Indian Armed Forces rank flags: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|none}}
{{About|the rank flags of Indian Armed Forces|rank insignia of Indian Army|Army ranks and insignia of India|rank insignia of Indian Navy|Naval ranks and insignia of India|rank insignia of Indian Air Force|Air Force ranks and insignia of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Short description|Rank flags used by the Indian Armed Forces.}}
{{About|the rank flags of Indian Armed Forces|rank insignia of Indian Army|Army ranks and insignia of India|rank insignia of Indian Navy|Naval ranks and insignia of India|rank insignia of Indian Air Force|Air Force ranks and insignia of India}}
{{Military of India sidebar}}
{{Military of India sidebar}}


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==Indian Armed Forces==
== Indian Armed Forces ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
| {{ListFlag|Indian Armed Forces.svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Indian Armed Forces]]
| A horizontal tricolour of red, navy blue and sky blue with the tri-service emblem at the centre.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|इंडियन-आर्म्ड-फोर्सेज.png}}|| || Flag of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] || A horizontal tricolour of red, navy blue and sky blue with the tri-service emblem at the centre.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Chief of Defence Staff (India).svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]]
| A red field with the flag of India in the canton, and the tri-service emblem.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Chief of Defence Staff (India).svg}} || || Flag of the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]] || A red field with the flag of India in the canton, and the tri-service emblem.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Integrated Defence Staff.svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Integrated Defence Staff]] (also [[Chief of Integrated Defence Staff]])
| A red field with the flag of India in the canton, There is insignia of two cross swords, an eagle, an anchor and an Ashok symbol above it
|}
|}


==Indian Army==
== Indian Army ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Army.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Indian Army]] || A red field with the flag of India in the canton, and the Army badge in the fly.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Army.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Indian Army]]
| A red field with the flag of India in the canton, and the Army badge in the fly.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Field marshal (India).png}} ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Field Marshal.jpg}}
|| Flag of the [[Field marshal (India)|Field Marshal]] || Red flag with crossed batons surrounded by a lotus flower wreath, the [[Lion Capital of Ashoka|Ashoka lion emblem]] above the batons and five five-pointed stars across the bottom, all in yellow.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^rank.html#ltgst |title = Indian Army Flags}}</ref>
|
| Flag of the [[Field marshal (India)|Field Marshal]]
| Red flag with crossed batons surrounded by a lotus flower wreath, the [[Lion Capital of Ashoka|Ashoka lion emblem]] above the batons and five five-pointed stars across the bottom, all in yellow.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^rank.html#ltgst |title=Indian Army Flags}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag COAS.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Chief of the Army Staff]] || Red flag with the national flag in the canton, with two crossed swords and the Ashoka lions emblem above them in the center of the flag and four five-pointed stars in a vertical line in the fly all yellow.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=400 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714014130/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=400 |archive-date=2010-07-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| {{ListFlag|Flag COAS.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Chief of the Army Staff]]
| Red flag with the national flag in the canton, with two crossed swords and the Ashoka lions emblem above them in the center of the flag and four five-pointed stars in a vertical line in the fly all yellow.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=400 |title=Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - Rank Flags |access-date=14 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714014130/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=400 |archive-date=14 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Generals.svg}} || || Flag of the [[General (India)|General]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Generals.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[General (India)|General]]
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Vice Chief of Army Staff.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Vice Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Army Staff]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Vice Chief of Army Staff.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Vice Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Army Staff]]
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Lieutenant Generals, Army Headquarters.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lieutenant General]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Lieutenant Generals, Army Headquarters.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lieutenant General]]
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Principal Staff Officers.svg}} || || Flag of the [[List of serving generals of the Indian Army#Principal Staff Officers (PSO)|Principal Staff Officer]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Principal Staff Officers.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[List of serving generals of the Indian Army#Principal Staff Officers (PSO)|Principal Staff Officer]]
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Major Generals, Army Headquarters.png|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the [[Major general (India)|Major General]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Major Generals, Army Headquarters.png|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Major general (India)|Major General]]
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Brigade command, Army Headquarters.png|border=0|checker=1}} ||  || Flag of the [[Brigadier (India)|Brigadier]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Brigade command, Army Headquarters.png|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Brigadier (India)|Brigadier]]
|  
|}
|}


==Indian Navy==
== Indian Navy ==
===Current rank flags (1950-2001; 2004-present)===
=== Current rank flags (2022–present) ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India.svg}} || || [[Indian Naval Ensign|Flag]] of the [[Indian Navy]] || A red cross on a white field, with the Indian state emblem in yellow at the center, with the Indian national flag in the [[Canton (flag)|canton]].
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India.svg}}
|  
| [[Indian Naval Ensign|Flag]] of the [[Indian Navy]]
| A white ensign, featuring the [[Flag of India]] in the [[Canton (flag)|canton]], and a [[navy blue]] filled, [[Gold (color)|gold]]-bordered octagon, enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy, located in the [[Glossary of vexillology|fly]].
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Masthead Pennant of the Indian Navy.svg|border=0|checker=1}} || || [[Commissioning pennant]] || A white triangular pennant with at hoist the [[Saint George's Cross|St. George's red cross]] defaced with the [[Ashoka Chakra]].
| {{ListFlag|Commissioning pennant of India.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
|
| [[Commissioning pennant]] of the Indian Navy
| A white triangular pennant with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the hoist.  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Admiral-ensign-Indian-Navy.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] (rank currently reserved for the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]) ||
| {{ListFlag|President's Colour of Indian Navy.svg|border=no}}
|  
| [[President's Colour Award|President's Colour]] of the Indian Navy
| Indian Naval ensign with [[State Emblem of India]].
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Vice Admiral of the Indian Navy rank flag.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] (also [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]]) ||
| {{ListFlag|Admiral ensign of Indian Navy.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] (rank currently reserved for the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]])
| A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and four blue stars in the hoist side.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy rank flag.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Vice Admiral ensign of Indian Navy.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice admiral]] (also [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]])
| A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and three blue stars in the hoist side.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Commodore of the Indian Navy rank flag.svg|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the [[Commodore (India)|Commodore]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Rear Admiral ensign of Indian Navy.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear admiral]]
| A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and two blue stars in the hoist side.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Senior Officer of the Indian Navy pennant.svg|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the [[Senior Officer (rank)|Senior officer]] ||
| {{ListFlag|Commodore ensign of Indian Navy.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Commodore (India)|Commodore]]
| A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and one blue star in the hoist side.
|}
|}


===Former rank flags (2001-2004)===
=== Former rank flags (1950–2001; 2004–2022) ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India (2001–2004).svg}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India (1950–2001).svg}}
| 1950–2001
| rowspan="3" |[[Indian Naval Ensign]]
| A red cross on a white field, with the [[Flag of India|Indian national flag]] in the [[Canton (flag)|canton]].
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|COMMISSIONING PENNANT (INDIA).gif|border=0|checker=1}}|| 2001-2004 || Commissioning pennant of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India (2004–2014).svg}}
| 2004–2014
| A red cross on a white field, with the [[State Emblem of India|Indian state emblem]] in yellow at the center, with the Indian national flag in the canton.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET (INDIA).gif}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of Admiral of the Fleet of the Indian Navy || Never used.
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India (2014–2022).svg}}
| 2014–2022
| A red cross on a white field, with the Indian state emblem in yellow at the center with the motto ''[[Satyamev Jayate]]'' below, and the Indian national flag in the canton.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|ADMIRAL (INDIA).gif}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of Admiral of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|President's Colour of Indian Navy (until 2022).svg}}
| 1951–2022
| [[President's Colour Award|President's Colour]]
| Indian Naval ensign with [[Presidential Standard of India|Presidential Standard]] elephant.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|VICE-ADMIRAL (INDIA).gif}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of Vice Admiral of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|Masthead Pennant of the Indian Navy.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| [[Commissioning pennant]]
| A white triangular pennant with at hoist the [[Saint George's Cross|St. George's red cross]] defaced with the [[Ashoka Chakra]].
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|REAR-ADMIRAL (INDIA).gif}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|Admiral-ensign-Indian-Navy.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] (was only used by [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]])
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|COMMODORE (INDIA).gif|border=0|checker=1}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of Commodore of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|Vice Admiral of the Indian Navy rank flag.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] (also [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]])
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|SENIOR OFFICER (INDIA).gif|border=0|checker=1}}|| 2001-2004 || Flag of Senior Officer of the Indian Navy ||
| {{ListFlag|Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy rank flag.svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]]
|
|-
| {{ListFlag|Commodore of the Indian Navy rank flag.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Commodore (India)|Commodore]]
|
|-
| {{ListFlag|Senior Officer of the Indian Navy pennant.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Senior Officer (rank)|Senior officer]]
|  
|}
|}


==Indian Air Force==
=== Former rank flags (2001–2004) ===
===Current rank flags (1980-present)===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Ensign of the Indian Air Force.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Indian Air Force]] || A [[Royal Air Force Ensign|sky-blue ensign]] with the flag of India in the canton, and the Air Force [[roundel]] in the fly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title = Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
| {{ListFlag|Naval Ensign of India (2001–2004).svg}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of the Indian Navy
| A blue-colored crest of the Indian Navy set upon a white background, with the flag of India placed in the canton.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of the Marshal of the Air Force (India).svg}} || || Flag of the [[Marshal of the Indian Air Force]] || Sky blue flag with the badge of the IAF in the center, and 5 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly. Only [[Arjan Singh|one person]] has ever been granted the right to this flag.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title = Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
| {{ListFlag|COMMISSIONING PENNANT (INDIA).gif|border=0|checker=1}}
| 2001–2004
| Commissioning pennant of the Indian Navy
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] (rank currently reserved for the [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]]) || Sky blue flag with the national flag in the canton, the IAF roundel in the lower fly, and the IAF badge in the upper fly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title = Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
| {{ListFlag|ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET (INDIA).gif}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of Admiral of the Fleet of the Indian Navy
| Never used.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Air arshal (India).png}} || || Flag of the [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] (also [[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff]]) || Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 3 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.
| {{ListFlag|ADMIRAL (INDIA).gif}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of Admiral of the Indian Navy
|
|-
| {{ListFlag|VICE-ADMIRAL (INDIA).gif}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of Vice Admiral of the Indian Navy
|
|-
| {{ListFlag|REAR-ADMIRAL (INDIA).gif}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy
|
|-
| {{ListFlag|COMMODORE (INDIA).gif|border=0|checker=1}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of Commodore of the Indian Navy
|
|-
| {{ListFlag|SENIOR OFFICER (INDIA).gif|border=0|checker=1}}
| 2001–2004
| Flag of Senior Officer of the Indian Navy
|
|}
 
== Indian Air Force ==
=== Current rank flags (1980–present) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
| {{ListFlag|Air Force Ensign of India (2023).svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Indian Air Force]]
| A [[Royal Air Force Ensign|sky-blue ensign]] with the flag of India in the canton, the Air Force [[roundel]] in the lower fly, and the IAF badge in the upper fly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
|-
| {{ListFlag|President's Colour of Indian Air Forces.svg}}
|
| [[President's Colour Award|President's Colour]] of the Indian Air Force
| Air Force ensign with [[Presidential Standard of India|Presidential Standard]] elephant.
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of the Marshal of the Air Force (India).svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Marshal of the Indian Air Force]]
| Sky blue flag with the badge of the IAF in the center, and 5 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly. Only [[Arjan Singh|one person]] has ever been granted the right to this flag.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] (rank currently reserved for the [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]])
| Sky blue flag with the national flag in the canton, the IAF roundel in the lower fly, the IAF badge in the upper fly, and 5 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Air marshal (India).svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] (also [[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff]])
| Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 3 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Air vice marshal (India).svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Air vice marshal (India)|Air Vice Marshal]]
| Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 2 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Air commodore (India).svg}}
|
| Flag of the [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]]
| Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 1 five-pointed gold star in the fly.
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Group Captain (India).svg|border=0|checker=1}}
|
| Flag of the [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]]
| Flag of Sky blue triangular pennant with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle.
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Wing Commander (India).svg|border=0|checker=1}}
|
| Flag of the [[Wing Commander (rank)|Wing Commander]]
| Sky blue triangular pennant with IAF roundel in the center.
|}
 
=== Former rank flags (till 2023) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Air Vice marshal (India).png}} || || Flag of the [[Air vice marshal (India)|Air Vice Marshal]] || Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 2 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.
! style="width:110px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Air commodore (India).png}} || || Flag of the [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]] || Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 1 five-pointed gold star in the fly.
| {{ListFlag|Air Force Ensign of India (1950–2023).svg}}
| 1950–2023
| Flag of the [[Indian Air Force]]
| A [[Royal Air Force Ensign|sky-blue ensign]] with the flag of India in the canton, and the Air Force [[roundel]] in the fly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Group Captain (India).gif|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] || Flag of Sky blue triangular pennant with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.svg}}
| 1980–2023
| Flag of the [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] (was only used by [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]])
| Sky blue flag with the national flag in the canton, the IAF roundel in the lower fly, and the IAF badge in the upper fly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Wing Commander (India).gif|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the [[Wing Commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] || Sky blue triangular pennant with IAF roundel in the center.
|}
|}


===Former rank flags (1950-1980)===
=== Former rank flags (1950–1980) ===
The former IAF rank flags were modeled on those of the [[Royal Air Force]], with different colours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title = Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
The former IAF rank flags were modeled on those of the [[Royal Air Force]], with different colours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#mar |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:110px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:110px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Marshal of the Air Forces 1950-1980.svg}} || 1950–1980 || Marshal of the Indian Air Force || Never used.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#owc |title = Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Marshal of the Air Forces 1950-1980.svg}}
| 1950–1980
| Marshal of the Indian Air Force
| Never used.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in^af.html#owc |title=Indian Air Force Flags}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Chief Marshal 1950-1980.svg}} || 1950–1980 || Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force || Sky blue bordered with two thick golden yellow stripes and with two thick horizontal green stripes in the center.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Chief Marshal 1950-1980.svg}}
| 1950–1980
| Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force
| Sky blue bordered with two thick golden yellow stripes and with two thick horizontal green stripes in the center.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Marshal 1950-1980.png}} || 1950–1980 || Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force || Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Marshal 1950-1980.png}}
| 1950–1980
| Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force
| Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Vice Marshal 1950-1980.svg}} || 1950–1980 || Air Vice Marshal of the Indian Air Force || Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Vice Marshal 1950-1980.svg}}
| 1950–1980
| Air Vice Marshal of the Indian Air Force
| Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Commodore 1950-1980.svg|border=0|checker=1}} || 1950–1980 || Air Commodore of the Indian Air Force || Swallowtail sky blue pennant bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Air Commodore 1950-1980.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
| 1950–1980
| Air Commodore of the Indian Air Force
| Swallowtail sky blue pennant bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Group Captain 1950-1980.svg|border=0|checker=1}} || 1950–1980 || Group Captain of the Indian Air Force || Triangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Group Captain 1950-1980.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
| 1950–1980
| Group Captain of the Indian Air Force
| Triangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Wing Captain 1950-1980.svg|border=0|checker=1}} || 1950–1980 || Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force || Triangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Wing Captain 1950-1980.svg|border=0|checker=1}}
| 1950–1980
| Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force
| Triangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Squadron Leader.svg}} || 1950–1980 || Squadron Leader of the Indian Air Force || Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center surmounted by an eagle in green. Below the stripe is the squadron number.
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Squadron Leader.svg}}
| 1950–1980
| Squadron Leader of the Indian Air Force
| Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center surmounted by an eagle in green. Below the stripe is the squadron number.
|}
|}


==Coast Guard==
== Indian Coast Guard ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="width:100px;"|Flag !! style="width:100px;"|Date !! style="width:250px;"|Use !! style="width:250px;"|Description
! style="width:100px;"|Flag
! style="width:100px;"|Date
! style="width:250px;"|Use
! style="width:250px;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Indian Coast Guard flag.svg}} || || Flag of the [[Indian Coast Guard]] || A [[Blue Ensign]] with the Flag of India in the canton, and the Coast Guard badge in the fly.
| {{ListFlag|Indian Coast Guard flag.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the [[Indian Coast Guard]]
| A [[Blue Ensign]] with the Flag of India in the canton, and the Coast Guard badge in the fly.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Indian Coast Guard flag.svg}} || ||Flag of the [[Director General of the Indian Coast Guard]] || A [[Blue Ensign]] with the Flag of India in the canton, and the Coast Guard badge in the fly.
| {{ListFlag|Indian Coast Guard flag.svg}}
|  
|Flag of the [[Director General of the Indian Coast Guard]]
| A [[Blue Ensign]] with the Flag of India in the canton, and the Coast Guard badge in the fly.
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL of ICG.jpg}} || || Flag of the Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard ||  
| {{ListFlag|Flag of the Indian Coast Guard.svg}}
|  
| Flag of the Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag Inspector GENERAL of ICG.jpg}} || || Flag of the Inspector-General of the Indian Coast Guard ||  
| {{ListFlag|Flag Inspector GENERAL of ICG.jpg}}
|  
| Flag of the Inspector-General of the Indian Coast Guard
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Coast Guard Inspector General.png|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the Deputy Inspector-General of the Indian Coast Guard ||  
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Coast Guard Inspector General.png|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| Flag of the Deputy Inspector-General of the Indian Coast Guard
|  
|-
|-
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Coast Guard Commandant.png|border=0|checker=1}} || || Flag of the Commandant of the Indian Coast Guard ||  
| {{ListFlag|Flag of Indian Coast Guard Commandant.png|border=0|checker=1}}
|  
| Flag of the Commandant of the Indian Coast Guard
|  
|}
|}


==See also==
== See also ==
{{Portal|India|Heraldry}}
{{Portal|India|Heraldry}}
*[[Armed Forces Flag Day]]
* [[Armed Forces Flag Day]]
*[[Indian Naval Ensign]]
* [[Indian Naval Ensign]]
*[[List of Indian flags]]
* [[List of Indian flags]]
*[[Flag of India]]
* [[Flag of India]]


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Military rank flags of India}}
{{Commons category|Military rank flags of India}}
*[https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in%5E.html Indian Military Flags - CRW flags]
* [https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in%5E.html Indian Military Flags - CRW flags]
*[https://tmg110.tripod.com/india.htm MILITARY & NAVAL FLAGS - War Flags]
* [https://tmg110.tripod.com/india.htm MILITARY & NAVAL FLAGS - War Flags]


{{Military ranks by country}}
{{Military ranks by country}}

Latest revision as of 23:38, 11 November 2025


This article is about the rank flags of Indian Armed Forces. For rank insignia of Indian Army, see Army ranks and insignia of India. For rank insignia of Indian Navy, see Naval ranks and insignia of India. For rank insignia of Indian Air Force, see Air Force ranks and insignia of India.
Indian Armed Forces
Military Manpower
Active troops
1,440,000 (2nd)
Reserve forces
2,096,000 (5th)
Paramilitary forces and CAPF
1,585,950 (6th)
Components
 Indian Army
 Indian Navy
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Indian Air Force
Paramilitary forces of India
Central Armed Police Forces
Strategic Nuclear Command
History
Military history of India
Ranks and insignia
Army • Navy • Air Force

The Indian Armed Forces follow the UK/Commonwealth ranking system, and their general and flag officers use rank flags. Template:Sidebox

Indian Armed Forces[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Indian Armed Forces A horizontal tricolour of red, navy blue and sky blue with the tri-service emblem at the centre.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Chief of Defence Staff A red field with the flag of India in the canton, and the tri-service emblem.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Integrated Defence Staff (also Chief of Integrated Defence Staff) A red field with the flag of India in the canton, There is insignia of two cross swords, an eagle, an anchor and an Ashok symbol above it

Indian Army[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Indian Army A red field with the flag of India in the canton, and the Army badge in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Field Marshal Red flag with crossed batons surrounded by a lotus flower wreath, the Ashoka lion emblem above the batons and five five-pointed stars across the bottom, all in yellow.[1]
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Chief of the Army Staff Red flag with the national flag in the canton, with two crossed swords and the Ashoka lions emblem above them in the center of the flag and four five-pointed stars in a vertical line in the fly all yellow.[2]
Template:ListFlag Flag of the General
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Lieutenant General
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Principal Staff Officer
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Major General
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Brigadier

Indian Navy[edit | edit source]

Current rank flags (2022–present)[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Indian Navy A white ensign, featuring the Flag of India in the canton, and a navy blue filled, gold-bordered octagon, enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy, located in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Commissioning pennant of the Indian Navy A white triangular pennant with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the hoist.
Template:ListFlag President's Colour of the Indian Navy Indian Naval ensign with State Emblem of India.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Admiral (rank currently reserved for the Chief of the Naval Staff) A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and four blue stars in the hoist side.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Vice admiral (also Vice Chief of the Naval Staff) A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and three blue stars in the hoist side.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Rear admiral A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and two blue stars in the hoist side.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Commodore A white flag with a gold-bordered octagon enclosing the crest of the Indian Navy in the middle, and one blue star in the hoist side.

Former rank flags (1950–2001; 2004–2022)[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag 1950–2001 Indian Naval Ensign A red cross on a white field, with the Indian national flag in the canton.
Template:ListFlag 2004–2014 A red cross on a white field, with the Indian state emblem in yellow at the center, with the Indian national flag in the canton.
Template:ListFlag 2014–2022 A red cross on a white field, with the Indian state emblem in yellow at the center with the motto Satyamev Jayate below, and the Indian national flag in the canton.
Template:ListFlag 1951–2022 President's Colour Indian Naval ensign with Presidential Standard elephant.
Template:ListFlag Commissioning pennant A white triangular pennant with at hoist the St. George's red cross defaced with the Ashoka Chakra.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Admiral (was only used by Chief of the Naval Staff)
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Vice Admiral (also Vice Chief of the Naval Staff)
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Rear Admiral
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Commodore
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Senior officer

Former rank flags (2001–2004)[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of the Indian Navy A blue-colored crest of the Indian Navy set upon a white background, with the flag of India placed in the canton.
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Commissioning pennant of the Indian Navy
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of Admiral of the Fleet of the Indian Navy Never used.
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of Admiral of the Indian Navy
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of Vice Admiral of the Indian Navy
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of Commodore of the Indian Navy
Template:ListFlag 2001–2004 Flag of Senior Officer of the Indian Navy

Indian Air Force[edit | edit source]

Current rank flags (1980–present)[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Indian Air Force A sky-blue ensign with the flag of India in the canton, the Air Force roundel in the lower fly, and the IAF badge in the upper fly.[3]
Template:ListFlag President's Colour of the Indian Air Force Air Force ensign with Presidential Standard elephant.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Sky blue flag with the badge of the IAF in the center, and 5 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly. Only one person has ever been granted the right to this flag.[4]
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Air Chief Marshal (rank currently reserved for the Chief of the Air Staff) Sky blue flag with the national flag in the canton, the IAF roundel in the lower fly, the IAF badge in the upper fly, and 5 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.[5]
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Air Marshal (also Vice Chief of the Air Staff) Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 3 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Air Vice Marshal Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 2 five-pointed gold stars in a vertical line in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Air Commodore Sky blue flag with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle; 1 five-pointed gold star in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Group Captain Flag of Sky blue triangular pennant with IAF roundel in the center surmounted by eagle.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Wing Commander Sky blue triangular pennant with IAF roundel in the center.

Former rank flags (till 2023)[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag 1950–2023 Flag of the Indian Air Force A sky-blue ensign with the flag of India in the canton, and the Air Force roundel in the fly.[6]
Template:ListFlag 1980–2023 Flag of the Air Chief Marshal (was only used by Chief of the Air Staff) Sky blue flag with the national flag in the canton, the IAF roundel in the lower fly, and the IAF badge in the upper fly.[7]

Former rank flags (1950–1980)[edit | edit source]

The former IAF rank flags were modeled on those of the Royal Air Force, with different colours.[8]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Marshal of the Indian Air Force Never used.[9]
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force Sky blue bordered with two thick golden yellow stripes and with two thick horizontal green stripes in the center.
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Air Vice Marshal of the Indian Air Force Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Air Commodore of the Indian Air Force Swallowtail sky blue pennant bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center.
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Group Captain of the Indian Air Force Triangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with one thick horizontal green stripe in the center.
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force Triangular sky blue pennant bordered in golden yellow, with two thin horizontal green stripes in the center.
Template:ListFlag 1950–1980 Squadron Leader of the Indian Air Force Sky blue flag bordered with two thick horizontal golden yellow stripes, with one thin horizontal green stripe in the center surmounted by an eagle in green. Below the stripe is the squadron number.

Indian Coast Guard[edit | edit source]

Flag Date Use Description
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Indian Coast Guard A Blue Ensign with the Flag of India in the canton, and the Coast Guard badge in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard A Blue Ensign with the Flag of India in the canton, and the Coast Guard badge in the fly.
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Inspector-General of the Indian Coast Guard
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Deputy Inspector-General of the Indian Coast Guard
Template:ListFlag Flag of the Commandant of the Indian Coast Guard

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Indian Army Flags".
  2. ↑ "Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - Rank Flags". Archived from the original on 14 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
  3. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".
  4. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".
  5. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".
  6. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".
  7. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".
  8. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".
  9. ↑ "Indian Air Force Flags".

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Military ranks by country

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