed MiG-21's pilot had ejected successfully, he landed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and was captured by the Pakistan military. Before his capture he was assaulted by a few locals. After a couple of days of captivity, the captured pilot was released by Pakistan per Third Geneva convention[99] obligations. While Pakistan denied involvement of any of its F-16 aircraft in the strike, the IAF presented remnants of AMRAAM missiles that are only carried by the F-16s within the PAF as proof of their involvement.[100] Unnamed US officials told Foreign Policy magazine in April 2019 that an audit didn't find any Pakistani F-16s missing.[101] However, this was not confirmed by the United States, which cited it as bilateral matter between US and Pakistan.[102] Various international military observers reject Indian claim of shooting down PAF F-16.[103][104][105]

IAF also lost a MI-17 helicopter during Indo-Pakistan standoff 2019. On the same day of 27 February 2019, around twenty minutes before the MiG-21 downing,[106] an Indian Mil Mi-17 helicopter crashed, killing six Indian Air Force personnel and one civilian in the Budgam district. It was under the command of squadron leaders Siddarth Vashista and Ninad Mandavgane and crashed within ten minutes of take-off from the Srinagar air base. Four other IAF personnel were flight engineer Vishal Kumar Pandey, sergeant Vikrant Sehrawat, corporals Deepak Pandey and Pankaj Kumars that were killed along with two pilots. In October 2019, IAF confirmed that the helicopter was shot down by an Indian SPYDER surface-to-air missile mistaking it as an PAF aircraft and said that five personnel were held guilty for the lapses. IAF dismissed Group Captain Suman Roy Choudhry Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Srinagar Air Force Station from his service in 2023 for his negligence during PAF strikes.[107][108]

Structure

The President of India is the Supreme Commander of all Indian armed forces and by virtue of that fact is the national Commander-in-chief of the Air Force. The Chief of the Air Staff with the rank of Air chief marshal is the Commander

Main article: List of serving air marshals of the Indian Air Force
Post Current Holder
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM[109]
Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar, PVSM, AVSM[110]
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejinder Singh. AVSM, VM[111]
Air Officer in Charge of Administration Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand, VSM[112]
Air Officer in Charge of Personnel Air Marshal Sunil Kashinath Vidhate, AVSM, VM[113]
Air Officer in Charge of Maintenance Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, AVSM, VSM[114]
Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal Surat Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM[115]
Director General of Inspection and Flight Safety Air Marshal Markand Ranade, AVSM, VM[116]
Director General of Medical Services (Air) Air Marshal Prashant Bharadwaj, AVSM, VSM & Bar,[117]

In January 2002, the government conferred the rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force on Arjan Singh making him the first and only Five-star officer with the Indian Air Force and ceremonial chief of the air force.[118]

Commands

The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, whereas the responsibility of functional commands is to maintain combat readiness. Aside from the Training Command at Bangalore, the primary flight training is done at the Air Force Academy (located in Hyderabad), followed by operational training at various other schools. Advanced officer training for command positions is also conducted at the Defence Services Staff College; specialised advanced flight training schools are located at Bidar, Karnataka and Hakimpet, Telangana (also the location for helicopter training). Technical schools are found at a number of other locations.[citation needed]

Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi
Name Headquarters Commander
Central Air Command (CAC) Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AVSM, VM, VSM[119]
Eastern Air Command (EAC) Shillong, Meghalaya Air Marshal Surat Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM[120]
Southern Air Command (SAC) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, AVSM, VM[121]
South Western Air Command (SWAC) Gandhinagar, Gujarat Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, AVSM, VM[122]
Western Air Command (WAC) New Delhi Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, PVSM, AVSM, VSM[123]
Training Command (TC)+ Bangalore, Karnataka Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, AVSM, VM[124]
Maintenance Command (MC)+ Nagpur, Maharashtra Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, AVSM, VSM[114]

Note: + = Functional Command

Wings

A wing is a formation intermediate between a command and a squadron. It generally consists of two or three IAF squadrons and helicopter units, along with forward base support units (FBSU). FBSUs do not have or host any squadrons or helicopter units but act as transit airbases for routine operations. In times of war, they can become fully fledged air bases playing host to various squadrons. In all, about 47 wings and 19 FBSUs make up the IAF.[125][126] Wings are typically commanded by an air commodore.[127]

Stations

Main article: List of Indian Air Force stations

Within each operational command are anywhere from nine to sixteen bases or stations. Smaller than wings, but similarly organised, stations are static units commanded by a group captain.[127] A station typically has one wing and one or two squadrons assigned to it.

Squadrons and units

Main article: List of active Indian Air Force aircraft squadrons

Squadrons are the field units and formations attached to static locations. Thus, a flying squadron or unit is a sub-unit of an air force station which carries out the primary task of the IAF. A fighter squadron consists of 18 aircraft; all fighter squadrons are headed by a commanding officer with the rank of wing commander.[128] Some transport squadrons and helicopter units are headed by a commanding officer with the rank of group captain.

Flights

Flights are sub-divisions of squadrons, commanded by a squadron leader. Each flight consists of two sections.[129]

Sections

The smallest unit is the section, led by a flight lieutenant. Each section consists of three aircraft.

Within this formation structure, IAF has several service branches for day-to-day operations. They are:[130]

Flying Branch
  • Flying
 Technical Branch
  • Engineering
 Ground Branch
  • Logistics
  • Administration
  • Accounts
  • Education
  • Medical & Dental
  • Meteorological

Garud Commando Force

Main article: Garud Commando Force

The Garud commandos are the special forces of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Their tasks include counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, providing security to IAF's vulnerably located assets and various air force-specific special operations. First conceived in 2002, this unit was officially established on February 6, 2004.[131]

Garud Commandos
Garud Insignia

All Garuds are volunteers who are imparted a 52-week basic training, which includes a three-month probation followed by special operations training, basic airborne training and other warfare and survival skills. The last phase of basic training sees Garuds been deployed to get combat experience. Advanced training follows, which includes specialised weapons training.[131][132]

The mandated tasks of the Garuds include direct action, special reconnaissance, rescuing downed pilots in hostile territory, establishing airbases in hostile territory and providing air-traffic control to these airbases.[133] The Garuds also undertake suppression of enemy air defences and the destruction of other enemy assets such as radars, evaluation of the outcomes of Indian airstrikes and use laser designators to guide Indian airstrikes.[134]

The security of IAF installations and assets are usually performed by the Air Force Police and the Defence Security Corps even though some critical assets are protected by the Garuds.[131]

Defence Space Agency

Main article: Defence Space Agency
Defence Space Agency Insignia

The Defence Space Agency, an integrated tri-services agency, which draws its personnel from all the three services of the Indian armed forces, is set up to operate the space-warfare and Satellite Intelligence assets of India.[135]

Unlike an aerospace command, where the air force controls most of its activities, the Defence Space Agency envisages co-operation and co-ordination between the three services as well as civilian agencies dealing with space.

India currently has 10[136] military satellites.

Display teams

Main articles: Surya Kiran and Sarang
The Suryakiran Aerobatic team in their Diamond Formation.
A solo HAL Dhruv Mk.1 of the Sarang Helicopter Display team coming in for landing after a display.

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) (Surya Kiran is Sanskrit for Sun Rays) is an aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. They were formed in 1996 and are successors to the Thunderbolts.[137] The team has a total of 13 pilots (selected from the fighter stream of the IAF) and operate 9 Bae Hawk mk.132 painted in a "day-glo orange" and white colour scheme. The Surya Kiran team were conferred squadron status in 2006, and presently have the designation of 52 Squadron ("The Sharks").[138] The team is based at the Indian Air Force Station at Bidar.[137] The team earlier used to fly HAL HJT-16 Kiran.

Sarang (Sanskrit for Peacock) is the Helicopter Display Team of the Indian Air Force. The team was formed in October 2003 and their first public performance was at the Asian Aerospace Show, Singapore, 2004.[139] The team earlier used to fly four HAL Dhruvs[140] but that was upgraded to five on the 91st Air Force day held in Prayagraj. The choppers are painted in red and white with a peacock figure at each side of the fuselage. The team is based at the Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbatore.

Personnel

IAF officers in uniform

Over the years reliable sources provided notably divergent estimates of the personnel strength of the Indian Air Force after analysing open-source intelligence. In 2006, Anthony Cordesman estimated that strength to be 170,000 in the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) publication "The Asian Conventional Military Balance in 2006".[141] In 2010, James Hackett revised that estimate to an approximate strength of 127,000 active personnel in the IISS publication "Military Balance 2010".[142]

As of 1 July 2017, the Indian Air Force has a sanctioned strength of 12,550 officers (12,404 serving with 146 under strength), and 142,529 airmen (127,172 serving with 15,357 under strength).[143][135]

Rank structure

Main article: Air Force ranks and insignia of India

The rank structure of the Indian Air Force is based on that of the Royal Air Force. The highest rank attainable in the IAF is Marshal of the Indian Air Force, conferred by the President of India after exceptional service during wartime. MIAF Arjan Singh is the only officer to have achieved this rank. The head of the Indian Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff, who holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal.

Officers

Anyone holding Indian citizenship can apply to be an officer in the Air Force as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria. There are four entry points to become an officer. Male applicants, who are between the ages of 16⁠1/2⁠ and 19 and have passed high school graduation, can apply at the Intermediate level.[144] Men and women applicants, who have graduated from college (three-year course) and are between the ages of 18 and 28, can apply at the Graduate level entry.[145] Graduates of engineering colleges can apply at the Engineer level if they are between the ages of 18 and 28 years. The age limit for the flying and ground duty branch is 23 years of age and for technical branch is 28 years of age.[146] After completing a master's degree, men and women between the ages of 18 and 28 years can apply at the Post Graduate level. Post graduate applicants do not qualify for the flying branch. For the technical branch the age limit is 28 years and for the ground duty branch it is 25.[147] At the time of application, all applicants below 25 years of age must be single.[148] The IAF selects candidates for officer training from these applicants. After completion of training, a candidate is commissioned as a Flying Officer.[149]

In May 2022 Abhilasha Barak became the first ever woman combat aviator in the Indian Army[150]


Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
 Indian Air Force[151]
Marshal of the Indian Air Force
मार्शल ऑफ द इंडियन एयरफोर्स 		Air chief marshal
एयर चीफ मार्शल 		Air marshal
एयर मार्शल 		Air vice marshal
एयर वाइस मार्शल 		Air commodore
एयर कमोडोर 		Group captain
ग्रुप कैप्टन 		Wing commander
विंग कमांडर 		Squadron leader
स्क्वाड्रन लीडर 		Flight lieutenant
फ्लाइट लैफ्टिनेंट 		Flying officer
फ्लाइंग अफसर

Airmen

An IAF servicemember with uniform, shoulder rank patch and INSAS rifle standing guard at the India Gate memorial in New Delhi

The duty of an airman is to make sure that all the air and ground operations run smoothly. From operating Air Defence systems to fitting missiles, they are involved in all activities of an air base and give support to various technical and non-technical jobs.[152] The airmen of Technical trades are responsible for maintenance, repair and prepare for use the propulsion system of aircraft and other airborne weapon delivery system, Radar, Voice/Data transmission and reception equipment, latest airborne weapon delivery systems, all types of light, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic systems of airborne missiles, aero engines, aircraft fuelling equipment and heavy duty mechanical vehicles, cranes and loading equipment etc.[153] The competent and qualified Airmen from Technical trades also participate in flying as Flight Engineers, Flight Signallers and Flight Gunners. The recruitment of personnel below officer rank is conducted through All India Selection Tests and Recruitment Rallies. All India Selection Tests are conducted among 15 Airmen Selection Centres (ASCs) located all over India. These centres are under the direct functional control of Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB), with administrative control and support by respective commands. The role of CASB is to carry out selection and enrolment of airmen from the Airmen Selection Centres for their respective commands.[152] Candidates initially take a written test at the time of application. Those passing the written test undergo a physical fitness test, an interview conducted in English, and medical examination. Candidates for training are selected from individuals passing the battery of tests, on the basis of their performance. Upon completion of training, an individual becomes an Airman.[152] Some MWOs and WOs are granted honorary commission in the last year of their service as an honorary Flying Officer or Flight Lieutenant before retiring from the service.[152]

Rank group Junior commissioned officers Non commissioned officer Enlisted
 Indian Air Force[154]
No insignia
Master warrant officer
मास्टर वारंट अफसर 		Warrant officer
वारंट अफसर 		Junior warrant officer
जूनियर वारंट अफसर 		Sergeant
सार्जेंट 		Corporal
कॉरपोरल 		Leading aircraftsman
लीडिंग एयरक्राफ्ट्समैन 		Aircraftsman
एयरक्राफ्ट्समैन

Honorary officers

Sachin Tendulkar was the first sportsperson and the first civilian without an aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank of group captain by the Indian Air Force.[155]

Non combatants enrolled and civilians

Non combatants enrolled (NCs(E)) were established in British India as personal assistants to the officer class, and are equivalent to the orderly or sahayak of the Indian Army.[citation needed]

Almost all the commands have some percentage of civilian strength which are central government employees. These are regular ranks which are prevalent in ministries. They are usually not posted outside their stations and are employed in administrative and non-technical work.[156][157]

Training and education

Main article: Military academies in India

The Indian Armed Forces have set up numerous military academies across India for training its personnel, such as the National Defence Academy (NDA). Besides the tri-service institutions, the Indian Air Force has a Training Command and several training establishments. While technical and other support staff are trained at various Ground Training Schools, the pilots are trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigul (located in Hyderabad). The Pilot Training Establishment at Allahabad, the Air Force Administrative College at Coimbatore, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at Bangalore, the Air Force Technical College, Bangalore at Jalahalli, the Tactics and Air Combat and Defence Establishment at Gwalior, and the Paratrooper's Training School at Agra are some of the other training establishments of the IAF.

Aircraft inventory

Main article: List of active Indian military aircraft
See also: List of historical aircraft of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force has aircraft and equipment of Russian (erstwhile Soviet Union), British, French, Israeli, US and Indian origins with Russian aircraft dominating its inventory. HAL produces some of the Russian and British aircraft in India under licence. The exact number of aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force cannot be determined with precision from open sources. Various reliable sources provide notably divergent estimates for a variety of high-visibility aircraft.[citation needed] Flight International estimates there to be around 1,750 aircraft in service with the IAF,[3] while the International Institute for Strategic Studies provides a similar estimate of 1,850 aircraft.[4] Both sources agree there are approximately 900 combat capable (fighter, attack etc.) aircraft in the IAF.[3][4]

Multi-role fighters and strike aircraft

HAL Tejas
Indian Air Force Rafale

The Indian Air Force, as of October 2024, has a shortage of its fighter jet squadron count. The IAF has 31 combat squadrons as against a requirement of 42. This quantity is on par with the IAF's fighter fleet during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. The quantity was at its peak in 1996 at 42 squadron count which later declined to 35 in 2013 due to retirement of several aircraft without replacement.[158][159]

  • Mikoyan MiG-29: the MiG-29, known as Baaz (Hindi for Hawk), is a dedicated air superiority fighter, constituting the IAF's second line of defence after the Su-30MKI. There are 69 MiG-29s in service, all of which have been recently upgraded to the MiG-29UPG standard, after the decision was made in 2016 to upgrade the remaining 21 MiG-29s to the UPG standard.[162]
  • Dassault Mirage 2000: the Mirage 2000, known as Vajra (Sanskrit for diamond or thunderbolt) in Indian service. The IAF currently operates 49 Mirage 2000Hs and 8 Mirage 2000 TH all of which are currently being upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 MK2 standard with Indian specific modifications and 2 Mirage 2000-5 MK2 are in service as of March 2015.[163][164] The IAF's Mirage 2000 were scheduled to be phased out by 2030.[165]
  • HAL Tejas: IAF MiG-21s are to be replaced by domestically built HAL Tejas.[166][167] The first Tejas IAF unit, No. 45 Squadron IAF Flying Daggers, was formed on 1 July 2016, followed by No. 18 Squadron IAF "Flying Bullets" on 27 May 2020.[168] Initially stationed at Bangalore, the first squadron was then to be transferred to its home base in Sulur, Tamil Nadu.[169] In February 2021, the Indian Air Force ordered 83 Tejas, including 40 Mark 1, 73 single-seat Mark 1As and 10 two-seat Mark 1 trainers.[170] Total 123 ordered.[171]
  • SEPECAT Jaguar: the Jaguar, known as the Shamsher, serves as the IAF's primary ground attack force.[172] The IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars.[173] The first batch of DARIN-1 Jaguars are now going through a DARIN-3 upgrade being equipped with EL/M-2052 AESA radars, and an improved jamming suite plus new avionics. These aircraft are scheduled to be phased out by 2030.[165]
  • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21: the MiG-21 serves as an interceptor aircraft in the IAF, which phased out most of its MiG-21s and planned to keep only the 125 aircraft upgraded to the MiG-21 Bison standard.[174] The phase-out date for these interceptors has been postponed several times. Initially set for 2014–2017,[175] it was later postponed to 2019.[176] Current phase-out was scheduled for 2021–2022.[165]

Airborne early warning and control system

An AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145

The IAF operates three Netra Embraer ERJ 145I aircraft.[177] The IAF also operates the EL/W-2090 Phalcon AEW&C incorporated in a Beriev A-50 platform. A total of three such systems are currently in service, with two further potential orders.[178][179] India is also investing in a DRDO project to develop six new Airborne AEW&C aircraft, as an upgrade to the Netra systems.[180]

Aerial refuelling

The IAF currently operates six Ilyushin Il-78MKIs in the aerial refueling (tanker) role.[181][182]

Transport aircraft

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

For strategic airlift operations, the IAF uses the Ilyushin Il-76, known as Gajraj (Hindi for King Elephant) in Indian service.[183] The IAF operated 17 Il-76s in 2010,[184] which are in the process of being replaced by C-17 Globemaster IIIs.[185][186][187]

IAF C-130Js are used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations.[188] India purchased six C-130Js; however, one crashed at Gwalior on 28 March 2014 while on a training mission, killing all 5 on board and destroying the aircraft.[189][190] The Antonov An-32, known in Indian service as the Sutlej (named after Sutlej River), serves as a medium transport aircraft in the IAF. The aircraft is also used in bombing roles and paradropping operations.[191] The IAF currently operates 105 An-32s, all of which are being upgraded.[191] The IAF operates 53 Dornier 228 to fulfil its light transport duties.[192][193] The IAF also operates Boeing 737s[194] and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft[195] as VIP transports and passenger airliners for troops. 2 specially modified Boeing 777 are used for both the Indian President and Prime Minister under the call sign Air India One.[196]

The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 once formed the backbone of the IAF's transport fleet, but are now used mainly for training and communication duties.[197] A replacement is under consideration.[198]

Trainer aircraft

The HAL HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.[199] The HPT-32 was grounded in July 2009 following a crash that killed two senior flight instructors,[200] but was revived in May 2010[200] and is to be fitted with a parachute recovery system (PRS) to enhance survivability during an emergency in the air and to bring the trainer down safely.[200] The HPT-32 is to be phased out soon.[200] initially by 75 trainers Pilatus aircraft, and followed by 70 HTT-40 trainers. 36 more HTT-40s to be ordered once fleet is operational.[201] The IAF uses the HAL HJT-16 Kiran mk.I for intermediate flight training of cadets, while the HJT-16 Kiran mk.II provides advanced flight and weapons training.[202][203] The HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 is also operated by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF.[204] The Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara.[205] The BAE Hawk Mk 132 serves as an advanced jet trainer in the IAF and is progressively replacing the Kiran Mk.II. The IAF has begun the process of converting the Surya Kiran display team to Hawks.[206] A total of 106 BAE Hawk trainers have been ordered by the IAF of which 39 have entered service as of July 2010.[207] IAF also ordered 72 Pipistrel Virus SW 80 microlight aircraft for basic training purpose.[208][209]

Helicopters

The HAL Dhruv serves primarily as a light utility helicopter in the IAF. In addition to transport and utility roles, newer Dhruvs are also used as attack helicopters.[210] Four Dhruvs are also operated by the Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team.[140] The HAL Chetak is a light utility helicopter and is used primarily for training, rescue and light transport roles in the IAF.[211] The HAL Chetak is being gradually replaced by HAL Dhruv.[211] The HAL Cheetah is a light utility helicopter used for high altitude operations. It is used for both transport and search-and-rescue missions in the IAF.[212]

HAL Prachand armed with rockets and air to air missiles

The Mil Mi-8 and the Mil Mi-17, Mi-17 1V and Mi-17V 5 are operated by the IAF for medium lift strategic and utility roles. The Mi-8 is being progressively replaced by the Mi-17 series of helicopters.[213][214] The IAF has ordered 22 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, 68 HAL Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), 35 HAL Rudra attack helicopters, 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters and 150 Mi-17V-5s to replace and augment its existing fleet of Mi-8s, Mi-17s, and Mi-24s.[215] The Mil Mi-26 serves as a heavy lift helicopter in the IAF. It can also be used to transport troops or as a flying ambulance. The IAF currently operates three Mi-26s.[216]

The Mil Mi-35 serves primarily as an attack helicopter in the IAF. The Mil Mi-35 can also act as a low-capacity troop transport. The IAF currently operates two squadrons (No. 104 Firebirds and No. 125 Gladiators) of Mi-25/35s.[217]

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The IAF currently uses the IAI Searcher II[218] and IAI Heron[219] for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The IAI Harpy serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack radar systems.[220] The IAF also operates the DRDO Lakshya which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training.[221]

Missile systems

Anti-tank guided missiles

Name Image Type Quantity Origin Notes
Spike NLOS Air launched Anti-tank guided missile —  Israel Status: In service. Indian Air Force procured Spike-NLOS for Mi-17 helicopters.[222][223]
9M120 Ataka-V
(AT-9 Spiral-2) 		—  Russia Status: In service. Operated from Mil Mi-35[224]
9K114 Shturm
(AT-6 Spiral) 		800  Russia Status: In service. Operated from Mil Mi-35[224]
Dhruvastra —  India Status: Completed user trials and Ready for Induction.[225]
Amogha missile —  India Status: Under development. To be integrated on HAL Rudra and HAL Prachand.[226][227]

Ballistic and Cruise missiles

Name Image Type Quantity Origin Notes
BrahMos
Supersonic cruise missile
Air launched cruise missile 		Unknown  India

 Russia

Status: In service. 290–700 km range. Fastest operational supersonic cruise missile in the world.

Operates air launched and surface launched (transport erector launched) variants.

Number of TELs with IAF is unknown. China claim that India have nearly 14,000 BrahMos missiles.[228]

Pralay Short-range ballistic missile

Quasi ballistic missile

Unknown numbers on order  India Status: In service. 150–400 km range.
Prithvi II Short-range ballistic missile Unknown  India Status: In service. 150–350 km range.

IAF-specific variant of the Prithvi ballistic missile.[229]

Air Defence Systems

Name Image Type Quantity Origin Notes
Anti-Satellite Missile Systems
Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Mk-II Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile / Anti-satellite weapon Unknown  India Status: In service. Dual-stage solid-fueled missile with final kinetic-kill stage. Target speed: 10 km/s. Flight Altitude: 1,200 km[230]
Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems
Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile Unknown  India Status: In service. Dual-stage solid-fueled missile. Flight Altitude: 150 km.[230]
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Endo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile Unknown  India Status: In service.[230]
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile Unknown  India Status: being replaced by Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV). Dual-stage liquid-fueled missile. It can intercept targets at 80 km altitude.[230]
Air Defence Systems
S-400 Triumph Long-range surface-to-air missile system 3 regiments

Total 48 launchers

 Russia Status: In service. 2 more regiments' delivery by 2026.[231][232] 400 km operational range.

Each regiment will have two batteries with eight launchers each.[233]

Barak-8 (MR-SAM) Medium-range surface-to-air missile 18 squadrons  India

 Israel

Status: In service. MRSAM is a medium range air defence system with a max range of 70–80 km.[234] It is used to counter aerial threats such as Fighter aircraft, helicopter, UAV etc.[235] An Air Force Squadron consists of 3 TELs per Squadron.
Akash 15 squadrons (120 launchers)[236]  India Status: In service.

Akash 1S has 40 km operational range and flight ceiling of 20 km. 2 regiments of Akash Prime on order for Army.[237] Akash NG with increased range of 70–80 km is being tested.[238]

SPYDER Short and Medium range surface-to-air missile 18 Systems[239] (Batteries) in service with IAF  Israel Status: In service.[240] 18 SPYDER-SRs Systems (Batteries) along with 750 Python-5 surface to air missiles (SAMs) and 750 Derby SAMs has been delivered. 50 km operational range and flight ceiling of 16 km.

A typical battery consists one central command and control unit, six missile firing units, and a resupply vehicle.

SAMAR Short-range Surface-to-air missile Unknown

(On order)[241]

 India Status: On order.[240] The system employs Vympel R-73 and Vympel R-27 air-to-air missiles, which are of Russian origin.[242] User trials complete.[243]
S-125 (SA-3 Goa) 25 Squadrons for IAF  Soviet Union Status: Being replaced by Akash. Mainly used for point-defense of airbases.[236] Will be completely replaced by Akash NG and MRSAM by 2030
9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) 80  Soviet Union Status: In service (To be replaced by QRSAM)[236]
Man-portable air-defense systems
9K38 Igla (SA-18)
9K338 Igla-S 		Man-portable air-defense system 2500[244]: 87 
48 launchers

316 missiles[245][246]

 Russia Status: In service. Igla-S deployed along LAC. Additional 96 launchers, 300 missiles of Igla-S on order.[246]
Air defence - anti-aircraft gun systems
Sudarshan CIWS Close-in weapon system 240 (to be ordered)  India Status: In Service. Advanced version of Bofors L/70 manufactured by L&T Defence. System includes 3D AESA radar and has a range of 3.5 km and firing rate of 300 rounds/min.[247][248] Two orders cleared:
  • ₹6,000 crore (equivalent to ₹67 billion or US$790 million in 2023) order cleared for Indian Army in 2021.[249]
  • ₹7,000 crore (US$820 million) order cleared for 240 guns by CCS for Indian Air Force in 2024.[250][251]

Future

Main article: Future of the Indian Air Force

The number of aircraft in the IAF has been decreasing from the late 1990s due to the retirement of older aircraft and several crashes. To deal with the depletion of force levels, the IAF has started to modernize its fleet. This includes both the upgrade of existing aircraft, equipment and infrastructure as well as induction of new aircraft and equipment, both indigenous and imported. As new aircraft enter service and numbers recover, the IAF plans to have a fleet of 42 squadrons.[252]

Renaming

IAF has sent a proposal to rename itself as Indian Air and Space Force (IASF). It has declared this as a part of its current drive to become a credible space power.[253]

Expected future acquisitions

Single-engined fighter

On 3 January 2017, Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar addressed a media conference and announced plans for a competition to select a Strategic Partner to deliver "... 200 new single engine fighters to be made in India, which will easily cost around (USD)$45 million apiece without weaponry" with an expectation that Lockheed Martin (USA) and Saab (Sweden) will pitch the F-16 Block 70 and Gripen, respectively. An MoD official said that a global tender will be put to market in the first quarter of 2018,[254] with a private company nominated as the strategic partners production agency followed by a two or more year process to evaluate technical and financial bids and conduct trials, before the final government-to-government deal in 2021. This represents 11 squadrons of aircraft plus several 'attrition' aircraft.[255] India is also planning to set up an assembly line of American Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70 in Bengaluru. It is not yet confirmed whether IAF will induct these aircraft or not.

In 2018, the defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave the go ahead to scale up the manufacturing of Tejas at HAL and also to export Tejas. She is quoted saying "We are not ditching the LCA. We have not gone for anything instead of Tejas. We are very confident that Tejas Mark II will be a big leap forward to fulfil the single engine fighter requirement of the forces.".[256] IAF committed to buy 201 Mark-II variant of the Tejas taking the total order of Tejas to 324.[257] The government also scrapped the plan to import single engine fighters leading to reduction in reliance on imports thereby strengthening the domestic defence industry.[258]

The IAF also submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV).[259]

Current acquisitions

TAPAS-BH-201, Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV

IAF's current orders include

DRDO and HAL projects

HAL Tejas Mk2, Medium Fighter Aircraft

Indian defence company HAL and Defense Research Organization DRDO are developing several aircraft for the IAF including:-

Network-centric warfare

The Air Force Network (AFNET), a robust digital information grid that enabled quick and accurate threat responses, was launched in 2010, helping the IAF become a truly network-centric air force. AFNET is a secure communication network linking command and control centres with offensive aircraft, sensor platforms and ground missile batteries. Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), an automated system for Air Defence operations will ride the AFNet backbone integrating ground and airborne sensors, weapon systems and command and control nodes. Subsequent integration with civil radar and other networks shall provide an integrated Air Situation Picture, and reportedly acts as a force multiplier for intelligence analysis, mission control, and support activities like maintenance and logistics. The design features multiple layers of security measures, including encryption and intrusion prevention technologies, to hinder and deter espionage efforts.[280]

See also

Media

In the year 2005, the National Geographic Channel created a 10 part documentary series detailing out all the branches of the Indian Air Force. It was titled Mission Udaan - Inside the Indian Air Force.[281]

In partnership with Threye, a Delhi based game developer, The IAF launched Guardians of the Skies, a roleplaying combat game for mobile devices in 2014. The IAF would later also create a successor, titled Indian Air Force: A Cut Above, in 2019.

References

  1. ^ "20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant in Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament". 27 December 2017. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  2. ^ (Iiss), The International Institute of Strategic Studies (25 February 2021). The Military Balance 2021. Routledge, Chapman & Hall, 10,000 civilian personnel Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-032-01227-8.
  3. ^ a b c "World Air Forces 2016". Flightglobal Insight. 2016. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  4. ^ a b c International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2014, p.245
  5. ^ "The IAF Motto". Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  6. ^ "Indian Airforce Motto". IAF Careers. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  7. ^ "Touch The Sky With Glory – 86th Anniversary of Indian Air Force". Press Information Bureau. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021.
  8. ^ Mukundananda, Swami. "Chapter 11, Verse 24 – Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Swami Mukundananda". Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Swami Mukundananda. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  9. ^ "IAF celebrates 87th Air Force Day – Abhinandan enthrals audience". The Economic Times. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  10. ^ "In a first, Rafale fighter jet to feature in Air Force Day parade". Hindustan Times. 3 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Indian Air Force". indianairforce.nic.in. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  12. ^ "About – The President of India". Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  13. ^ "20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant In Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament". News18. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  14. ^ "Armed forces facing shortage of nearly 60,000 personnel: Government". The Economic Times. 27 December 2017. Archived from the original on 28 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  15. ^ "Arjan Singh: IAF's 1965 war hero and the only five-star ranked officer". 16 September 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017.
  16. ^ a b c "Indian Air For Heraldry (Badges and Insignia)". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 28 November 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  17. ^ Air Force Act, 1950. Ministry of Law & Justice. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  18. ^ "THE INDIAN AIR FORCE" (PDF). digital.nios.ac.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  19. ^ "India in aerospace defence plan". BBC. 28 January 2011. Archived from the original on 29 September 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  20. ^ "India Begins Work On Space Weapons Command". Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 9 July 2007. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  21. ^ a b c "Aid to Civil Power". Archived from the original on 25 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  22. ^ "HC Deb 3 April 1933 vol 276 cc1473-501". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 3 April 1933. Archived from the original on 3 May 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  23. ^ "History of the IAF". Official Website. Webmaster IAF – Air Headquarters. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 7 April 2009.
  24. ^ Bedi, Sanjeev (Summer 2008). "Strategic Role of Air Power" (PDF). Air Power Journal. 3 (2). Center for Air Power Studies: 27–45. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  25. ^ "INDIAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM – Heraldry (Badges and Insignia)". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010.
  26. ^ Goyal, S.N. (October 1993). "1939–45 Second World War: Air Force Reminiscences". Sainik Samachar. Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  27. ^ a b "Royal Indian Air Force". RAF Museum. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  28. ^ Ahluwalia, A. (2012). Airborne to Chairborne: Memoirs of a War Veteran Aviator-Lawyer of the Indian Air Force. Xlibris Corporation. p. 41. ISBN 978-1-4691-9657-2.
  29. ^ Engineer, Aspy M. (February 1993). "Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 30 December 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  30. ^ a b Lyon 2008, p. 79
  31. ^ Massey 2005, p. 97
  32. ^ "Air Cdre Mukhtar Ahmad Dogar SJ | Ghazi of 1948 War | FearlessWarriors.PK". 10 August 2019.
  33. ^ Barua 2005, p. 192
  34. ^ Bedi, Sanjeev (Summer 2008). "Strategic Role of Air Power" (PDF). Air Power Journal. 3 (2). Center for Air Power Studies: 27–45. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019.
  35. ^ "The Congolese Rescue Operation". US Army History. Archived from the original on 7 May 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2009.
  36. ^ a b Singh, Charanjit. "The Congo Diary" (PDF). Air Power Journal. 2 (3). Center for Air Power Studies: 27–45. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007.
  37. ^ a b c d e f Jagan Pillarisetti. "The Liberation of Goa: 1961". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  38. ^ a b Pradhan 2010, p. 185
  39. ^ Jackson, Paul (1988). "Ouragon:Ancestor of Rafale". Air Enthusiast. 37: 78. ISSN 0143-5450. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  40. ^ a b c d Qadir, Shaukat (9 September 2005). "Operation Gibraltar: Battle that never was". The 1965 War, 40 Years On. Rediff News. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012. Pakistan ... undertook a guerrilla operation inside Indian held Kashmir with a large number of regular soldiers ... expecting to be welcomed by the local population and raise them up in arms against the Indian government.
  41. ^ Pradhan & Chavan 2007, p. xiv
  42. ^ Thomas 1996, p. 11
  43. ^ Sisodia & Bhaskar 2005, p. 82
  44. ^ Gupta 1997, p. 43
  45. ^ Dixit 2002, p. 149
  46. ^ "1965 war: We achieved air superiority in three days, says Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh". 4 October 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  47. ^ Praval 1975, p. 6
  48. ^ Jones 1985, p. 78
  49. ^ Boyne & Fopp 2002, p. 619
  50. ^ "The Folland Gnat / HAL Ajeet". 1 December 2009. Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  51. ^ "A Whale of a Fighter: the Su-7 in IAF Service". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 30 December 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  52. ^ Sisson & Rose 1991, p. 229
  53. ^ Jagan Pillarisetti. "Boyra Encounter – 22nd November 1971". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  54. ^ "Newsweek: the international newsmagazine: US edition". Newsweek: 34. 20 December 1971. ISSN 0028-9604. Trying to catch the Indian Air Force napping, Yahya Khan, launched a Pakistani version of Israel's 1967 air blitz in hopes that one quick blow would cripple India's far superior air power. But India was alert and Yahya's strategy of scattering his thin air force over a dozen air fields failed!
  55. ^ Kainikara 2011, p. 195
  56. ^ a b c "The War of December 1971". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
  57. ^ "Years later, Longewala reminds the do-or-die battle". The Times of India. No. 18 December 2013. India Times. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  58. ^ Shorey, Anil (February 2005). "Battle of Longewala: Best of Braves". Sainik Samachar. 52 (4). Archived from the original on 18 March 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
  59. ^ Mohan, Jagan. "When lightning strikes". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 28 February 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
  60. ^ "Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born". Time. Time Inc. 20 December 1971. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
  61. ^ Ramunny, Murkot (1 January 1997). The Sky was the Limit. Northern Book Centre. ISBN 978-81-7211-084-0.
  62. ^ Simha, Rakesh Krishnan (4 June 2015). "Why the Indian Air Force has a high crash rate". rbth.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  63. ^ Leonard, Thomas M. (2006). Encyclopedia of the Developing World. Taylor & Francis. p. 806. ISBN 978-0-415-97664-0.
  64. ^ The Encyclopedia of 20th Century Air Warfare, edited by Chris Bishop (Amber publishing 1997, republished 2004 pages 384–387 ISBN 1-904687-26-1)
  65. ^ Choudhury, Ishfaq Ilahi. "Air aspect of the Liberation War 1971". Daily Star. Archived from the original on 22 March 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
  66. ^ Ives 2004, p. 186
  67. ^ Talbott 2006, p. 164
  68. ^ Wirsing, Robert (15 November 1991). Pakistan's security under Zia, 1977–1988: the policy imperatives of a peripheral Asian state. Palgrave Macmillan, 1991. ISBN 978-0-312-06067-1.
  69. ^ Child, Greg (1998). Thin air: encounters in the Himalayas. The Mountaineers Books, 1998. ISBN 978-0-89886-588-2.
  70. ^ Desmond/Kashmir, Edward W. (31 July 1989). "The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World". Time. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009.
  71. ^ a b c d e Pillarisetti, Jagan. "Operation Poomalai – The Jaffna Food drop". The Indian Air Force in Sri Lanka – 1987–90. Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 9 June 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  72. ^ Weisman, Steven R. (5 June 1987). "India Airlifts Aid to Tamil Rebels". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  73. ^ a b c d "OP Pwan". Know Us. Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  74. ^ a b c "Official website of Indian Air Force". Archived from the original on 23 July 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2010.
  75. ^ a b "India launches Kashmir air attack". BBC News. 26 May 1999. Archived from the original on 4 May 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  76. ^ a b c Camp, Philip. "The Mirage 2000 at Kargil". Kargil 1999. Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  77. ^ Bammi 2002
  78. ^ "India loses two jets". BBC News. 27 May 1999. Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  79. ^ Dutta, Sujan (22 May 2006). "Flyer pushes frontier again – Nachiketa returns to area where his plane was shot down". Telegraph India. Calcutta, India. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  80. ^ "20 years after Kargil War: Man who bombed Tiger Hill tells how the War was won from the air – SP's Aviation".
  81. ^ a b Ganguly & Kapur 2008, p. 105
  82. ^ Jones 2003, p. 97
  83. ^ Kapur 2007, p. 122
  84. ^ "IAF to have 42 combat aircraft squadrons". IBNLive. Archived from the original on 6 February 2012.
  85. ^ "IAF Scores a Kill !!! Factual Account of Interception". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 22 July 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
  86. ^ "IAF shoots down Pak intruder plane". The Indian Express. 11 August 1999. Retrieved 25 April 2009. [dead link‍]
  87. ^ Ian MacKinnon (11 August 1999). "16 dead as India shoots down Pakistani naval plane". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 18 November 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  88. ^ "In a first, IAF acknowledges its jets bombed Pakistani posts across LoC in 2002". Zee News. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  89. ^ "IAF's C-130J transporter lands near India-China border". Business Standard. 20 August 2013. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  90. ^ "10 reasons why IAF's C-130J Super Hercules landing in Daulat Beg Oldie, Ladakh is important". India Today. 20 August 2013. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  91. ^ "Indian Air Force lands Super Hercules transport plane on airstrip near LAC". The Indian Express. 20 August 2013. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  92. ^ "IAF scrambles fighter jets as Turkish plane sparks alert". Patrika Group. 14 July 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  93. ^ "India 'strikes Kashmir militants in Pakistani territory". BBC. 26 February 2019. Archived from the original on 26 February 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  94. ^ "India will 'completely isolate' Pakistan". BBC News. 15 February 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  95. ^ "Did Balakot Airstrikes Hit Their Target? Satellite Imagery Raises Doubts". Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  96. ^ "The inside story of IAF's Balakot strike". India Today. 16 March 2019.
  97. ^ "Pakistan's Su-30 story a cover up for its own failure says India". 6 March 2019.
  98. ^ "Pakistan made false claims of shooting down Sukhoi-30 fighter jet: Indian Air Force".
  99. ^ "Pakistan to release IAF pilot Abhinandan: What are Geneva Conventions?". businesstoday.in. 28 February 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  100. ^ "IAF shows parts of Amraam missile, says evidence confirms MiG 21 shot down Pakistan's F-16 | India News – Times of India". The Times of India. 28 February 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  101. ^ Seligman, Lara (4 April 2019). "Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No".
  102. ^ "US Refuses To Confirm If Indian Mig 21 Shot-Down Pakistani F-16 Fighter Jet". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. 29 April 2019.
  103. ^ "The Wire: The Wire News India, Latest News, News from India, Politics, External Affairs, Science, Economics, Gender and Culture". thewire.in. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  104. ^ "The Wire: The Wire News India, Latest News, News from India, Politics, External Affairs, Science, Economics, Gender and Culture". thewire.in. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  105. ^ "'Not aware': Pentagon on Pak F-16 count after Feb aerial dogfight with IAF". Hindustan Times. 6 April 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  106. ^ Ray, DHNS, Kalyan. "IAF officer shifted over Mi-17 V5 helicopter downining". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  107. ^ "The Wire: The Wire News India, Latest News, News from India, Politics, External Affairs, Science, Economics, Gender and Culture". thewire.in. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  108. ^ "Operation Swift Retort: IAF officer sacked for downing own chopper in 2019". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  109. ^ "Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh appointed as next Chief of the Air Staff". PIB. 21 September 2024.
  110. ^ "Air Marshal SP Dharkar Appointed Air Force's Next Vice Chief". NDTV. 25 September 2024.
  111. ^ "AIR MARSHAL TEJINDER SINGH TAKES OVER AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF" (Press release). PIB. 1 September 2024.
  112. ^ "AIR MARSHAL RAJESH KUMAR ANAND VSM TAKES OVER AS AIR OFFICER-IN- CHARGE ADMINISTRATION (AOA)". PIB. 1 July 2023.
  113. ^ @IAF_MCC (1 May 2024). "Air Marshal SK Vidhate assumed the appointment of Air Officer in-charge Personnel on 01 May 24" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  114. ^ a b "Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg is the new Maintenance Command chief". Deccan Herald. 1 June 2024.
  115. ^ "Director General Air (Operations) Appointments at Air Head Quarters". Bharat Rakshak. 1 January 2023.
  116. ^ "AIR MARSHAL MAKARAND RANADE TAKES OVER AS DIRECTOR GENERAL (INSPECTION AND SAFETY) AT AIR HQ" (Press release). PIB. 1 December 2023.
  117. ^ "AIR MSHL PRASHANT BHARADWAJ VSM BAR DIRECTOR GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES (AIR)". iasm.in/. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  118. ^ "Marshal of the Indian Air Force". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2009.
  119. ^ "AIR MARSHAL ASHUTOSH DIXIT TAKES OVER AS AOC-IN-C CENTRAL AIR COMMAND" (Press release). PIB. 1 September 2024.
  120. ^ "Air Marshal Surat Singh assumes command of Eastern Air Command in Shillong". India Today. 1 October 2024.
  121. ^ "Sainik School, classmates on a high as new Southern Air Command chief takes over on Tuesday". Lokmat Times. 1 May 2023.
  122. ^ @SWAC_IAF (1 May 2023). "Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari took over as AOC-in-C #SWAC on 01 May 23" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  123. ^ "AIR MARSHAL PANKAJ MOHAN SINHA ASSUMES COMMAND OF IAF'S WESTERN AIR COMMAND" (Press release). PIB. 1 January 2023.
  124. ^ "AIR MARSHAL NAGESH TAKES OVER AS AOC-IN-C TRAINING COMMAND". PIB. 1 May 2024.
  125. ^ "Air Force Wings, FBSUs and CMUs". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 11 June 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  126. ^ "Air Force FBSUs and CMUs". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 11 June 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  127. ^ a b Verma, Bharat; Hiranandani, GM; Pandey, BK (2009). Indian Armed Forces. Lancer Publishers LLC. p. 217. ISBN 978-1-935501-73-2.
  128. ^ "Indian Air Force". 10 August 2009. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  129. ^ "Indian Air Force: Life in Air Force". webarchive.loc.gov. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009.
  130. ^ "Indian Air Force: Career Opportunities". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  131. ^ a b c V.K. Bhatia, Air Marshal (Retd) (October 2009). "Special Forces – Garuds for All Reasons". SP's Aviation. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  132. ^ "Garud: IAF's commando force takes off". Rediff. Press Trust of India. 6 February 2004. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  133. ^ "Indian Commandos Heads To Israel For 'Major' Military Drill". Outlook (Indian magazine). 10 November 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  134. ^ Shukla, Ajai (11 October 2017). "Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K". Business Standard India. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  135. ^ a b "Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war". The Times of India. 16 May 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 October 2024. Cite error: The named reference ":2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  136. ^ "Satellite Database | Union of Concerned Scientists". www.ucsusa.org. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  137. ^ a b "SURYAKIRANS". armedforces.nic.in. Archived from the original on 19 May 2010.
  138. ^ "Squadrons and Helicopter Units". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  139. ^ "ILA 2008: Proud as Peacocks". Archived from the original on 26 May 2009.
  140. ^ a b "IAFs Sarang helicopter display team adjudged the best at Berlin air show". 12 June 2008. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  141. ^ Cordesman & Kleiber 2006, p. 24
  142. ^ Hackett 2010, p. 360
  143. ^ "20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant In Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament". News18. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  144. ^ "Career Opportunities as an Officer: Intermediate (10+2)". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  145. ^ "Career Opportunities as an Officer: Graduate". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  146. ^ "Career Opportunities as an Officer: Engineer". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  147. ^ "Career Opportunities as an Officer: Post Graduate". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  148. ^ "Career Opportunities as an Officer". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  149. ^ "Career Graph (for Officers)". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  150. ^ "26-year-old Abhilasha Barak from Haryana becomes Indian Army's first woman combat aviator". 26 May 2022.
  151. ^ "For Officers". careerairforce.nic.in. Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  152. ^ a b c d "Central Airmen Selection Board". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 30 April 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  153. ^ "CASB". indianairforce.nic.in. Archived from the original on 30 April 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  154. ^ "For Airmen". careerairforce.nic.in. Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  155. ^ "IAF clips Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni wings". indianexpress.com. 8 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 April 2013.
  156. ^ "Non Combatant(Enrolled) – Pension Chart". Principal Controller of Defence Accounts. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  157. ^ "AFRO Career Planning". Indian Air Force. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  158. ^ Pubby, Manu (6 October 2024). "As fighter strength dips below 1965 level, Air chief vows to fight with 'whatever we have'". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  159. ^ "The multiple travails of the IAF: India's fighter strength depletion". orfonline.org. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  160. ^ "Delivery of Rafale jets to be completed by April 2022: French envoy". The Economic Times.
  161. ^ "HAL completes licensed production of final two of 222 Su-30MKI fighters for IAF". Archived from the original on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  162. ^ "Mig-29UPG modernization near completion at 11 BRD". Business-standard.com. 22 September 2016. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011.
  163. ^ "Two IAF Mirage aircraft flown to France for upgradation". 6 December 2011. Archived from the original on 2 February 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  164. ^ "French jet Rafale bags $20bn IAF fighter order; India 'briefs' losing European countries". The Times of India. 1 February 2012. Archived from the original on 4 May 2013.
  165. ^ a b c "MiG-21 a relic that continues to fly". 20 July 2018. Archived from the original on 22 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  166. ^ a b "LCA Tejas makes successful flight". The Times of India. 23 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 June 2010.
  167. ^ a b "Light combat aircraft flies with near-full gear". Daily News and Analysis. India. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011.
  168. ^ "Watch: 'Flying Bullets' operationalised, IAF Chief flies Tejas aircraft". Archived from the original on 12 December 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
  169. ^ "Tejas: IAF inducts HAL's 'Made in India' Light Combat Aircraft – 10 special facts about the LCA". The Financial Express. 1 July 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  170. ^ "Govt formally seals ₹48,000 crore deal to procure 83 Tejas LCA from HAL". The Hindu. PTI. 3 February 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  171. ^ Pubby, Manu (13 January 2021). "India clears deal to manufacture LCA Mk1A 'Tejas' fighter jets for the air force". The Economic Times. The Times Group. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  172. ^ Naik, V.P. (26 September 2008). "IAF aiming for Diverse Capabilities, says Vice Chief of Air Staff". Air Marshal P V Naik's Keynote Address on Fighter Technology and Advance Systems. India Strategic. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  173. ^ "HAL To Tie-Up With BAE Systems For Jaguar Upgrade". 30 November 2009. Archived from the original on 1 November 2010. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  174. ^ "Indi's Fighter Modernisation: Add MiG-29s to the List". Defense Industry Daily. 28 April 2011. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  175. ^ "MiG 21s to be phased out from 2014: Antony". The Hindu. PTI. 29 February 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 28 December 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  176. ^ Vinay Kumar (16 June 2013). "MiG-21bis likely to serve IAF until 2019". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
  177. ^ Mathews, Neelam. "India Renews Indigenous AWACS Efforts". Aviation International News. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  178. ^ "First AWACS aircraft lands at Jamnagar air base in Gujarat". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012.
  179. ^ "India to procure two more Phalcon airborne warning and control systems". mint. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  180. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex (9 September 2021). "Representational Image | The existing Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft (AEW&C) | Wiki Commons". ThePrint. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  181. ^ Mukherjee, Amit (29 September 2004). "IAF to get 5th IL-78 refueller soon". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 February 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  182. ^ Kopp, Carlo (7 July 2007). "The PLA-AF's Aerial Refuelling Programmes". Air Power Australia: 1. Archived from the original on 23 June 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  183. ^ "Illyushin Il-76MD [Candid] Gajraj". Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  184. ^ "C-17 Globemaster: IAF's new heavy lift transport aircraft". 28 April 2010. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  185. ^ Bedi, Rahul (5 July 2010). "IAF completes C-17 test-flight". Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2010.
  186. ^ "Indian Air Force :: Illyushin 76MD, 78MKI, A-50 – Serials". Bharat-rakshak.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  187. ^ "India set to decide big military aircraft deals". India Strategic. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014.
  188. ^ "Lockheed delivers fifth C130J to IAF". Archived from the original on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  189. ^ "IAF Super Hercules Crash: 5 Air Force Personnel killed in Gwalior". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. 28 March 2014. Archived from the original on 31 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  190. ^ "Deals for Acquisition of C-130 J Super Hercules (Press Release)". 7 December 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  191. ^ a b "IAF An-32 planes in Ukraine for upgrades". 21 March 2010. Archived from the original on 8 May 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  192. ^ "World Air Forces directory 2022". Flight Global. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  193. ^ "Dornier 228". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  194. ^ "Boeing 737". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  195. ^ "Embraer EMB135 Legacy". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  196. ^ "April 1 date for President with business jets". Zee News. 16 March 2009. Archived from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  197. ^ "HAL HS 748M Avro". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  198. ^ "India clears $2.4 billion plan to buy cargo planes for Air Force". IANS. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  199. ^ "HAL HPT-32 Deepak". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  200. ^ a b c d Sharma, Ravi (16 May 2010). "IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 11 October 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  201. ^ Peri, Dinakar (20 October 2022). "IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  202. ^ "HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.1/1A". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 22 March 2009. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  203. ^ "HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.II". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 4 October 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  204. ^ "SURYAKIRANS". Archived from the original on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  205. ^ "HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer, India". Archived from the original on 13 April 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  206. ^ "IAF's Surya Kirans to fly Hawk's". 10 October 2010. Archived from the original on 11 October 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  207. ^ "India inks deal with BAE for 57 Hawk aircraft". The Times of India. 28 July 2010. Archived from the original on 1 August 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
  208. ^ "India Inks World's Largest Microlight Aircraft Deal With Slovenian Firm". New Delhi: Arming India. 12 October 2015. Archived from the original on 7 April 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  209. ^ The Financial Express (12 October 2015). "India inks Rs 130-crore deal for 194 microlight aircraft". financialexpress.com. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  210. ^ "HAL Dhruv". Archived from the original on 30 March 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010. IAF Dhruvs, can carry a 20mm gun plus eight anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or four air-to-air missiles or four 68mm rocket pods on outriggers.
  211. ^ a b "HAL Chetak (Alouette III)". Archived from the original on 7 February 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  212. ^ "HAL Cheetah (Alouette II)". Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  213. ^ "Mil Mi-8 (Hip) Rana". Archived from the original on 30 March 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  214. ^ "Mil Mi-17 (Hip) Pratap". Archived from the original on 21 April 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  215. ^ Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd) (August 2010). "Russia continues to dominate Indian military aviation". India Strategic. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
  216. ^ "Mil Mi-26 (Halo)". Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  217. ^ "Mil Mi-25 / Mi-35 (Hind) Akbar". Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  218. ^ "Searcher Mk II Delivered To India". israeli-weapons.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  219. ^ "Heron MALE System—Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV". defence-update.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  220. ^ a b Pandit, Rajat (5 July 2010). "Air Force hunts for combat drones". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
  221. ^ "Press Information Bureau". Government of India. Archived from the original on 9 December 2007. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  222. ^ "Army set to get its first consignment of Spike anti-tank guided missiles under emergency purchases". www.timesnownews.com. 16 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  223. ^ Dutta, Amrita Nayak (31 December 2020). "India stocks up missile arsenal as it prepares for another tense summer in Ladakh". ThePrint. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  224. ^ a b "India signs Rs 200-crore deal with Russia to acquire 'Strum Ataka' anti-tank missile for its fleet of Mi-35 attack choppers". 30 June 2019.
  225. ^ "Anti-tank guided missile systems Helina, Dhruvastra clear user trials; ready for induction". 19 February 2021.
  226. ^ "Bharat Heavy Dynamics test fires indigenous anti-tank missile - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  227. ^ "Bharat Heavy Dynamics Test Fires Indigenous Anti-tank Missile". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  228. ^ defenceupdate (18 October 2020). "Chinese believe India has more than 14,000 BrahMos missiles. Is it true?". Indian Defence News. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  229. ^ "Prithvi". 5 November 2002. Archived from the original on 11 November 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  230. ^ a b c d "Explained: India's Ballistic Missile Defence programme, developed by DRDO". The Week. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  231. ^ "India deploys first S-400 air defence system in Punjab sector, to take care of aerial threats from both China, Pak". ANI.
  232. ^ "Russia to deliver remaining 2 S-400 air defence missiles to India by Q3 of 2026: Sources". Business Today. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  233. ^ "How India Walked a Tightrope to Ink the S-400 Missiles Deal With Russia". The Wire. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  234. ^ Chacko, Joseph P. (26 January 2021). "Why Indian Air Force requires Akash NG SAM when it has MRSAM?". Frontier India. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  235. ^ Singh, Bikash (23 February 2023). "First Medium Range Surface to Air Missile Regiment being raised in Eastern Theatre". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  236. ^ a b c Deb, Sheershoo (23 August 2020). "Full List of India's Air Defence System-Shield of India". DefenceXP - Indian Defence Network. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  237. ^ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army". PIB India. 30 March 2023.
  238. ^ "DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  239. ^ "IAF plans to arm its Su-30MKI fleet with I-Derby ER BVRAAMs". Janes.com. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  240. ^ a b "India prepares Israeli SPYDER air defence missile system for Pakistan border". India Today. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  241. ^ "Aero India 2023: SAMAR air-defence system ready for induction into IAF service". Janes.com. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  242. ^ Satam, Parth (23 October 2022). "Indian 'Jugaad'! IAF Converts Obsolete Russian Air-To-Air Missiles Into Surface-To-Air Systems; Experts Perplexed". The Eurasian Times. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  243. ^ Udoshi, Rahul (16 February 2023). "Aero India 2023: SAMAR air-defence system ready for induction into IAF service". Janes.com. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  244. ^ Small Arms Survey (2004). "Big Issue, Big Problem?: MANPADS". Small Arms Survey 2004: Rights at Risk. Oxford University Press. pp. 77–97. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  245. ^ "What is Igla-S, the Portable Air Defence System India is Procuring to Attack Low-flying Aircraft". News18. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  246. ^ a b Deshpande, Smruti (8 April 2024). "India receives fresh batch of Igla-S air defence system from Russia, to be deployed at LAC". ThePrint. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  247. ^ "IAF Likely To Procure L&T Defence's Sudarshan Close-in Weapon System, Indian Army May Follow Suit | Indian Aerospace and Defence Bulletin - News for aerospace and defence in India". 19 October 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  248. ^ "Made in India: L&T's Sudarshan SHORAD Gets Greenlight for Rs 7,000 Crore Deal". Defence.in. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  249. ^ "Purchase of indigenous air defence guns, ammunition worth Rs 6,000 crore cleared". Economic Times. 4 June 2021.
  250. ^ George, Sarahbeth (25 February 2024). "Drones, Missiles, Radars, Fighter jets: Indian armed forces to get nearly 1 lakh crore infusion for game-changer tech". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  251. ^ @NewsIADN (22 February 2024). "The clearance for IAF include the following ✅₹7000 crore worth contract for 240 units of Sudarshan..." (Tweet). Retrieved 22 August 2024 – via Twitter.
  252. ^ "IAF fighter squadrons to rise to 42 by 2022: Antony". The Times of India. 18 February 2009. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  253. ^ Pandit, Rajat (11 December 2023). "IAF goes full throttle to turn into an 'aerospace power'". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  254. ^ "Request for information for procurement of fighter aircraft for the Indian air force" (PDF).
  255. ^ Parrikar: India to Kick Off Competition for New Foreign Single-Engine Fighters Archived 5 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Vivek Raghuvanshi, DefenseNews.com, 3 January 2017
  256. ^ "Not ditched Tejas jet, looking to speed up production: Nirmala – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  257. ^ "IAF commits to 324 Tejas fighters, provided a good Mark-II jet is delivered – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 March 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  258. ^ "Govt shelves $10-b single-engine fighter jet deal, to push for Tejas". @businessline. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  259. ^ "India canvasses global suppliers for stealthy UCAV". 7 July 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  260. ^ "IAF chief receives 1st LCA trainer from HAL, 7 more to come by Mar '24". Hindustan Times. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  261. ^ "Contract signed for 83 LCA Tejas fighters, all eyes now on HAL delivery schedule". Print. 3 February 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  262. ^ "Rs 2.23 lakh crore-deal: India approves purchase of 97 Tejas aircraft, 156 Prachanda helicopters, other defence equipment". Money Control. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  263. ^ "Union Cabinet approves procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL for Indian Air Force at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  264. ^ Peri, Dinakar (20 October 2022). "IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  265. ^ "IAF's Strengthened Arsenal: Acquisition of 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets Marks a Milestone". Financialexpress. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  266. ^ Pubby, Manu (23 March 2021). "Indigenous light choppers get go-ahead, delivery in 2022". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  267. ^ "India to sign $2.5-billion contract for 56 transport planes for IAF". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  268. ^ Egozi, Arie (9 April 2010). "Indian air force orders Harop loitering munitions". Archived from the original on 4 May 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
  269. ^ "US sends Letter of Acceptance to India for Predator drone purchase". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  270. ^ "India reveals plan to develop indigenous medium fighter". Archived from the original on 10 February 2009.
  271. ^ "Lighter version of Saras aircraft to fly out next year". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 26 June 2008. Archived from the original on 2 October 2008.
  272. ^ "HAL's intermediate jet trainer HJT-36 makes maiden flight with Russian engine". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 14 May 2009. Archived from the original on 16 June 2009. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  273. ^ "Improper engine choice, planning delayed Intermediate Jet Trainer project: CAG". Hindustan Times. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  274. ^ "India developing UAV similar to American Predator drone". The Economic Times. 14 November 2011. Archived from the original on 27 December 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  275. ^ Aroor, Shiv (2 July 2012). "India's first ever advanced Indian Unmanned Strike Air Vehicle will be ready for Air Force operations". India Today. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  276. ^ "Leap of technology: HAL to launch unmanned fighter jet". The Economic Times. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  277. ^ "All about India's Warrior Drone: Air power teaming system explained". Jagran Josh. 10 February 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  278. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar. "Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  279. ^ "IAF Sukhoi Fleet to be Equipped with Homemade Nirbhay Missiles". 21 May 2010. Archived from the original on 25 May 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
  280. ^ "IAF's AFNET NCW Backbone Goes Live Next Week". 8 September 2010. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2013.
  281. ^ "Nat Geo's 'Mission Udaan' to woo Indian audiences with a 10-part peek into the IAF". Retrieved 31 July 2024.

Bibliography

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Indian Air Force.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indian_Air_Force&oldid=1266154180"