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{{Short description|Aerial service branch of the Indian Armed Forces}}
[[Image:Air Force Ensign of India.svg|thumb|right|200px|Ensign of the Indian Air Force]]
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                    = Indian Air Force
| native_name                  = <!-- This was removed as per a [[Special:PermanentLink/863478855#What's_with_all_this_transliteration?|discussion]] at WikiProject India as an extension of [[MOS:IS]] -->
| image                        = Badge of the Indian Air Force.svg
| image_size                    =
| caption                      = [[Badge of the Royal Air Force#Related badges|Badge of the Indian Air Force]]
| start_date                    = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1950|01|26}} (''as current service'')
----
{{Start date and age|df=yes|1932|10|08}} (''as [[Royal Indian Air Force]]'')
----
| country                      = {{flag|India}}
| allegiance                    =
| branch                        =
| type                          = [[Air force]]
| role                          = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size                          = 170,576 active personnel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html |title=20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant in Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament |date=27 December 2017 |access-date=2017-12-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227162941/http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html |archive-date=27 December 2017}}</ref> <br /> 140,000 reserve personnel<ref name="Military2021">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T8M7zgEACAAJ|title=The Military Balance 2021|last=(Iiss)|first=The International Institute of Strategic Studies|date=25 February 2021|publisher=Routledge, Chapman & Hall, 10,000 civilian personnel Incorporated|isbn=9781032012278|language=en}}</ref> <br /> Approx [[List of active Indian military aircraft#Air Force|1926+ aircraft]]<ref name="Flightglobal"/><ref name="IISS2014_p245">[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]: The Military Balance 2014, p.245</ref>
| command_structure            = [[Indian Armed Forces]]
| garrison                      = [[Secretariat Building, New Delhi|Integrated Defence Headquarters]], [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]], [[New Delhi]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      =
| patron                        =
| motto                        = {{native phrase|sa|नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्|italics=off}} <br /> {{transl|sa|ISO|Nabhaḥ Spr̥śaṁ Dīptam}} <small>([[ISO 15919|ISO]])</small> <br /> {{trans|"Touch the sky with Glory"}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The IAF Motto|url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/iaf-motto|access-date=2019-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Airforce Motto |url=https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/motto.html |website=IAF Careers|access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Touch The Sky With Glory – 86th Anniversary of Indian Air Force |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFm1pCOl5W8  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/MFm1pCOl5W8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|publisher= [[Press Information Bureau]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> (Taken from [[Bhagavad Gita]])<ref name="Mukundananda">{{cite web | last=Mukundananda | first=Swami | title=Chapter 11, Verse 24 – Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Swami Mukundananda | website=Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Swami Mukundananda | url=https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/11/verse/24 | access-date=2021-07-06}}</ref>
| colours                      = {{legend2|#002654|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#64b4e6|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#ffffff|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
| colours_label                =
| march                        = {{plainlist|
*Quick: {{audio|Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko.ogg|''Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko''}}<br />(When the nation calls)
*Slow: {{audio|Vayu Sena Nishan.ogg|''Vayu Sena Nishan''}}<br />(The Air Force Emblem)
}}
| mascot                        =
| anniversaries                = 8 October (Air Force Day)<ref>{{Cite web|title=IAF celebrates 87th Air Force Day – Abhinandan enthrals audience|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-celebrates-87th-air-force-day/history/slideshow/71488828.cms|access-date=2020-10-06|website=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-03|title=In a first, Rafale fighter jet to feature in Air Force Day parade|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-rafale-fighter-jet-to-feature-in-air-force-day-parade/story-1jO9RbTpnO9g7NSevKGEPI.html|access-date=2020-10-06|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
| equipment                    =
| equipment_label              =
| battles                      = {{Collapsible list
| framestyle = border:none; padding:0;
| title = Notable operations
| 1 =[[World War II]]|2 =[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]|3 = [[Congo Crisis]]|4 = [[Operation Vijay (1961)|Operation Vijay]]|5 = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]|7 = [[Operation Cactus-Lilly]]|8=[[Battle of Boyra]]|9 = [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]|10 =[[Operation Meghdoot]]|11 =[[Operation Poomalai]]|12 =[[Operation Pawan]]|13 =[[Operation Cactus]]|14 =[[Kargil War]]| 15 =[[Pakistan Navy Atlantic shootdown]]| 16 = [[2019 Balakot airstrike]] |17 =[[India–Pakistan border skirmishes (2019)]] | 18 =[[2020 China–India skirmishes]]|19 = [[Operation Ganga]]
}}
| decorations                  =
| battle_honours                =
| battle_honours_label          =
| flying_hours                  =
| website                      = {{Official URL}}
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1                    = [[President of India|President]] [[Ram Nath Kovind]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-chief#India|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = ''Vacant''
| commander2_label              = [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)]]
| commander3                    = ''Vacant''
| commander3_label              = [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CCSC)]]
| commander4                    = [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari]], [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Vayu Sena Medal|VM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]]
| commander4_label              = [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)]]
| commander5                    = [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] [[Sandeep Singh (air marshal)|Sandeep Singh]], [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Vayu Sena Medal|VM]]
| commander5_label              = [[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS)]]
| notable_commanders            = [[Marshal of the Indian Air Force]] [[Arjan Singh]] <br /> [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Pratap Chandra Lal]] <br /> [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] [[Subroto Mukherjee]]
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol        = [[File:Roundel of India.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label  = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2      = [[File:Fin Flash of India.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]]
| identification_symbol_3      = [[File:Air Force Ensign of India.svg|160px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = [[Royal Air Force Ensign#Related ensigns|Flag]]
| identification_symbol_4      = [[File:President's Colour of Indian Air Forces.svg|150px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[President's Colour Award|President's Colour]]
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack              = [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]], [[IAI Eitan|Eitan]], [[IAI Harop|Harop]]
| aircraft_bomber              =
| aircraft_electronic          = [[EL/W-2090|A-50E/I]], [[DRDO AEW&CS]]
| aircraft_fighter              = [[Su-30MKI]], [[Rafale]], [[HAL Tejas|Tejas]], [[MiG-29]], [[Mirage 2000]], [[MiG-21]]
| aircraft_helicopter          = [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-47 Chinook]], [[HAL Dhruv|Dhruv]], [[HAL Chetak|Chetak]], [[HAL Cheetah|Cheetah]], [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]], [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]], [[Mi-26]],
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter|HAL LCH]], [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|Apache AH-64E]], [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-25/35]], [[HAL Rudra|Rudra]]
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo    =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer  =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility  =
| aircraft_interceptor          = [[MiG 21]]
| aircraft_patrol              =
| aircraft_recon                = [[IAI Searcher|Searcher II]], [[IAI Heron|Heron]]
| aircraft_trainer              = [[BAE Hawk|Hawk Mk 132]], [[HAL Kiran|HJT-16 Kiran]], [[Pilatus PC-7|Pilatus C-7 Mk II]]
| aircraft_transport            = [[C-130J]], [[C-17 Globemaster III]], [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-47F (I) Chinook]], [[Il-76]], [[An-32]], [[HS 748]], [[Do 228]], [[Boeing 737]], [[Embraer ERJ 145 family|ERJ 135]], [[Boeing 777]]
| aircraft_tanker              = [[Il-78|Il-78 MKI]]
| aircraft_general              =
}}
[[File:Indian Air Force 89th Air Force Day Trailer.webm|thumb|alt=IAF Trailer|IAF Trailer for 89th Air Force Day.]]
The '''Indian Air Force''' ('''IAF''') is the [[air force|air arm]] of the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. Its complement of personnel and aircraft assets ranks fourth amongst the air forces of the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/airforce.htm|title=India – Air Force|author=John Pike|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208232118/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/airforce.htm|archive-date=8 February 2010}}</ref> Its primary mission is to secure Indian [[airspace]] and to conduct [[aerial warfare]] during armed conflict. 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''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=98|title=Indian Air Force|website=indianairforce.nic.in|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409235005/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=98|archive-date=9 April 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> After India gained independence from [[United Kingdom]] in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of [[Dominion of India]]. With the government's transition to a Republic in 1950, the prefix ''Royal'' was removed.


Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in [[Indo-Pakistani Wars|four wars]] with neighbouring Pakistan. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include [[Annexation of Goa|Operation Vijay]], [[Operation Meghdoot]], [[Operation Cactus]] and [[Operation Poomalai]]. The IAF's mission expands beyond engagement with hostile forces, with the IAF participating in [[History of United Nations peacekeeping|United Nations peacekeeping missions]].
The '''Indian Air Force''' is the [[Air force|air arm]] of the [[India]]n [[Military]]. The Royal Indian Air Force was founded on 1 April 1932 as part of the armed forces of the [[British Empire]]. In 1950, after independence, India dropped the word 'Royal' from the name.  


The [[President of India]] holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the IAF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presidentofindia.nic.in/about.htm|title=About – The President of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405170925/http://www.presidentofindia.nic.in/about.htm|archive-date=5 April 2016|access-date=4 February 2019}}</ref> {{As of|2017|7|1}}, 1,39,576 personnel are in service with the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html|title=20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant In Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament|work=News18|access-date=2017-12-28|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227162941/http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html|archive-date=27 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/armed-forces-facing-shortage-of-nearly-60000-personnel-government/articleshow/62270482.cms|title=Armed forces facing shortage of nearly 60,000 personnel: Government|date=2017-12-27|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-12-28|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228202832/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/armed-forces-facing-shortage-of-nearly-60000-personnel-government/articleshow/62270482.cms|archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> The [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]], an [[air chief marshal]], is a [[four-star rank|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arjan Singh: IAF's 1965 war hero and the only five-star ranked officer|date=16 September 2017|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arjan-singh-iaf-s-1965-war-hero-marshal-and-the-only-five-star-ranked-officer/story-ivYKZLjoosj85xLLBZgB9J.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019215742/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arjan-singh-iaf-s-1965-war-hero-marshal-and-the-only-five-star-ranked-officer/story-ivYKZLjoosj85xLLBZgB9J.html|archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref>
Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in 5 wars but also participates regularly in [[United Nations]] peace keeping missions.  


==Mission==
The Indian Air Force has around 170,000 personnel and around 1700 aircraft making it the 4th largest air force in the world in terms of [[aircraft]]. The motto of the Indian Air Force is ''nabhah sprsham diptam'' ('touch the sky with glory').The motto has been taken from the Sacred Bhagavad Gita,Chapter 11,Verse 24.
[[File:IAF Roundels.gif|thumb|150px|Evolution of the IAF roundel over the years:<ref name="Heraldry">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Palam/Heraldry.html |title=Indian Air For Heraldry (Badges and Insignia) |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=16 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128211632/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Palam/Heraldry.html |archive-date=28 November 2011}}</ref> {{Ordered list|1933–1942|1942–1945|1947–1950|1950 – present}}]]
[[File:Indian Air Force flag at India Gate.jpg|thumb|268x268px|Indian Air Force flag at [[India Gate]], New Delhi]]
The IAF's mission is defined by the [[Armed Forces Act|Armed Forces Act of 1947]], the [[Constitution of India]], and the Air Force Act of 1950.<ref>{{cite book |title=Air Force Act, 1950 |publisher=Ministry of Law & Justice |url=http://indiacode.nic.in/rspaging.asp?tfnm=195045 |access-date=16 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112122336/http://indiacode.nic.in/rspaging.asp?tfnm=195045 |archive-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> It decrees that in the aerial [[battlespace]]:
<blockquote>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.</blockquote>


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.{{Clarify|reason=|date=June 2017}}<ref name="India in aerospace defence plan">{{cite news |title=India in aerospace defence plan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6307875.stm |publisher=BBC |date=28 January 2011 |access-date=24 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929001552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6307875.stm |archive-date=29 September 2009}}</ref><ref name="SpaceDaily">{{cite web |title=India Begins Work On Space Weapons Command |url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/India_Begins_Work_On_Space_Weapons_Command.html |publisher=Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070709071654/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/India_Begins_Work_On_Space_Weapons_Command.html |archive-date=9 July 2007 |date=12 April 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=23 June 2014}}</ref>


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.<ref name="ATCP">{{cite web |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/iaf.php |title=Aid to Civil Power |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725024645/http://www.indianairforce.nic.in/iaf.php |archive-date=25 July 2010}}</ref> The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the [[1998 Gujarat cyclone|Gujarat cyclone in 1998]], the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|tsunami in 2004]], and [[2013 North India floods|North India floods]] in 2013.<ref name="ATCP" /> The IAF has also undertaken relief missions such as Operation Rainbow in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="ATCP" />


==History==
{{military-stub}}
{{main|History of the Indian Air Force|Royal Indian Air Force}}


{{See also|List of historical aircraft of the Indian Air Force}}
[[Category:Military of India]]
 
[[Category:Military aviation]]
===Formation and early pilots===
[[Category:1932 establishments in India]]
[[File:IAF Wapiti K1260.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Westland Wapiti]], one of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force]]
[[Category:1932 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932 in [[British India]] as an auxiliary air force<ref name="clause4">{{cite web|title=HC Deb 3 April 1933 vol 276 cc1473-501|url=http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1933/apr/03/clause-4-relations-between-royal-air|work=[[Hansard]]|publisher=[[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]|access-date=8 April 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503154955/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1933/apr/03/clause-4-relations-between-royal-air|archive-date=3 May 2009}}</ref> of the [[Royal Air Force]]. The enactment of the Indian Air Force Act 1932<ref name="IAF">{{cite web|title=History of the IAF|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=98|work=Official Website|publisher=Webmaster IAF – Air Headquarters|access-date=7 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409235005/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=98|archive-date=9 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="airpower3">{{cite journal |last=Bedi |first=Sanjeev |date=Summer 2008 |title=Strategic Role of Air Power |journal=Air Power Journal|volume=3|publisher=Center for Air Power Studies|issue=2 |pages=27–45 |url=http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Summer%202008/Sanjeev%20Bedi.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723023345/http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Summer%202008/Sanjeev%20Bedi.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-07-23 |access-date=8 April 2009 }}</ref> stipulated out their auxiliary status and enforced the adoption of the Royal Air Force uniforms, badges, brevets and insignia.<ref name="Heraldry1">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Palam/Heraldry.html |title=INDIAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM – Heraldry (Badges and Insignia) |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329193739/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Palam/Heraldry.html |archive-date=29 March 2010}}</ref> On 1 April 1933, the IAF commissioned its first squadron, No.1 Squadron, with four [[Westland Wapiti|Westland Wapiti biplanes]] and five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots were led by British [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal) [[Cecil Bouchier]].<ref name="Goyal">{{cite web|last=Goyal |first=S.N. |title=1939–45 Second World War: Air Force Reminiscences |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1940s/Goyal.html |work=Sainik Samachar |publisher=Indian Air Force |date=October 1993 |access-date=8 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006180501/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1940s/Goyal.html |archive-date=6 October 2009}}</ref>
[[Category:1950 disestablishments]]
[[File:Royal Indian Air Force.svg|thumb|251x251px|The crest of the [[Royal Indian Air Force]] (1932-1950).]]
[[Category:1950s disestablishments in India]]
 
[[Category:1950s disestablishments in the United Kingdom]]
===World War II (1939–1945)===
{{main|India in World War II}}
[[File:Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection CI75.jpg|thumb|left|[[World War II]] photo: [[Arjan Singh]] (middle) as Flight Lieutenant. He went on to become [[Marshal of the Air Force]]]]
 
During [[World War II]], the IAF played an instrumental role in halting the advance of the [[Imperial Japan|Japanese army]] in [[Myanmar|Burma]], where the first IAF air strike was executed. The target for this first mission was the Japanese military base in [[Rakhine State|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 [[Airstrike|strike]], [[close air support]], [[aerial reconnaissance]], [[bomber escort]] and pathfinding missions for RAF and [[China Burma India Theater#USAAF Order of Battle|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 campaign|Burma Theatre]] IAF pilots participated in air operations in [[North African campaign|North Africa]] and [[European theatre of World War II|Europe]].<ref name=rafmuseum>{{cite web |url=https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/royal-indian-air-force/|title=Royal Indian Air Force |publisher=RAF Museum |access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref>
 
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 [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]]. Squadron Leader Sukthankar eventually completed 45 operations, 14 of them on board the [[List of surviving Avro Lancasters#Surviving aircraft 2|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.<ref name=rafmuseum /> 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 A-31 Vengeance|Vultee Vengeance]], [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Douglas Dakota]], the British [[Hawker Hurricane]], [[Supermarine Spitfire]], and [[Westland Lysander]].
 
In recognition of the valiant service by the IAF, [[George VI of the United Kingdom|King George VI]] conferred the [[Prefix (linguistics)|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.<ref name=Ahluwalia2012>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sabUQ7zKUvsC&pg=PA41|title=Airborne to Chairborne: Memoirs of a War Veteran Aviator-Lawyer of the Indian Air Force|last=Ahluwalia|first=A.|date=2012|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|isbn=978-1-4691-9657-2|page=41|language=en}}</ref>
 
===First years of independence (1947–1950)===
[[File:Dakotas in Poonch 1947.jpg|thumb|Refugees awaiting [[Military operations in Poonch (1948)|evacuation]] by IAF [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota]] on [[Poonch district, India|Poonch]] airstrip, December 1947]]
After it became independent from the [[British Empire]] in 1947, [[British Raj|British India]] was [[partition of India|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 [[Pakistan Air Force|Royal Pakistan Air Force]].<ref name="Engineer">{{cite web|last=Engineer |first=Aspy M. |author-link=Aspy Engineer|title=Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1940s/Aspy01.html |date=February 1993 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=8 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230140314/http://bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1940s/Aspy01.html |archive-date=30 December 2009}}</ref> The RIAF Roundel was changed to an interim 'Chakra' roundel derived from the [[Ashoka Chakra]].<ref name="Heraldry"/>
 
Around the same time, conflict broke out between them over the control of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|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.<ref name=Lyon79>{{Harvnb|Lyon|2008|p=79|Ref=Lyon}}</ref> The day after, the [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|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.<ref name=Lyon79/> This led to the eruption of full-scale war between India and Pakistan, though there was no formal declaration of war.<ref>{{Harvnb|Massey|2005|p=97|Ref=Massey}}</ref> During the war, the RIAF did not engage the Pakistan Air Force in air-to-air combat; however, it did provide effective transport and close air support to the Indian troops.<ref>{{Harvnb|Barua|2005|p=192|Ref=Barua}}</ref>
[[File:Consolidated-Vultee B-24 Liberator heavy bomber over the Deccan plateau in the early 1950s.jpg|thumb|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.<ref name="airpower4">{{cite journal |last=Bedi |first=Sanjeev |date=Summer 2008 |title=Strategic Role of Air Power |journal=Air Power Journal|volume=3 |publisher=Center for Air Power Studies|issue=2 |pages=27–45 |url=http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Summer%202008/Sanjeev%20Bedi.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723023345/http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Summer%202008/Sanjeev%20Bedi.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-07-23}}</ref> At the same time, the current IAF roundel was adopted.<ref name="Heraldry"/>
 
===Congo crisis and Annexation of Goa (1960–1961)===
The IAF saw significant conflict in 1960, when [[Belgian colonial empire|Belgium's 75-year rule]] over [[Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville)|Congo]] ended abruptly, engulfing the nation in [[Congo Crisis|widespread violence and rebellion]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Congolese Rescue Operation|url=http://www.history.army.mil/documents/AbnOps/TABE.htm|publisher=US Army History|access-date=25 April 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507102048/http://www.history.army.mil/documents/AbnOps/TABE.htm|archive-date=7 May 2009}}</ref> The IAF activated [[No. 5 Squadron IAF|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.<ref name="airpower60">{{cite journal|last=Singh |first=Charanjit |title=The Congo Diary |journal=Air Power Journal |volume=2 |publisher=Center for Air Power Studies |issue=3 |pages=27–45 |url=http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Monsoon%202005/The%20Congo%20Diary.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710041049/http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Monsoon%202005/The%20Congo%20Diary.pdf |archive-date=10 July 2007}}</ref> The unit remained there until 1966, when the UN mission ended.<ref name="airpower60"/> Operating from [[Kinshasa|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/air-force-history.htm|title=Air Force History|publisher=Global Security|access-date=8 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html|archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>
 
In late 1961, the [[Government of India|Indian government]] decided to attack the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese colony of Goa]] after years of disagreement between [[New Delhi]] and [[Lisbon]].<ref name=brgoa1/> The Indian Air Force was requested to provide support elements to the ground force in what was called [[Operation Vijay (1961)|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.<ref name=brgoa1>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1960s/Goa01.html |title=The Liberation of Goa: 1961 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |author=Jagan Pillarisetti |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107025811/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1960s/Goa01.html |archive-date=7 January 2012}}</ref> On 18 December, two waves of [[English Electric Canberra|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 [[Douglas DC-6|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]].<ref name=brgoa1/> [[Hawker Hunter|Hunters]] attacked the wireless station at Bambolim. [[De Havilland Vampire|Vampires]] were used to provide air support to the ground forces.<ref name=brgoa1 /> In [[Daman, India|Daman]], [[Dassault Mystère IV|Mystères]] were used to strike Portuguese gun positions.<ref name=brgoa1 /> [[Dassault Ouragan|Ouragans]] (called Toofanis in the IAF) bombed the runways at [[Diu, India|Diu]] and destroyed the control tower, wireless station and the meteorological station. After the Portuguese surrendered the former colony was integrated into India.<ref name=brgoa1 />
 
===Border disputes and changes in the IAF (1962–1971)===
{{See also|Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965}}
[[File:PAF Sabre being shot down in combat by an IAF Gnat in September 1965.jpg|thumb|Pakistani [[North American F-86 Sabre|Sabre]] being shot down in combat by an IAF [[Folland Gnat|Gnat]] in September 1965 as seen from the Indian aircraft during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965 War]]]]
In 1962, border disagreements between China and India escalated to a war when China mobilised its troops across the Indian border.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Harvnb|Pradhan|2010|p=185|Ref=Pradhan}}</ref> 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 (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
 
On 24 April 1965, an Indian [[Dassault Ouragan|Ouragan]] strayed over the [[Pakistan]]i 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|Pakistan Air Force(PAF)]] and ended up being displayed at the PAF museum in [[Peshawar]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jackson|first=Paul|date=1988|title=Ouragon:Ancestor of Rafale|url=http://www.airenthusiast.com/|journal=Air Enthusiast|volume=No.37|pages=78|issn=0143-5450}}</ref>
 
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 [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|Second Kashmir War]].<ref name="SKW">{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/sep/08war1.htm|title=Operation Gibraltar: Battle that never was|first=Shaukat|last=Qadir|date=9 September 2005|work=The 1965 War, 40 Years On|publisher=Rediff News|access-date=17 January 2012|quote=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.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204034815/http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/sep/08war1.htm|archive-date=4 February 2012}}</ref> This was the first time the IAF actively engaged an enemy air force.<ref>{{Harvnb|Pradhan|Chavan|2007|p=xiv|Ref=ybChavan}}</ref> However, instead of providing close air support to the [[Indian Army]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Thomas|1996|p=11|Ref=Raju}}</ref> the IAF carried out independent raids against [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]] bases.<ref>{{Harvnb|Sisodia|Bhaskar|2005|p=82|Ref=Emerging}}</ref> These bases were situated deep inside Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.<ref>{{Harvnb|Gupta|1997|p=43|Ref=Gupta}}</ref> 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.<ref name="SKW"/> 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.<ref name="SKW"/> Despite this, the IAF was able to prevent the PAF from gaining air superiority over conflict zones.<ref>{{Harvnb|Dixit|2002|p=149|Ref=Dixit}}</ref> The small and nimble IAF [[Folland Gnat]]s proved effective against the [[F-86 Sabre]]s of the PAF earning it the nickname "Sabre Slayers".{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} By the time the conflict had ended, the IAF lost 60–70 aircraft, while the PAF lost 43 aircraft.<ref name="SKW" /> More than 60% of IAF's aircraft losses took place in [[Close air support|ground attack]] missions to enemy ground-fire, since fighter-bomber aircraft would carry out repeated dive attacks on the same target. According to, [[Arjan Singh|Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh]] of the Indian Air Force, despite having been qualitatively inferior, IAF achieved air superiority in three days in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965 War]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/1965-war-we-achieved-air-superiority-in-three-days-says-air-force-marshal-arjan-singh_1805797.html|title=1965 war: We achieved air superiority in three days, says Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh|date=4 October 2015|access-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614221636/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/1965-war-we-achieved-air-superiority-in-three-days-says-air-force-marshal-arjan-singh_1805797.html|archive-date=14 June 2016}}</ref>
 
[[File:IAF Hf24 flying in formation.jpg|thumb|left|[[HAL HF-24 Marut]]s flying in formation. These were the first indigenous fighter jet to enter service with the IAF]]
After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes to improve its capabilities. In 1966, the [[Para Commandos (India)|Para Commandos]] regiment was created.<ref>{{Harvnb|Praval|1975|p=6|Ref=Praval}}</ref> To increase its logistics supply and rescue operations ability, the IAF inducted 72 [[HS 748]]s which were built by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) under licence from [[Avro]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Jones|1985|p=78|Ref=Jones}}</ref> 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]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Boyne|Fopp|2002|p=619|Ref=Boyne}}</ref> were inducted into the air force. HAL also started developing an improved version of the [[Folland Gnat]], known as [[HAL Ajeet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avgnat.html |title=The Folland Gnat / HAL Ajeet |date=1 December 2009 |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612133807/http://www.vectorsite.net/avgnat.html |archive-date=12 June 2010}}</ref> At the same time, the IAF also started inducting [[Mach speed|Mach 2]] capable Soviet [[MiG-21]] and [[Sukhoi Su-7]] fighters.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Whale of a Fighter: the Su-7 in IAF Service |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Aircraft/Su-7.html |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=5 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230183851/http://bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Aircraft/Su-7.html |archive-date=30 December 2009}}</ref>
 
===Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)===
[[File:PAF hangar at Dacca airfield after an air attack by the IAF, Dec 71.jpg|thumb|[[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]] hangar at Dacca airfield after an IAF air attack, December 1971]]
By late 1971, the intensification of the independence movement in [[East Pakistan]] lead to the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] between India and Pakistan.<ref>{{Harvnb|Sisson|Rose|1991|p=229|Ref=SissonRose}}</ref> On 22 November 1971, 10 days before the start of a full-scale war, four [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]] [[F-86 Sabre]] jets attacked Indian and [[Mukti Bahini]] positions at [[Battle of Garibpur|Garibpur]], near the international border. Two of the four PAF Sabres [[Battle of Boyra|were shot down]] and one damaged by the IAF's [[Folland Gnat]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1971War/Sabres.html |title=Boyra Encounter – 22nd November 1971 |author=Jagan Pillarisetti |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=19 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118130237/http://bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1971War/Sabres.html |archive-date=18 November 2011}}</ref> On 3 December, India formally [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|declared war]] against Pakistan following massive [[Operation Chengiz Khan|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.<ref>{{cite journal |date=20 December 1971|title=Newsweek : the international newsmagazine: US edition |journal=Newsweek |page=34 |issn=0028-9604 |quote=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!}}</ref> The Indian Air Force was quick to respond to Pakistani air strikes, following which the PAF carried out mostly defensive [[sorties]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Kainikara|2011|p=195|Ref=Kainikara}}</ref>
[[File:The IAF strikes the enemy's rail communication in West Pakistan, Dec 71.jpg|thumb|IAF attacking enemy rail facilities in West Pakistan, December 1971]]
[[File:Mig21 pair during 1971 war.jpg|thumb|left|A pair of [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21s]] during the 1971 war]]
 
Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out almost 12,000 sorties over East Pakistan and also provided [[East Pakistan Operations 1971|close air support]] to the advancing Indian Army.<ref name="IAF71">{{cite web |title=The War of December 1971 |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=71 |publisher=Indian Air Force |access-date=3 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410000055/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=71 |archive-date=10 April 2009}}</ref> IAF also assisted the [[Indian Navy]] in its operations against the [[Pakistani Navy]] and [[Paramilitary forces of Pakistan|Maritime Security Agency]] in the [[Bay of Bengal]] and [[Arabian Sea]]. On the western front, the IAF destroyed more than 20 Pakistani tanks,<ref>{{cite news|title=Years later, Longewala reminds the do-or-die battle|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Years-later-Longewala-reminds-the-do-or-die-battle/articleshow/27554710.cms|access-date=23 August 2015|work=The Times of India|agency=India Times|issue=18 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018220423/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Years-later-Longewala-reminds-the-do-or-die-battle/articleshow/27554710.cms|archive-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> 4 [[Armoured personnel carrier|APCs]] and a supply train during the [[Battle of Longewala]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Shorey |first=Anil |date=February 2005 |title=Battle of Longewala: Best of Braves |journal=Sainik Samachar |volume=52 |issue=4 |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/History/1971War/Longewala.html |access-date=12 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318080515/http://bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/History/1971War/Longewala.html |archive-date=18 March 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mohan |first=Jagan |title=When lightning strikes |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1971War/Lightning.html |publisher=[[Bharat Rakshak]] |access-date=12 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228075254/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1971War/Lightning.html |archive-date=28 February 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=Time Inc. |date=20 December 1971 |access-date=12 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523005106/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C878969%2C00.html |archive-date=23 May 2011}}</ref> By the time Pakistani forces surrendered, the IAF destroyed 94 PAF Aircraft<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N6PLszPsPosC|title=The Sky was the Limit|first=Murkot|last=Ramunny|date=1 January 1997|publisher=Northern Book Centre|isbn=978-81-7211-084-0}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rbth.com/blogs/2015/06/04/why_the_indian_air_force_has_a_high_crash_rate_43501|title=Why the Indian Air Force has a high crash rate|first=Rakesh Krishnan|last=Simha|date=4 June 2015|work=rbth.com|access-date=25 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101105603/http://in.rbth.com/blogs/2015/06/04/why_the_indian_air_force_has_a_high_crash_rate_43501|archive-date=1 January 2017}}</ref> 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<ref name="IAF71"/> on both East and West fronts; including sorties by transport aircraft and helicopters.<ref name="IAF71"/> 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.<ref name="Encyclopedia of the Developing World, Volume 3">{{cite book|last1=Leonard|first1=Thomas M.|title=Encyclopedia of the Developing World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gc2NAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA806|year=2006|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0415976640|page=806}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Century Air Warfare 1997, pages 384">''The Encyclopedia of 20th Century Air Warfare'', edited by Chris Bishop (Amber publishing 1997, republished 2004 pages 384–387 {{ISBN|1-904687-26-1}})</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Choudhury |first=Ishfaq Ilahi |title=Air aspect of the Liberation War 1971 |url=http://www.mukto-mona.com/Articles/ishfaq/air_aspect71.htm |newspaper=Daily Star |access-date=8 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322031554/http://www.mukto-mona.com/Articles/ishfaq/air_aspect71.htm |archive-date=22 March 2009}}</ref>
 
===Incidents before Kargil (1984–1988)===
In 1984, India launched [[Operation Meghdoot]] to capture the [[Siachen Glacier]] in the contested [[Kashmir]] region.<ref>{{Harvnb|Ives|2004|p=186|Ref=Ives}}</ref> In Op Meghdoot, IAF's [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]], [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Chetak]] and [[Aerospatiale Lama|Cheetah]] helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.<ref>{{Harvnb|Talbott|2006|p=164|Ref=Talbott}}</ref> 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 {{convert|70|km|mi}} long [[Siachen Glacier]] and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as the three main passes of the [[Saltoro Mountains|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.<ref name=Wirsing>{{cite book |last=Wirsing |first=Robert |title=Pakistan's security under Zia, 1977–1988: the policy imperatives of a peripheral Asian state |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan, 1991 |isbn=9780312060671 |date=15 November 1991}}</ref><ref name=Child>{{cite book |last=Child |first=Greg |title=Thin air: encounters in the Himalayas |publisher=The Mountaineers Books, 1998 |isbn=9780898865882 |year=1998 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/thinairencounter00chil}}</ref> According to the [[TIME magazine|''TIME'' magazine]], India gained more than {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2|sigfig=1|order=flip}} of territory because of its military operations in Siachen.<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html |magazine=Time.com |title=The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World |date=31 July 1989 |first=Edward W. |last=Desmond/Kashmir |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114104526/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C958254-2%2C00.html | archive-date=14 January 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:Indian Air Force Antonov An-32.jpg|thumb|IAF [[An-32]]s were used to airdrop humanitarian supplies in [[Operation Poomalai]]]]
 
Following the inability to negotiate an end to the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]], and to provide humanitarian aid through an unarmed convoy of ships,<ref name=Poomalai>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Chapter1.html |title=Operation Poomalai – The Jaffna Food drop |first=Jagan |last=Pillarisetti |work=The Indian Air Force in Sri Lanka – 1987–90 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609120451/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Chapter1.html |archive-date=9 June 2011}}</ref> the Indian Government decided to carry out an airdrop of the humanitarian supplies on the evening of 4 June 1987 designated [[Operation Poomalai]] ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]: Garland) or Eagle Mission 4.<ref name=Poomalai/> Five [[An-32]]s 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&nbsp;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.<ref name=Poomalai/><ref name=NYT>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE0D8173FF936A35755C0A961948260|title=India Airlifts Aid to Tamil Rebels|work=The New York Times|date=5 June 1987|first=Steven R.|last=Weisman|access-date=17 January 2012}}</ref> Sri Lanka accused India of "blatant violation of sovereignty".<ref name=Poomalai/> India insisted that it was acting only on humanitarian grounds.<ref name=Poomalai />
 
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.<ref name=oppawan>{{cite web|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=108|title=OP Pwan|publisher=Indian Air Force|work=Know Us|access-date=24 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123060902/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=108|archive-date=23 November 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name=oppawan /> Mi-8s supported the ground forces and also provided air transportation to the Sri Lankan civil administration during the elections.<ref name=oppawan /> 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.<ref name=oppawan />
 
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 {{convert|2000|km}} 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-76]]s 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.<ref name=iafo /> 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.<ref name=iafo>{{cite web|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/|title=Official website of Indian Air Force|access-date=28 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723110003/http://indianairforce.nic.in/|archive-date=23 July 2010}}</ref> The IAF strike was code named [[Operation Safed Sagar]].<ref name=iafo/> The first strikes were launched on 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and [[helicopter gunship]]s.<ref name=BBC_kargil>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/352995.stm |title=India launches Kashmir air attack |work=BBC News |date=26 May 1999 |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504075336/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/352995.stm |archive-date=4 May 2009}}</ref> The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with [[MiG-21]]s and later [[MiG-29]]s providing fighter cover.<ref name=M2K_kargil>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Kargil/PCamp.html |title=The Mirage 2000 at Kargil |first=Philip |last=Camp |work=Kargil 1999 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807084357/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Kargil/PCamp.html |archive-date=7 August 2011}}</ref> The IAF also deployed its radars and the [[MiG-29]] fighters in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bammi|2002|p=|Ref=Bammi}}</ref> [[Srinagar]] Airport was at this time closed to civilian air-traffic and dedicated to the Indian Air Force.<ref name=BBC_kargil/>
 
On 27 May, the Indian Air Force suffered its first fatality when it lost a [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] and a [[MiG-27]] in quick succession.<ref name=BBC_shot>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/354120.stm |title=India loses two jets |work=BBC News |date=27 May 1999 |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101230237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/354120.stm |archive-date=1 January 2008}}</ref><ref name=telegraph>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060522/asp/frontpage/story_6254165.asp|title=Flyer pushes frontier again – Nachiketa returns to area where his plane was shot down|date=22 May 2006|access-date=17 January 2012|work=Telegraph India|location=Calcutta, India|first=Sujan|last=Dutta|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html|archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> The following day, while on an offensive sortie, a Mi-17 was shot down by three [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] missiles and lost its entire crew of four.<ref name= M2K_kargil /> 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 2000]]s 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.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/interviews/?id=48&h=20-years-after-Kargil-War-Man-who-bombed-Tiger-Hill-tells-how-the-War-was-won-from-the-air | title=20 years after Kargil War: Man who bombed Tiger Hill tells how the War was won from the air – SP's Aviation}}</ref> The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Harvnb|Ganguly|Kapur|2008|p=105|Ref=Ganguly}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Harvnb|Jones|2003|p=97|Ref=OJones}}</ref> Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo and the heavily defended [[Tiger Hill (Kargil)|Tiger Hill]] and paved the way for their early recapture.<ref name= M2K_kargil/> At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully repulsed the Pakistani forces from Kargil.<ref>{{Harvnb|Kapur|2007|p=122|Ref=Kapur}}</ref>
 
===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-to-have-42-combat-aircraft-squadrons/173078-3.html|title=IAF to have 42 combat aircraft squadrons|work=IBNLive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206192926/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-to-have-42-combat-aircraft-squadrons/173078-3.html|archive-date=6 February 2012}}</ref> Self-reliance is the main aim that is being pursued by the defence research and manufacturing agencies.
 
On 10 August 1999, IAF [[MiG-21]]s intercepted a [[Pakistan Navy]] [[Breguet Atlantique]] which was flying over [[Sir Creek]], a disputed territory. [[Atlantique Incident|The aircraft was shot down]] killing all 16 Pakistani Navy personnel on board.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF Scores a Kill !!! Factual Account of Interception |url=http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/fac.htm |publisher=Indian Air Force |access-date=12 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722043150/http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/fac.htm |archive-date=22 July 2009}}</ref> India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission to gather information on IAF air defence,<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF shoots down Pak intruder plane |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19990811/ige01049.html |work=The Indian Express |date=11 August 1999 |access-date=25 April 2009}} {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/16-dead-as-india-shoots-down-pakistani-naval-plane-1112052.html|title=16 dead as India shoots down Pakistani naval plane|author=Ian MacKinnon|date=11 August 1999|access-date=7 June 2009|location=London|work=The Independent|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118050838/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/16-dead-as-india-shoots-down-pakistani-naval-plane-1112052.html|archive-date=18 November 2010}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/in-a-first-iaf-acknowledges-its-jets-bombed-pakistani-posts-across-loc-in-2002-2213917.html|title=In a first, IAF acknowledges its jets bombed Pakistani posts across LoC in 2002|date=2019-06-24|website=Zee News|language=en|access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref>
 
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 {{convert|5065|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=IAF's C-130J transporter lands near India-China border|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/iaf-s-c-130j-transporter-lands-near-india-china-border-113082000835_1.html|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=20 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823072849/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/iaf-s-c-130j-transporter-lands-near-india-china-border-113082000835_1.html|archive-date=23 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=10 reasons why IAF's C-130J Super Hercules landing in Daulat Beg Oldie, Ladakh is important|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-air-force-super-hercules-c-103j-landing-daulat-beg-oldie-ladakh-china/1/300410.html|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=20 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820145112/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-air-force-super-hercules-c-103j-landing-daulat-beg-oldie-ladakh-china/1/300410.html|archive-date=20 August 2013}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian Air Force lands Super Hercules transport plane on airstrip near LAC|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-lands-super-hercules-transport-plane-on-airstrip-near-lac/1157640/|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=20 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820214154/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-lands-super-hercules-transport-plane-on-airstrip-near-lac/1157640/|archive-date=20 August 2013}}</ref>
 
On 13 July 2014, two [[MiG-21]]s were sent from [[Jodhpur Airport#Jodhpur Air Force Base|Jodhpur Air Base]] to investigate a [[Turkish Airlines]] aircraft over [[Jaisalmer]] when it repeated an [[Aircraft registration|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.<ref>{{cite news|title=IAF scrambles fighter jets as Turkish plane sparks alert|url=http://www.patrika.com/news/iaf-scrambles-fighter-jets-as-turkish-plane-sparks-alert/1017662|access-date=14 July 2014|publisher=Patrika Group|date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714135434/http://www.patrika.com/news/iaf-scrambles-fighter-jets-as-turkish-plane-sparks-alert/1017662|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>
 
====2019 Balakot airstrike====
{{main|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]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |title=India 'strikes Kashmir militants in Pakistani territory |publisher=BBC |date=26 February 2019 |website=BBC |access-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226193007/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |archive-date=26 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-02-15|title=India will 'completely isolate' Pakistan|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47249133|access-date=2020-06-16}}</ref> 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 {{convert|19|km}} away from Balakot<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/security/balakot-airstrikes-india-pakistan-satellite-images|title=Did Balakot Airstrikes Hit Their Target? Satellite Imagery Raises Doubts|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152240/https://thewire.in/security/balakot-airstrikes-india-pakistan-satellite-images|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
and Indian officials claimed to bomb and kill a large number of terrorists in the airstrike.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/the-inside-story-of-iaf-s-balakot-strike-1479311-2019-03-16 |title=The inside story of IAF's Balakot strike |date=16 March 2019 |website=India Today}}</ref>
 
====2019 India–Pakistan standoff====
{{main|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 [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage-5]] and [[CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder|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 [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]] and [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|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 its impossible to hide an aircraft crash as of now in  populated area like Kashmir and said its a coverup for the loss of F16.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/pakistans-su-30-story-a-cover-up-for-its-own-failure-says-india-2860595.html|title=Pakistan's Su-30 story a cover up for its own failure says India|date=6 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-made-false-claims-of-shooting-down-sukhoi-30-fighter-jet-indian-air-force-1471065-2019-03-05|title = Pakistan made false claims of shooting down Sukhoi-30 fighter jet: Indian Air Force}}</ref> 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|Third Geneva convention]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pakistan-to-release-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-what-are-geneva-conventions/story/323292.html|title=Pakistan to release IAF pilot Abhinandan: What are Geneva Conventions?|website=businesstoday.in|access-date=2019-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301130217/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pakistan-to-release-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-what-are-geneva-conventions/story/323292.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> obligations. While Pakistan denied involvement of any of its F-16 aircraft in the strike, the IAF presented remnants of [[AIM-120 AMRAAM|AMRAAM missiles]] that are only carried by the F-16s within the PAF as proof of their involvement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-shows-parts-of-amraam-missile-says-evidence-proves-mig-21-shot-down-pakistans-f-16/articleshow/68205140.cms |title=IAF shows parts of Amraam missile, says evidence confirms MiG 21 shot down Pakistan's F-16 &#124; India News – Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301025417/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-shows-parts-of-amraam-missile-says-evidence-proves-mig-21-shot-down-pakistans-f-16/articleshow/68205140.cms |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The US-based <nowiki>''</nowiki>[[Foreign Policy]]<nowiki>''</nowiki> magazine, quoting unnamed US officials, reported in April 2019 that an audit didn't find any Pakistani F-16s missing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/|title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No.|first=Lara|last=Seligman}}</ref> However, the same has not been confirmed by US Official citing it as bilateral matter between US and Pakistan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/us-refuses-to-confirm-if-indian-mig-21-shot-down-pakistani-f-16-fighter-jet/|title=US Refuses To Confirm If Indian Mig 21 Shot-Down Pakistani F-16 Fighter Jet|date=29 April 2019|website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News}}</ref>
 
==Structure==
The [[President of India]] is the [[Commander-in-chief#India|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 (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]] with the rank of [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air chief marshal]] is the Commander {{Main|List of serving air marshals of the Indian Air Force}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Post
!Current Holder
|-
|[[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]]
|Air Chief Marshal [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari]], PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1759645|title=AIR CHIEF MARSHAL VR CHAUDHARI TAKES OVER AS THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF|date=30 September 2021|publisher=Press Information Bureau}}</ref>
|-
|[[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff]]
|Air Marshal [[Sandeep Singh (air marshal)|Sandeep Singh]], PVSM, AVSM, VM<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1759916|title=Air Marshal Sandeep Singh AVSM VM assumes the Appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff|date=1 October 2021|publisher=Press Information Bureau}}</ref>
|-
|[[Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Air Staff]]
|Air Marshal [[Narmdeshwar Tiwari]], AVSM, VM<ref name="dcas">{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/18270|title=Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|date=2021-09-28}}</ref>
|-
|[[Air Officer in Charge of Administration]]
|Air Marshal Krishnaswamy Anantharaman, VSM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/air-marshal-k-anantharaman-vsm-takes-charge-as-aoa|title=Air Marshal K Anantharaman VSM takes charge as AOA|publisher=Free Press Journal|date=2022-02-01}}</ref>
|-
|Air Officer in Charge of Personnel
|Air Marshal [[Suraj Kumar Jha]], AVSM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1741973|title=AIR MARSHAL SURAJ KUMAR JHA AVSMASSUMES CHARGE AS AIR OFFICER IN CHARGE PERSONNEL|publisher=PIB|access-date=2021-08-03}}</ref>
|-
|Air Officer in Charge of Maintenance
|Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, VSM<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=IAF_MCC|number=1212296501533110272|title=Air Marshal Vibhas Pande VSM took over as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) of Indian Air Force with effect from 01 Jan 2020. He succeeded Air Marshal Shashiker Choudhary VSM.|date=2020-01-01}}</ref>
|-
|Director General of Air Operations
|Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, AVSM, VSM<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-marshal-vr-chaudhari-takes-charge-as-iaf-vice-chief/article35076095.ece|title=Air Marshal V.R. Chaudhari takes charge as IAF Vice Chief|work=The Hindu|access-date=2021-07-09|date=2021-07-01}}</ref>
|-
|[[Inspector General of Flight Safety|Director General of Inspection and Flight Safety]]
|Air Marshal [[Sanjeev Kapoor (air marshal)|Sanjeev Kapoor]], AVSM, VM<ref name="nei-010422">{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/apr/02/new-armed-forces-officers-assume-charge-at-the-tri-services-and-services-level-2436905.html|title=New Armed Forces officers assume charge at the tri-services and services level|publisher=New Indian Express|date=2022-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|Director General of Medical Services (Air)
|Air Marshal Prashant Bharadwaj, AVSM, VSM & Bar,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isam.in/Our-President.html|title=AIR MSHL PRASHANT BHARADWAJ VSM BAR DIRECTOR GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES (AIR)|website=iasm.in/|access-date=4 May 2021|date=1 April 2021}}</ref>
|}
In January 2002, the [[Government of India|government]] conferred the rank of [[Marshal of the Indian Air Force]] on [[Arjan Singh]] making him the first and only ''[[five-star rank|Five-star]]'' officer with the Indian Air Force and ceremonial chief of the air force.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marshal of the Indian Air Force |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=14 |publisher=Indian Air Force |access-date=4 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>
 
===Commands===
 
The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional [[Command (military formation)|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 (India)|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.<ref name="GS_IAF">{{cite web|title=Indian Air Force|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/airforce.htm|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=29 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208232118/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/airforce.htm|archive-date=8 February 2010}}</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Headquarters !! Commander
|-
|[[Central Air Command (India)|Central Air Command]] (CAC)||[[Prayagraj]], Uttar Pradesh
|Air Marshal [[Richard John Duckworth]], AVSM, VSM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bharatshakti.in/air-force-change-of-guard-at-critical-posts/|title=Rapid Turnover in IAF Brass|publisher=Bharat Shakti|date=2021-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Units/list.php?qunit=CAC|title=Central Air Command – BRF|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref>
|-
|[[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]] (EAC)||[[Shillong]], Meghalaya
|Air Marshal [[Dilip Kumar Patnaik]], AVSM, VM<ref name="AOCinC_East">{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/air-marshal-dk-patnaik-takes-charge-as-head-of-eastern-air-command-121100300648_1.html|title=Air Marshal DK Patnaik takes charge as head of Eastern Air Command|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=3 October 2021|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>
|-
|[[Southern Air Command (India)|Southern Air Command]] (SAC)||[[Thiruvananthapuram]], Kerala
|Air Marshal [[Jonnalagedda Chalapati]], AVSM, VSM<ref name="AOCinC_SAC">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/air-marshal-jchalapatitakes-over-as-sac-chief/article36823064.ece|title=Air Marshal J.Chalapati takes over as SAC chief|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
|[[South Western Air Command]] (SWAC)||[[Gandhinagar]], Gujarat
|Air Marshal [[Vikram Singh (air marshal)|Vikram Singh]], AVSM, VSM<ref name="AOCinC_SWAC">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/air-marshal-vikram-singh-takes-charge-at-south-western-air-command-7550284/|title=Air Marshal Vikram Singh takes charge at South Western Air Command|publisher=Indian Express|date=2021-10-04}}</ref>
|-
|[[Western Air Command (India)|Western Air Command]] (WAC)||[[New Delhi]]
|Air Marshal [[Sreekumar Prabhakaran]], AVSM, VM<ref name="aoc-wac">{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1802096|title=AIR MARSHAL S PRABHAKARAN ASSUMES COMMAND OF IAF'S WESTERN AIR COMMAND|publisher=PIB|date=2022-03-01}}</ref>
|-
|[[Training Command (India)|Training Command]] (TC)+||[[Bangalore]], Karnataka
|Air Marshal [[Manavendra Singh]], PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM, ADC<ref name="toi-250921">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-training-command-gets-new-chief/articleshow/86510095.cms|title=IAF Training Command gets new chief|publisher=TOI|date=2021-09-25}}</ref>
|-
|[[Maintenance Command]] (MC)+||[[Nagpur]], Maharashtra
|Air Marshal Shashiker Choudhary, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/choudhary-takes-over-as-chief-of-iafs-maintenance-command/1698436|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)]]|title=Choudhary takes over as chief of IAF's Maintenance Command |date=1 January 2020}}</ref>
|}
''Note: + = Functional Command''
 
===Wings===
A [[Wing (air force unit)|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Force Wings, FBSUs and CMUs |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Bases/282-Wings.html |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=10 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611085119/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Bases/282-Wings.html |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Air Force FBSUs and CMUs |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Bases/284-FBSUs.html |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=10 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611085146/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Bases/284-FBSUs.html |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref> Wings are typically commanded by an [[air commodore]].<ref name="verma_hiranandani">{{cite book |last1=Verma |first1=Bharat |last2=Hiranandani |first2=GM |last3=Pandey |first3=BK |title=Indian Armed Forces |date=2009 |publisher=Lancer Publishers LLC |isbn=9781935501732 |page=217 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yXCUeGUW3VQC&pg=PT217 |language=en}}</ref>
 
===Stations===
{{main|List of Indian Air Force stations}}
Within each operational command are anywhere from nine to sixteen [[Military air base|bases]] or stations. Smaller than wings, but similarly organised, stations are static units commanded by a [[group captain]].<ref name="verma_hiranandani"/> A station typically has one wing and one or two squadrons assigned to it.
 
===Squadrons and units===
[[Squadron (aviation)|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 (rank)|wing commander]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rawindia.com/?p=53 |title=Indian Air Force |date=10 August 2009 |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> Some transport squadrons and helicopter units are headed by a commanding officer with the rank of [[group captain]].
 
===Flights===
[[File:IAF rescue stranded people from Chitravati river during Andhra Pradesh floods.webm|thumb|alt=IAF rescue stranded people from Chitravati river during Andhra Pradesh floods]]
[[Flight (military unit)|Flights]] are sub-divisions of [[Squadron (aviation)|squadrons]], commanded by a [[squadron leader]]. Each flight consists of two sections.<ref name="careerairforce.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://careerairforce.nic.in/life_airforce/lifeair_cargraph_officers.html|title=Indian Air Force : Life in Air Force|website=webarchive.loc.gov|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409234320/http://careerairforce.nic.in/life_airforce/lifeair_cargraph_officers.html|archive-date=9 April 2009}}</ref>
 
===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:<ref name="Career IAF">{{cite web |title=Indian Air Force: Career Opportunities |url=http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_varientry.html |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409231138/http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_varientry.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2009 |publisher=Indian Air Force |access-date=21 April 2009}}</ref>
{|style="border:1px solid #fff; background:#fff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
|-align="left;" style="vertical-align:top;"
||'''Flying Branch'''
* Flying
||
||'''Technical Branch'''
* Engineering
||
||'''Ground Branch'''
* Logistics
* Administration
* Accounts
* Education
* Medical & Dental
* Meteorological
|}
 
===Garud Commando Force===
{{main|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.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web|last=V.K. Bhatia|first=Air Marshal (Retd)|date=October 2009|title=Special Forces – Garuds for All Reasons|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=363|access-date=2020-09-27|website=SP’s Aviation|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force (cropped).jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos]]
 
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.<ref name="VK Bhatia" /><ref name="garud">{{cite news|date=6 Feb 2004|title=Garud: IAF's commando force takes off|newspaper=[[Rediff]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/garud/20040206.htm|access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 November 2017|title=Indian Commandos Heads To Israel For 'Major' Military Drill|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/indian-commandos-in-israel-for-2-week-long-blue-flag-military-drills/304149|access-date=27 September 2020|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)]]}}</ref> 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 designator]]s to guide Indian airstrikes.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2017-10-11|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|access-date=2020-09-27}}</ref>
 
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.<ref name="VK Bhatia" />
 
===Integrated Space Cell===
{{Main|Integrated Space Cell}}
An Integrated Space Cell, which will be jointly operated by all the three services of the Indian armed forces, the civilian Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been set up to utilise more effectively the country's space-based assets for military purposes.<ref name="India in aerospace defence plan" /><ref name="SpaceDaily" /> This command will leverage space technology including satellites. Unlike an aerospace command, where the air force controls most of its activities, the Integrated Space Cell envisages co-operation and co-ordination between the three services as well as civilian agencies dealing with space.<ref name=iss>{{cite web |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JF18Df01.html |title=India goes to war in space |date=18 June 2008 |access-date=2 July 2010 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811041736/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JF18Df01.html |archive-date=11 August 2010}}</ref>
 
India currently has 10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/agni-v-launch-india-takes-on-china-drdo-vijay-saraswat/1/186367.html|title=India attains the capability to target, destroy space satellites in orbit|publisher=intoday.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515110057/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/agni-v-launch-india-takes-on-china-drdo-vijay-saraswat/1/186367.html|archive-date=15 May 2012}}</ref> remote sensing satellites in orbit. Though most are not meant to be dedicated military satellites, some have a spatial resolution of {{convert|1|m}} or below which can be also used for military applications. Noteworthy satellites include the [[Technology Experiment Satellite]] (TES) which has a panchromatic camera (PAN) with a resolution of {{convert|1|m}},<ref>{{cite news |title=India's spy satellite boost |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1679321.stm |publisher=BBC |date=27 November 2001 |access-date=31 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927234618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1679321.stm |archive-date=27 September 2009}}</ref> the [[RISAT-2]] which is capable of imaging in all-weather conditions and has a resolution of {{convert|1|m}},<ref name="voa">{{cite web |last=Herman |first=Steve |title=India Launches High-Tech Imaging Satellite |url=http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2009-04/2009-04-20-voa13.cfm?CFID=264321146&CFTOKEN=89382867&jsessionid=8830364952f39bcb7dcb118473f48396c7a4 |publisher=Voice of America |date=20 April 2008 |access-date=31 July 2009}} {{dead link|date=October 2015}}</ref> the [[CARTOSAT-2]], [[CARTOSAT-2A]]<ref>{{cite web|title=CARTOSAT-2A |url=http://www.isro.org/satellites/cartosat2A.aspx |work=Earth Observation Satellites |publisher=ISRO |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106150433/http://isro.org/satellites/cartosat2A.aspx |archive-date=6 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070015064 |title=NDTV.com: India to launch first military satellite in August |date=10 June 2008 |access-date=18 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502235038/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070015064 |archive-date=2 May 2008}}</ref> and [[CARTOSAT-2B]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/81017/spy-satellite-catch-miners-land.html |title=Spy satellite to catch miners, land encroachers |date=12 July 2010 |access-date=23 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217100341/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/81017/spy-satellite-catch-miners-land.html |archive-date=17 December 2014}}</ref> which carries a panchromatic camera which has a resolution of {{convert|800|mm|abbr=off|disp=or}} (black and white only).
 
===Display teams===
{{main|Surya Kiran|Sarang (military){{!}}Sarang}}
[[File:Hindustan Dhruv (3871115090).jpg|thumb|[[Sarang display team]]]]
''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''.<ref name="suryakirans">{{cite web|url=http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/suryakirans.htm|title=SURYAKIRANS|publisher=armedforces.nic.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519140500/http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/suryakirans.htm|archive-date=19 May 2010}}</ref> The team has a total of 13 pilots (selected from the fighter stream of the IAF) and operate 9 [[HAL Kiran|HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2]] [[trainer aircraft]]<ref name="suryakirans"/> painted in a "day-glo orange" and white [[Color scheme|colour scheme]]. The Surya Kiran team were conferred squadron status in 2006, and presently have the designation of 52 Squadron (''"The Sharks"'').<ref name="BR_SqU">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Squadrons/292-Squadrons.html|title=Squadrons and Helicopter Units|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=17 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414024030/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Squadrons/292-Squadrons.html|archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref> The team is based at the Indian Air Force Station at [[Bidar]].<ref name="suryakirans"/> The IAF has begun the process of converting Surya Kirans to BAE Hawks.<ref name="sk">{{cite web|url=http://frontierindia.net/iafs-surya-kirans-to-fly-hawks|title=IAF's Surya Kirans to fly Hawk's|date=10 October 2010|access-date=10 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011194010/http://frontierindia.net/iafs-surya-kirans-to-fly-hawks|archive-date=11 October 2010}}</ref>
 
''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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/05/27/224117/ila-2008-proud-as-peacocks.html |title=ILA 2008: Proud as Peacocks |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526231539/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/05/27/224117/ila-2008-proud-as-peacocks.html |archive-date=26 May 2009}}</ref> The team flies four [[HAL Dhruv]]s<ref name="thaindian.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/iafs-sarang-helicopter-display-team-adjudged-the-best-at-berlin-air-show_10059492.html|title=IAFs Sarang helicopter display team adjudged the best at Berlin air show|date=12 June 2008|access-date=20 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322083951/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/iafs-sarang-helicopter-display-team-adjudged-the-best-at-berlin-air-show_10059492.html|archive-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> 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==
[[File:IAF Uniform.png|thumb|upright=1.5|IAF officers in [[uniform]]]]
[[File:Indian Air Force-02-01.jpg|thumb|[[Camouflage Central Europe#Users|French CCE]] and [[Disruptive Pattern Material#Users|British DPM variant]] camouflage which is used by IAF]]
 
Over the years reliable sources provided notably divergent estimates of the personnel strength of the Indian Air Force after analysing [[open-source intelligence]]. The public policy organisation GlobalSecurity.org had estimated that the IAF had an estimated strength of 110,000 active personnel in 1994.<ref name="GS_IAF"/> 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"''.<ref name=CordesmanKleiber24>{{Harvnb|Cordesman|Kleiber|2006|p=24|Ref=Csis}}</ref> In 2010, James Hackett revised that estimate to an approximate strength of 127,000 active personnel in the IISS publication ''"Military Balance 2010"''.<ref>{{Harvnb| Hackett|2010|p=360|Ref=IISS2010}}</ref>
 
{{As of|2017|7|1}}, 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).<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html|title=20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant In Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament|work=News18|access-date=2017-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227162941/http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html|archive-date=27 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/armed-forces-facing-shortage-of-nearly-60000-personnel-government/articleshow/62270482.cms|title=Armed forces facing shortage of nearly 60,000 personnel: Government|date=2017-12-27|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228202832/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/armed-forces-facing-shortage-of-nearly-60000-personnel-government/articleshow/62270482.cms|archive-date=28 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
===Rank structure===
{{main|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 (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]], who holds the rank of [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|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 16{{sfrac|1|2}} and 19 and have passed high school graduation, can apply at the ''Intermediate'' level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Career Opportunities as an Officer: Intermediate (10+2)|url=http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_intermediate.html |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409231026/http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_intermediate.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2009 |publisher=Indian Air Force |access-date=21 April 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Career Opportunities as an Officer: Graduate|url=http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_graduate.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409231100/http://careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_graduate.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2009|publisher=Indian Air Force|access-date=21 April 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Career Opportunities as an Officer: Engineer|url=http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_engineer.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409230321/http://careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_engineer.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2009|publisher=Indian Air Force|access-date=21 April 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Career Opportunities as an Officer: Post Graduate|url=http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_postgraduate.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409231045/http://careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer_postgraduate.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2009|publisher=Indian Air Force|access-date=21 April 2009}}</ref> At the time of application, all applicants below 25 years of age must be single.<ref>{{cite web|title=Career Opportunities as an Officer|url=http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409230753/http://careerairforce.nic.in/career_opp/caropp_officer.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2009|publisher=Indian Air Force|access-date=21 April 2009}}</ref> The IAF selects candidates for officer training from these applicants. After completion of training, a candidate is commissioned as a [[Flying Officer]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Career Graph (for Officers)|url=http://careerairforce.nic.in/life_airforce/lifeair_cargraph_officers.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090409234320/http://careerairforce.nic.in/life_airforce/lifeair_cargraph_officers.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2009|publisher=Indian Air Force|access-date=5 July 2010}}</ref>
 
{{Equivalent ranks of Indian military}}
 
{|style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Indian Air Force Officer Ranks}}
|}
 
====Airmen====
[[File:Indian Air Force Soldier guarding India Gate.jpg|thumb|An IAF servicemember with uniform, shoulder rank patch and [[INSAS rifle]] standing guard at the [[India Gate]] memorial in New Delhi|upright]]
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.<ref name="airmen">{{cite web|title=Central Airmen Selection Board|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=135|publisher=Indian Air Force|access-date=22 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430184520/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=135|archive-date=30 April 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=135|title=CASB|work=indianairforce.nic.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430184520/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=135|archive-date=30 April 2009|access-date=4 February 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref name="airmen"/> 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.<ref name="airmen"/> 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.<ref name="airmen"/>
 
[[File:Air Force station Sarsawa.png|thumb|Airmen marching during Air Force Day celebration]]
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/India2}}
|}
 
===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/iaf-clips-sachin-tendulkar-m-s-dhoni-wings/1013630/|title=IAF clips Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni wings|work=indianexpress.com|date=8 October 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408075627/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/iaf-clips-sachin-tendulkar-m-s-dhoni-wings/1013630/|archive-date=8 April 2013}}</ref>
 
===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.<ref name=sam>{{cite web |title=Air HQ Communication Squadron |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/sqn-air-hq-comm.htm |publisher=Global Security |access-date=8 July 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123232003/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/sqn-air-hq-comm.htm |archive-date=23 January 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Non Combatant(Enrolled) – Pension Chart| url=http://pcdapension.nic.in/govtOrders/Tables/table66.htm| publisher=Principal Controller of Defence Accounts |access-date=6 July 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010012952/http://pcdapension.nic.in/govtOrders/Tables/table66.htm |archive-date=10 October 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AFRO Career Planning |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=147 |publisher=Indian Air Force |access-date=6 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123090107/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=147 |archive-date=23 November 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 
===Training and education===
{{Main|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 (India)|National Defence Academy]] (NDA). Besides the tri-service institutions, the Indian Air Force has a [[Training Command, Indian Air Force|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 [[Basic Flying Training School (India)|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|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Force Equipment | url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/air-force-equipment-intro.htm |publisher=Global Security.org |access-date=22 April 2009 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505175319/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/air-force-equipment-intro.htm | archive-date=5 May 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Flight International]] estimates there to be around 1,750 aircraft in service with the IAF,<ref name="Flightglobal"/> while the [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] provides a similar estimate of 1,850 aircraft.<ref name="IISS2014_p245"/> Both sources agree there are approximately 900 combat capable (fighter, attack etc.) aircraft in the IAF.<ref name="Flightglobal">{{cite web |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8iBvTb9gHXZWjZMb1BpLUFqdDQ/view?pref=2&pli=1 |title=World Air Forces 2016 |work=[[Flight International|Flightglobal Insight]] |year=2016 |access-date=16 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="IISS2014_p245"/>
 
===Multi-role fighters and strike aircraft===
[[File:Indian Air Force Rafale fighter.jpg|thumb|Indian Air Force Rafale]]
*[[Dassault Rafale]]: the latest addition to India's aircraft arsenal; India has signed a deal for 36 Dassault Rafale [[multirole]] [[fighter aircraft]]. As of Feb 2022, 35 Rafale fighters are in service with the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|title=France delivers 3 more rafale aircraft to India|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/with-3-more-rafales-india-gets-35-aircraft-so-far-11645611585389.htmlfrance20211013185716|url-status=live|access-date=2022-02-23|website=[[Mint]]|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]]: the IAF's primary [[air superiority fighter]], with additional air-to-ground (strike) mission capability, is the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. 272 Su-30MKIs have been in service {{as of|2020|January|lc=y}} with 12 more on order with HAL.<ref name="Global Security">{{cite news|title=India's Aviation Behemoth HAL Expects More Orders as It Completes Production of Su-30MKI|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/india/2020/india-200331-sputnik01.htm|work=Global Security|date=3 April 2020}}</ref>
*[[Mikoyan MiG-29]]: the MiG-29, known as ''Baaz'' ([[Hindi language|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.<ref name="MiG29UPG">{{cite news|url=http://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mig-29-combat-aircraft-upgradation-in-final-stage-at-11-brd-116092200679_1.html|title=Mig-29UPG modernization near completion at 11 BRD|publisher=Business-standard.com|date=22 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html|archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>
*[[Dassault Mirage 2000]]: the Mirage 2000, known as ''Vajra'' ([[Sanskrit language|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|2015|March|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/two-iaf-mirage-aircraft-flown-to-france-for-upgradation/922632.html |title=Two IAF Mirage aircraft flown to France for upgradation |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=27 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202212452/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/two-iaf-mirage-aircraft-flown-to-france-for-upgradation/922632.html |archive-date=2 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-01/india/31012278_1_rafale-mmrca-project-french-air-force |title=French jet Rafale bags $20bn IAF fighter order; India 'briefs' losing European countries |date=1 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504194205/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-01/india/31012278_1_rafale-mmrca-project-french-air-force |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=4 May 2013}}</ref> The IAF's Mirage 2000 are scheduled to be phased out by 2030.<ref name=":3" />
 
[[File:HAL Tejas (LA-5020) of SQ18 Flying Bullets during Air Force Day 2021.jpg|thumb|HAL Tejas]]
*[[HAL Tejas]]: IAF MiG-21s are to be replaced by domestically built HAL Tejas.<ref name="toi_tejas">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/LCA-Tejas-makes-successful-flight/articleshow/5849706.cms|title=LCA Tejas makes successful flight|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603080418/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/LCA-Tejas-makes-successful-flight/articleshow/5849706.cms|archive-date=3 June 2010}}</ref><ref name="dna_tejas">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_light-combat-aircraft-flies-with-near-full-gear_1374851 |title=Light combat aircraft flies with near-full gear |work=Daily News and Analysis |location=India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511182509/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_light-combat-aircraft-flies-with-near-full-gear_1374851 |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6xyh0CtO74 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/w6xyh0CtO74| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Watch: 'Flying Bullets' operationalised, IAF Chief flies Tejas aircraft|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Initially stationed at [[Bangalore]], the first squadron was then to be transferred to its home base in Sulur, Tamil Nadu.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/302851/tejas-iaf-induction-light-combat-aircraft-hal-lca-indian-air-force/2/|title=Tejas: IAF inducts HAL's 'Made in India' Light Combat Aircraft – 10 special facts about the LCA|date=2016-07-01|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816033246/http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/302851/tejas-iaf-induction-light-combat-aircraft-hal-lca-indian-air-force/2/|archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI |date=2021-02-03 |title=Govt formally seals ₹48,000 crore deal to procure 83 Tejas LCA from HAL|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-formally-seals-48000-crore-deal-to-procure-83-tejas-lca-from-hal/article33737432.ece |access-date=2021-02-03|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Total 123 ordered.<ref name="Tejas Mk1a">{{cite news|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=13 January 2021|title=India clears deal to manufacture LCA Mk1A 'Tejas' fighter jets for the air force|work=[[The Economic Times]]|publisher=The Times Group|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-clears-deal-to-manufacture-lca-mk1a-tejas-fighter-jets-for-the-air-force/articleshow/80251604.cms|access-date=17 July 2021}}</ref>
*[[SEPECAT Jaguar]]: the Jaguar, known as the ''Shamsher'', serves as the IAF's primary [[Attack aircraft|ground attack force]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Naik |first=V.P. |title=IAF aiming for Diverse Capabilities, says Vice Chief of Air Staff |url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories178.htm |date=26 September 2008 |work=Air Marshal P V Naik's Keynote Address on Fighter Technology and Advance Systems |publisher=India Strategic |access-date=22 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131093008/http://indiastrategic.in/topstories178.htm |archive-date=31 January 2009}}</ref> The IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiadefenceonline.com/1453/hal-to-tie-up-with-bae-systems-for-jaguar-upgrade/|title=HAL To Tie-Up With BAE Systems For Jaguar Upgrade|date=30 November 2009|access-date=23 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101163225/http://indiadefenceonline.com/1453/hal-to-tie-up-with-bae-systems-for-jaguar-upgrade/|archive-date=1 November 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":3" />
*[[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.<ref name="DID_mig">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/indias-fighter-modernization-add-mig29s-to-the-list-updated-01879/|title=Indi's Fighter Modernisation: Add MiG-29s to the List|date=28 April 2011|publisher=Defense Industry Daily|access-date=17 January 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213221735/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/indias-fighter-modernization-add-mig29s-to-the-list-updated-01879/|archive-date=13 February 2011}}</ref> The phase-out date for these interceptors has been postponed several times. Initially set for 2014–2017,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mig-21s-to-be-phased-out-from-2014-antony/article2946454.ece|title=MiG 21s to be phased out from 2014: Antony|date=2012-02-29|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-02-28|others=PTI|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228141139/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mig-21s-to-be-phased-out-from-2014-antony/article2946454.ece|archive-date=28 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> it was later postponed to 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mig21bis-likely-to-serve-iaf-until-2019/article4819970.ece|title=MiG-21bis likely to serve IAF until 2019|author=Vinay Kumar|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=29 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419031200/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mig21bis-likely-to-serve-iaf-until-2019/article4819970.ece|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=live|date=16 June 2013}}</ref> Current phase-out is scheduled for 2021–2022.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/mig-21-a-relic-that-continues-to-fly/623650.html |title=MiG-21 a relic that continues to fly |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222055629/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/mig-21-a-relic-that-continues-to-fly/623650.html |archive-date=22 February 2019 |url-status=live |date=20 July 2018}}</ref>
 
===Airborne early warning and control system===
[[File:DRDO AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145.JPG|thumb|right|An AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145]]
The IAF is currently training crews in the operation of indigenously developed [[DRDO AEW&CS]], conducting the training on [[Embraer ERJ 145]] aircraft. 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.<ref name="PHALCON">{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20101104/161205321.html|title=Russia sends 3rd AWACS plane to India|date=4 November 2010|access-date=4 November 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106134600/http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20101104/161205321.html|archive-date=6 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/26/stories/2009052655811000.htm |location=Chennai, India |title=First AWACS aircraft lands at Jamnagar air base in Gujarat |date=26 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104082405/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/26/stories/2009052655811000.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=4 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1068.htm|title=India set to decide big military aircraft deals|publisher=India Strategic|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103181410/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1068.htm|archive-date=3 January 2014}}</ref> The two additional Phalcons are currently in negotiation to settle price differences between Russia and India. India is also going ahead with Project India, an in-house AWACS program to develop and deliver six Phalcon-class AWACS, based on DRDO work on the smaller AEW&CS.
 
===Aerial refuelling===
[[File:RK-3452 Indian Air Force.jpg|thumb|right|An Ilyushin Il-78MKI at [[Royal International Air Tattoo|RIAT]] 2007]]
The IAF currently operates six [[Ilyushin Il-78]]MKIs in the [[aerial refueling]] (tanker) role.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news|last=Mukherjee|first=Amit|title=IAF to get 5th IL-78 refueller soon|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/IAF_to_get_5th_IL-78_refueller_soon/articleshow/msid-867031,curpg-2.cms|date=29 September 2004|work=The Times of India|access-date=22 April 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217030629/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/IAF_to_get_5th_IL-78_refueller_soon/articleshow/msid-867031%2Ccurpg-2.cms|archive-date=17 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="apa">{{cite document |last=Kopp |first=Carlo |title=The PLA-AF's Aerial Refuelling Programmes |pages=1 |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Tanker-Programs.html |publisher=Air Power Australia |access-date=22 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623195205/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Tanker-Programs.html |archive-date=23 June 2009 |date=7 July 2007}}</ref>
 
===Transport aircraft===
[[File:IAF-C-17.jpg|thumb|upright=1.02|[[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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Il-76/ |title=Illyushin Il-76MD [Candid] Gajraj |access-date=10 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526013545/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Il-76/ |archive-date=26 May 2010}}</ref> The IAF operated 17 Il-76s in 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/C-17-Globemaster-IAFs-new-heavy-lift-transport-aircraft/3759/1/15.html|title=C-17 Globemaster: IAF's new heavy lift transport aircraft |date=28 April 2010 |access-date=2 September 2010 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708091411/http://www.brahmand.com/news/C-17-Globemaster-IAFs-new-heavy-lift-transport-aircraft/3759/1/15.html|archive-date=8 July 2011}}</ref> which are in the process of being replaced by [[C-17 Globemaster III]]s.<ref name=janesil76>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100705_1_n.shtml |title=IAF completes C-17 test-flight|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|date=5 July 2010|access-date=21 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html|archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/568-Il-76.html?start=1 |title=Indian Air Force :: Illyushin 76MD, 78MKI, A-50 – Serials |publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com |access-date=24 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221044624/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/568-Il-76.html?start=1 |archive-date=21 February 2012}}</ref>
 
IAF [[C-130J]]s are used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2441766.ece|title=Lockheed delivers fifth C130J to IAF|access-date=9 December 2011 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801031642/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2441766.ece|archive-date=1 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF Super Hercules Crash: 5 Air Force Personnel killed in Gwalior|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/iaf-super-hercules-crash-5-air-force-personnel-killed-in-gwalior/|work=IANS|date=28 March 2014|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=28 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331022314/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/iaf-super-hercules-crash-5-air-force-personnel-killed-in-gwalior/|archive-date=31 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="hercules">{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78237|title=Deals for Acquisition of C-130 J Super Hercules (Press Release)|date=7 December 2011|access-date=16 December 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502043826/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78237|archive-date=2 May 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref name=iafan32>{{cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/mar/21/iaf-an-32-planes-in-ukraine-for-upgrades.htm|title=IAF An-32 planes in Ukraine for upgrades|date=21 March 2010|access-date=20 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508063341/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/mar/21/iaf-an-32-planes-in-ukraine-for-upgrades.htm|archive-date=8 May 2010}}</ref> The IAF currently operates 105 An-32s, all of which are being upgraded.<ref name=iafan32/> The IAF operates 53  [[Dornier 228]] to fullfill its light transport duties.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Air Forces directory 2022|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|access-date=2022-01-08|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Do228/ |title=Dornier 228 |access-date=10 July 2010 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420060049/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Do228 |archive-date=20 April 2010}}</ref> The IAF also operates [[Boeing]] 737s<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Boeing737/ |title=Boeing 737 |access-date=10 July 2010 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420060619/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Boeing737 |archive-date=20 April 2010}}</ref> and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Embraer/ |title=Embraer EMB135 Legacy |access-date=10 July 2010 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414025410/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/Embraer |archive-date=14 April 2010}}</ref> as [[Very important person|VIP]] transports and passenger airliners for troops. Other VIP transport aircraft are used for both the Indian [[President of India|President]] and [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] under the [[call sign]] [[Air India One]].<ref name=zee>{{cite news|title=April 1 date for President with business jets |url=http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2009-03-16/515323news.html# |access-date=8 April 2011 |newspaper=Zee News |date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507013949/http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2009-03-16/515323news.html |archive-date=7 May 2012}}</ref>
 
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/HS748/ |title=HAL HS 748M Avro |access-date=10 July 2010 |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420090252/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Transports/HS748 |archive-date=20 April 2010}}</ref> A replacement is under consideration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=19463 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118040548/http://bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=19463 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 January 2013 |publisher=IANS |title=India clears $2.4 billion plan to buy cargo planes for Air Force |access-date=17 August 2012}}</ref>
 
===Trainer aircraft===
[[File:IAFBaeHawk.jpg|thumb|IAF [[BAE Hawk|BAE Hawk Mk 132]]]]
 
The [[HAL HPT-32 Deepak]] is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.<ref>{{cite web|title=HAL HPT-32 Deepak |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Deepak/ |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=23 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206083205/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Deepak/ |archive-date=6 December 2008}}</ref> The HPT-32 was grounded in July 2009 following a crash that killed two senior flight instructors,<ref name=iafrev>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article431223.ece|title=IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival|work=The Hindu|date=16 May 2010|access-date=17 May 2010|location=Chennai, India|first=Ravi|last=Sharma|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011023614/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article431223.ece|archive-date=11 October 2013}}</ref> but was revived in May 2010<ref name=iafrev/> 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.<ref name=iafrev/> The HPT-32 is to be phased out soon.<ref name=iafrev/> The HPT 32 has been replaced by Pilatus, a Swiss aircraft. The IAF uses the [[HAL HJT-16 Kiran|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.1/1A |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Kiran1/ |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=23 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322155033/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Kiran1 |archive-date=22 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.II |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Kiran2/ |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=23 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004072209/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Kiran2/ |archive-date=4 October 2008}}</ref> The HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 is also operated by the [[Surya Kiran]] Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/suryakirans.htm|title=SURYAKIRANS|access-date=20 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519140500/http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/suryakirans.htm|archive-date=19 May 2010}}</ref> The Kiran is to be replaced by the [[HAL HJT-36 Sitara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hjttrainer/|title=HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer, India|access-date=6 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413215338/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hjttrainer/|archive-date=13 April 2010}}</ref> The [[BAE Hawk|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.<ref name="sk"/> A total of 106 BAE Hawk trainers have been ordered by the IAF of which 39 have entered service {{as of|2010|July|lc=y}}.<ref name=iafbae>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-inks-deal-with-BAE-for-57-Hawk-aircraft-/articleshow/6228851.cms|title=India inks deal with BAE for 57 Hawk aircraft|date=28 July 2010|access-date=31 July 2010|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801040359/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-inks-deal-with-BAE-for-57-Hawk-aircraft-/articleshow/6228851.cms|archive-date=1 August 2010}}</ref> IAF also ordered 72 [[Pipistrel Virus]] SW 80 microlight aircraft for basic training purpose.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.armingindia.com/India%20To%20Ink%20World's%20Largest%20Microlight%20Aircraft%20Deal%20With%20Slovenian%20Firm.htm|title=India Inks World's Largest Microlight Aircraft Deal With Slovenian Firm|publisher=Arming India|location=New Delhi|date=12 October 2015|access-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407083312/http://www.armingindia.com/India%20To%20Ink%20World%27s%20Largest%20Microlight%20Aircraft%20Deal%20With%20Slovenian%20Firm.htm|archive-date=7 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="IndiaInks">{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/companies/india-inks-rs-130-crore-deal-for-194-microlight-aircraft/150311/|title=India inks Rs 130-crore deal for 194 microlight aircraft|author=The Financial Express|date=12 October 2015|work=financialexpress.com|access-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817221541/http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/companies/india-inks-rs-130-crore-deal-for-194-microlight-aircraft/150311/|archive-date=17 August 2016}}</ref>
 
===Helicopters===
[[File:IAF LCH Induction 1.jpg|thumb|[[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]] in IAF livery]]
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 helicopter]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Dhruv/ |title=HAL Dhruv |access-date=20 July 2010 |quote=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. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330153328/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Dhruv |archive-date=30 March 2010}}</ref> Four Dhruvs are also operated by the Indian Air Force [[Sarang (military)|Sarang]] Helicopter Display Team.<ref name="thaindian.com"/> The [[HAL Chetak]] is a light utility helicopter and is used primarily for training, rescue and light transport roles in the IAF.<ref name="Chetak">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Chetak/ |title=HAL Chetak (Alouette III) |access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207181106/http://bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Chetak/ |archive-date=7 February 2010}}</ref> The HAL Chetak is being gradually replaced by HAL Dhruv.<ref name="Chetak"/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Cheetah/ |title=HAL Cheetah (Alouette II) |access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329175152/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Cheetah |archive-date=29 March 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Apache at Air Force Day Parade, at Air Force Station Hindan, in Ghaziabad (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64 Apache]]]]
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi8/ |title=Mil Mi-8 (Hip) Rana |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330151244/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi8 |archive-date=30 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi17/ |title=Mil Mi-17 (Hip) Pratap |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421025030/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi17/ |archive-date=21 April 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Mi-17">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories694.htm|title=Russia continues to dominate Indian military aviation|author=Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd)|publisher=India Strategic|date=August 2010|access-date=20 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822022445/http://indiastrategic.in/topstories694.htm|archive-date=22 August 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi26/ |title=Mil Mi-26 (Halo) |access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329153008/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi26 |archive-date=29 March 2010}}</ref>
 
The [[Mil Mi-24|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi25/ |title=Mil Mi-25 / Mi-35 (Hind) Akbar |access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329125300/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters/Mi25 |archive-date=29 March 2010}}</ref>
 
===Unmanned Aerial Vehicles===
The IAF currently uses the [[IAI Searcher|IAI Searcher II]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Searcher Mk II Delivered To India |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/searcher2/Searcher2.html |publisher=israeli-weapons.com |access-date=22 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409165336/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/searcher2/Searcher2.html |archive-date=9 April 2009}}</ref> and [[IAI Heron]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Heron MALE System—Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/Heron-UAV.htm |publisher=defence-update.com |access-date=22 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207024537/http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/Heron-UAV.htm |archive-date=7 February 2009}}</ref> for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The [[IAI Harpy]] serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack radar systems.<ref name="IAF UAV hunt">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Air-Force-hunts-for-combat-drones/articleshow/6128265.cms |title=Air Force hunts for combat drones |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=5 July 2010 |access-date=14 July 2010 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> The IAF also operates the [[DRDO Lakshya]] which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training.<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=30907&kwd= |publisher=Government of India |access-date=22 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209121946/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=30907&kwd= |archive-date=9 December 2007}}</ref>
 
==Land-based missile systems==
[[File:Akash MK-1S missile test on 27 May 2019 - 1.jpg|thumb|[[Akash missile]]]]
 
===Surface-To-Air Missiles===
The air force operates twenty-five squadrons of [[S-125 Neva/Pechora|S-125 Pechora]], six squadrons of [[9K33 Osa|9K33 Osa-AK]], ten [[Flight (military unit)|flights]] of [[9K38 Igla|9K38 Igla-1]], thirteen  squadrons of [[Akash (missile)|Akash]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-5400-crore-deal-inked-for-7-more-squadrons-of-akash-missiles/articleshow/71116926.cms |title=Akash missile: Rs 5400 crore deal inked for 7 more squadrons of Akash missiles for IAF |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=13 September 2019 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref> along with eighteen squadron of [[SPYDER]] for air defence.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Chapter Six: Asia |journal=The Military Balance |date=13 February 2018 |volume=118 |issue=1 |pages=264 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2018.1416982|s2cid=219623091 }}</ref><ref name="bsd-spyder">{{cite news |last1=Bhatia |first1=VK Jimmy |title=Six Vendors Respond to IAF RFI for 110 Combat Jets, says Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa – India Strategic |url=https://www.indiastrategic.in/2018/07/11/six-vendors-respond-to-iaf-rfi-for-110-combat-jets-says-air-chief-marshal-dhanoa/ |work=India Strategic |date=July 2018 |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123010132/https://www.indiastrategic.in/2018/07/11/six-vendors-respond-to-iaf-rfi-for-110-combat-jets-says-air-chief-marshal-dhanoa/ |archive-date=23 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url =https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/mail-today/story/india-pakistan-border-iaf-spyder-israel-air-defence-missile-system-963021-2017-02-28#aoh=16271154861177&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s | title =India prepares Israeli SPYDER air defence missile system for Pakistan border | website =India Today | access-date =24 July 2021 }}</ref> Two squadrons of Akash were on ordered.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Chetan |title=Six new Akash squadrons to give IAF missile muscle |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Six-new-Akash-squadrons-to-give-IAF-missile-muscle/articleshow/46269673.cms |work=The Times of India |date=17 February 2015 |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110120605/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Six-new-Akash-squadrons-to-give-IAF-missile-muscle/articleshow/46269673.cms |archive-date=10 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> IAF and [[Indian Army]] has both placed the order of 1,000 kit of [[Barak 8|MRSAM]].<ref>{{cite news |url =https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india-defence/first-batch-made-in-india-barak-8-mrsam-missile-kit-is-ready-vpn-qq3nt4 | title =First batch of 'Made in India' Barak-8 MRSAM missile kits is ready | website =Newsable Asianet | last =Kumar |first = Anish | date = 17 March 2021 | access-date= 29 July 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2021/01/05/israel-and-india-test-of-mrsam-air-defense-system/ |title =Israel and India test MRSAM air defense system | website =Defence News| date =1 January 2021 | access-date = 29 July 2021 }}</ref>
 
===Ballistic missiles===
The IAF currently operates the Prithvi-II short-range [[ballistic missile]] (SRBM). The Prithvi-II is an IAF-specific variant of the [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi]] ballistic missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/india/missile/prithvi.htm|title=Prithvi|date=5 November 2002|access-date=17 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111072150/http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/india/missile/prithvi.htm|archive-date=11 November 2010}}</ref>
 
==Future==
<!--This section is an extremely generalised and short list of IAF's future plans. Details, news, and announcements about new and ongoing programmes have been truncated to its own main page. See Future of the Indian Air Force. Please do not include aforementioned items.-->
{{Main|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 modernise 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.<ref name="42 Squad">{{cite news| title=IAF fighter squadrons to rise to 42 by 2022: Antony| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/IAF_fighter_squadrons_to_rise_to_42_by_2022_Antony/articleshow/4151093.cms| work=The Times of India| date=18 February 2009| access-date=24 April 2009| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221161515/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/IAF_fighter_squadrons_to_rise_to_42_by_2022_Antony/articleshow/4151093.cms| archive-date=21 February 2009| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 
===Expected future acquisitions===
====Single-engined fighter====
On 3 January 2017, [[Minister of Defence (India)|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 Group|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,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defproac.com/?p=6897|title=RFI for Fighter Aircraft For The Indian Air Force}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defproac.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RFI-Fighter-Aircraft-For-The-Indian-Air-Force-Apr2018.pdf|title=Request for information for procurement of fighteraircraft fir the Indian air force}}</ref> 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.<ref name="2017-01-03_DN">[http://www.defensenews.com/articles/parrikar-india-to-kick-off-competition-for-new-foreign-single-engine-fighters Parrikar: India to Kick Off Competition for New Foreign Single-Engine Fighters] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |date=5 June 2011}}, Vivek Raghuvanshi, DefenseNews.com, 3 January 2017</ref> India is also planning to set up an assembly line of American [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|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.".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/not-ditched-tejas-jet-looking-to-speed-up-production-nirmala/articleshow/63149772.cms|title=Not ditched Tejas jet, looking to speed up production: Nirmala – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612055219/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/not-ditched-tejas-jet-looking-to-speed-up-production-nirmala/articleshow/63149772.cms|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> IAF committed to buy 201 Mark-II variant of the Tejas taking the total order of Tejas to 324.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-commits-to-324-tejas-fighters-provided-a-good-mark-2-jet-is-delivered/articleshow/63306776.cms|title=IAF commits to 324 Tejas fighters, provided a good Mark-II jet is delivered – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323063542/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-commits-to-324-tejas-fighters-provided-a-good-mark-2-jet-is-delivered/articleshow/63306776.cms|archive-date=23 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The government also scrapped the plan to import single engine fighters leading to reduction in reliance on imports thereby strengthening the domestic defence industry.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/govt-shelves-10-b-single-engine-fighter-jet-deal-to-push-for-tejas/article22859624.ece|title=Govt shelves $10-b single-engine fighter jet deal, to push for Tejas|work=@businessline|access-date=2018-03-23|language=en}}</ref>
 
The IAF also submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/07/344140/india-canvasses-global-suppliers-for-stealthy-ucav.html |title=India canvasses global suppliers for stealthy UCAV |date=7 July 2010 |access-date=12 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710130423/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/07/344140/india-canvasses-global-suppliers-for-stealthy-ucav.html |archive-date=10 July 2010}}</ref>
 
===Current acquisitions===
[[File:Indian Air Force Rafale.jpg|thumb|[[Dassault Rafale]]|left]]
The IAF has placed orders for 123 [[HAL Tejas]] comprising 40 Mark 1, 73 Mark 1A fighters and 10 Mark 1 trainers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/2010/07/06211749/Air-force-to-get-20-more-Tejas.html?atype=tp |title=Air force to get 20 more Tejas fighter aircraft, says Antony |date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716130918/http://www.livemint.com/2010/07/06211749/Air-force-to-get-20-more-Tejas.html?atype=tp |archive-date=16 July 2010}}</ref> 36 [[Dassault Rafale]] multi-role fighters,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.ndtv.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-58-000-crore-deal-for-36-rafale-fighter-jets-with-france-1465495|title=India Signs Rs 58,000-Crore Deal For 36 Rafale Fighter Jets With France|work=ndtv.com|access-date=23 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923175238/http://m.ndtv.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-58-000-crore-deal-for-36-rafale-fighter-jets-with-france-1465495|archive-date=23 September 2016}}</ref> 106 basic trainer aircraft [[HAL HTT-40]], 112 [[Pilatus PC-7]]MkII basic trainers,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2011/06/16/awx_06_16_2011_p0-336768.xml&headline=India%20Selects%20Pilatus%20Basic%20Trainer |title=India Selects Pilatus Basic Trainer |date=16 June 2011 |access-date=19 June 2011 |author=Jay Menon |magazine=Aviation Week}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://business-standard.com/india/news/iaf-to-order-37-more-pilatus-trainers-worth-rs-1250-cr/500958 |title=IAF to order 37 more Pilatus trainers worth Rs 1,250 cr |publisher=Business Standard |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=7 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |archive-date=5 June 2011 |newspaper=Business Standard India |last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai}}</ref> 72 [[HAL HJT-36 Sitara]] trainers,<ref name="sk"/> 65 [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]]s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://knol.google.com/k/vijainder-k-thakur/light-combat-helicopter-lch/yo54fmdhy2mq/55#|title=Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)|date=17 August 2010|access-date=23 August 2010|publisher=Knol|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405044844/http://knol.google.com/k/vijainder-k-thakur/light-combat-helicopter-lch/yo54fmdhy2mq/55|archive-date=5 April 2010}}</ref>  6 [[Airbus A330 MRTT]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20121031/DEFREG03/310310007/Airbus-Wins-India-8217-s-Tanker-Rebid?odyssey=nav%7Chead|title=Airbus Wins India's Tanker Rebid|date=31 October 2012|access-date=1 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html|archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> 56 [[EADS CASA C-295]] aircraft <ref>{{cite news | url =https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-to-sign-2-5-billion-contract-for-56-transport-planes-for-iaf/story-2wPztr38s2bNoQPhzTj2SJ_amp.html | title =India to sign $2.5-billion contract for 56 transport planes for IAF | website = Hindustan Times | access-date =24 July 2021 }}</ref> and [[IAI Harop]] [[UCAV]]s.<ref name="IAF UAV hunt"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/04/09/340351/indian-air-force-orders-harop-loitering-munitions.html |title=Indian air force orders Harop loitering munitions |last=Egozi |first=Arie |date=9 April 2010 |access-date=14 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504013019/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/04/09/340351/indian-air-force-orders-harop-loitering-munitions.html |archive-date=4 May 2010}}</ref>
 
===DRDO and HAL projects===
[[File:AMCA render by Satwik Sadhukhan.jpg|thumb|[[HAL AMCA]], 5th generation aircraft]]
[[File:HALTEDBFAeroindia2021.png|thumb|[[HAL TEDBF]], a twin engine based multirole combat aircraft]]
[[File:HAL LCA MK2.png|thumb|[[HAL Tejas Mk2]], a single seater, multirole combat aircraft|left]]
Indian defence company [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|HAL]] and Defense Research Organization [[DRDO]] are developing several aircraft for the IAF such as the [[HAL Tejas Mk2]],<ref name="toi_tejas" /><ref name="dna_tejas" /> [[HAL TEDBF]] (naval aircraft),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Atma Nirbhar defence: Indigenous projects to look out for at Aero India 2021|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/03/atma-nirbhar-defence-indigenous-projects-to-look-out-for-at-aero-india-2021.html|access-date=2021-02-07|website=The Week|language=en}}</ref> [[Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft|HAL AMCA]] (5th generation aircraft),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/06/316782/india-reveals-plan-to-develop-indigenous-medium-fighter.html |title=India reveals plan to develop indigenous medium fighter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210035617/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/10/06/316782/india-reveals-plan-to-develop-indigenous-medium-fighter.html |archive-date=10 February 2009}}</ref> [[DRDO AEW&CS]] (revived from the [[Airborne Surveillance Platform|Airavat]] Project),<ref>{{cite web |title=Cabinet panel nod for 'Airawat' project |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/09/10/stories/2004091004881100.htm |work=The Hindu |date=10 September 2004 |access-date=24 April 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110164258/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/09/10/stories/2004091004881100.htm |archive-date=10 January 2009}}</ref> [[NAL Saras]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806261402.htm |title=Lighter version of Saras aircraft to fly out next year |location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |date=26 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002030927/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806261402.htm |archive-date=2 October 2008}}</ref> [[HAL HJT-36 Sitara]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/14/stories/2009051454651800.htm |title=HAL's intermediate jet trainer HJT-36 makes maiden flight with Russian engine |date=14 May 2009 |access-date=12 July 2010 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616152019/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/14/stories/2009051454651800.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=16 June 2009}}</ref> [[HAL HTT-40]], [[HAL Light Utility Helicopter]] (LUH),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News_by_Industry/HAL_looks_for_foreign_partners/articleshow/3539169.cms |title=HAL looks at foreign partners for chopper project |work=The Times of India |date=29 September 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103083051/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News_by_Industry/HAL_looks_for_foreign_partners/articleshow/3539169.cms |archive-date=3 January 2009}}</ref> [[DRDO Rustom]]<ref>{{cite news|title=India developing UAV similar to American Predator drone |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/india-developing-uav-similar-to-american-predator-drone/articleshow/10728979.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=14 November 2011 |access-date=16 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227123500/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/india-developing-uav-similar-to-american-predator-drone/articleshow/10728979.cms |archive-date=27 December 2011}}</ref> and [[AURA UAV|DRDO Ghatak]] UCAV.<ref>{{cite news | url =https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20120702-indian-unmanned-strike-air-vehicle-india-first-unmanned-combat-drone-758873-1999-11-30 |first = Shiv | last = Aroor| title =India's first ever advanced Indian Unmanned Strike Air Vehicle will be ready for Air Force operations | website =India Today |date = 2 July 2012| access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref> DRDO has developed the [[Akash missile]] system for the IAF<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF initiates process for inducting Akash and Trishul SAM's |url=http://frontierindia.net/iaf-initiates-process-for-inducting-akash-and-trishul-sams |publisher=Frontier India |date=3 May 2007 |access-date=23 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616174211/http://frontierindia.net/iaf-initiates-process-for-inducting-akash-and-trishul-sams |archive-date=16 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IAF to induct Akash missile |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/iaf-to-induct-akash-missile/254738/ |work=The Indian Express |date=26 December 2007 |access-date=24 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> and also developed the [[Prithvi missile|Prithvi II]] [[ballistic missile]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Prithvi |url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/india/missile/prithvi.htm |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |access-date=24 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222090715/http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/india/missile/prithvi.htm |archive-date=22 December 2008}}</ref>
 
HAL is also close to develop its own fifth generation fighter aircraft [[Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft|HAL AMCA]] which will be inducted by 2028. DRDO has entered in a joint venture with [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] (IAI) to develop the [[Barak 8 (missile)|Barak 8]] SAM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.8ak.in/8ak_india_defence_news/2010/02/barak2-lrsam-maiden-flight-later-this-year.html |title=Barak-2 LR-SAM maiden flight later this year |date=1 February 2010 |access-date=12 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412012259/http://www.8ak.in/8ak_india_defence_news/2010/02/barak2-lrsam-maiden-flight-later-this-year.html |archive-date=12 April 2010}}</ref> [[Akash-NG]] is also being developed by DRDO which will be the same range of [[Barak 8 (missile)|Barak 8]].<ref name="maiden_test_hemant_rout">{{cite news|last1=Rout|first1=Hemant Kumar|title=Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jan/25/next-generation-surface-to-air-akash-missile-successfully-test-fired-2254916.html|access-date=27 January 2021|work=The New Indian Express|agency=The New Indian Express}}</ref> DRDO is developing the air-launched version of the [[BrahMos]] cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's [[NPO Mashinostroeyenia]]. DRDO has now successfully developed the nuclear capable [[Nirbhay]] cruise missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiadefenceonline.com/1914/iaf-sukhoi-fleet-to-be-equipped-with-homemade-nirbhay-missiles/ |title=IAF Sukhoi Fleet to be Equipped with Homemade Nirbhay Missiles |date=21 May 2010 |access-date=16 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525111015/http://indiadefenceonline.com/1914/iaf-sukhoi-fleet-to-be-equipped-with-homemade-nirbhay-missiles/ |archive-date=25 May 2010}}</ref>
 
DRDO and HAL has also engaged in the [[HAL Combat Air Teaming System|unmanned combat system]]. According to this, HAL will develop the whole family of unmanned aircraft by the end of 2024–25<ref>{{cite news | url =https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/leap-of-technology-hal-to-launch-unmanned-fighter-jet/articleshow/80686467.cms | title =Leap of technology: HAL to launch unmanned fighter jet | work =[[The Economic Times]] | date=4 February 2021 | access-date =24 July 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/all-about-indias-new-warrior-drone-air-power-teaming-system-combat-air-teaming-system-explained-1612963591-1 | title =All about India's Warrior Drone: Air power teaming system explained | newspaper =Jagran Josh | date =10 February 2021 | access-date =29 July 2021 }}</ref>
 
===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.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF's AFNET NCW Backbone Goes Live Next Week|date=8 September 2010|url=http://www.livefistdefence.com/2010/09/iafs-afnet-goes-live-next-week.html|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235808/http://www.livefistdefence.com/2010/09/iafs-afnet-goes-live-next-week.html|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[List of Indian Air Force Gallantry Award Winners]]
* [[Param Vir Chakra|List of Indian Army Gallantry Award Winners]]
*[[List of historical aircraft of the Indian Air Force]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
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* {{cite book |last1=Pradhan |first1=R.D. |title=Debacle to Revival: Y.B. Chavan as Defence Minister, 1962–65 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9vDvpB_sqB0C |year=1999 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-250-1477-5 |pages=xii, 316 |ref=Pradhan }}
* {{cite book |last1=Pradhan |first1=R. D. |last2=Chavan |first2=Yashwantrao Balwantrao |title=1965 War, the Inside Story: Defence Minister Y.B. Chavan's Diary of India-Pakistan War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ymYCJQjEGBUC |year=2007 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distributors |isbn=978-81-269-0762-5 |pages=xviii, 141 |ref=ybChavan }}
* {{cite book |last1=Praval|first1=Karam Chand|title=India's Paratroopers (A History of the Parachute Regiment of India)|year=1975 |publisher=Leo Cooper, London |isbn=978-0-85052-184-9 |ref=Praval}}
* {{cite book|last1=Shiva|first1=Vandana|title=India Divided: Diversity and Democracy Under Attack|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yoj2SmTZIaoC|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|isbn=978-1-58322-540-0|page=191|ref=Shiva}}
* {{cite book |last1=Sisodia |first1=N.S. |last2=Bhaskar |first2=Chitrapu Uday |title=Emerging India: Security and Foreign Policy Perspectives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ykZKWATQgcoC |year=2005 |publisher=Bibliophile South Asia |isbn=978-81-86019-51-1 |pages=xx,376 |ref=Emerging }}
* {{cite book |last1=Sisson |first1=Richard |last2=Rose |first2=Leo E. |title=War and Secession: Pakistan, India, and the Creation of Bangladesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zYdDnRN8QIoC |edition=revised |year=1991 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-07665-5 |ref=SissonRose }}
* {{cite book |last1=Thomas |first1=Raju G.C. |title=India's Security Environment: Towards the Year 2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MYm0hnXJYmgC |year=1996 |publisher=DIANE Publishing |isbn=978-1-4289-1389-9 |pages=iv, 33 |ref=Raju }}
* {{cite book |publisher=Lancer |last=Tiwary |first=AK, Air Vice Marshal |title=Indian Air Force in wars |location=New Delhi |year=2012
|isbn=9781935501336}}
* {{cite book |last1=Warikoo |first1=K. |title=Himalayan Frontiers of India: Historical, Geo-Political and Strategic Perspectives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PvWp8_POzrEC |edition=Illustrated |year=2009 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-0-415-46839-8 |pages=xv, 240 |ref=Warikoo }}
* {{cite book|last1=Wilson|first1=Stewart|title=North American F-86 SABRE|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_IcBAAAACAAJ|edition=Illustrated|year=2002|publisher=Wilson Media Pty, Limited|isbn=978-1-876722-05-0|page=64|ref=Wilson}}
{{Refend}}
 
==External links==
{{Commons category|Air force of India|Indian Air Force}}
* [http://indianairforce.nic.in/ Official website of The Indian Air Force]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK7klDGDzbo 1965, IAF Claimed its First Air-to-Air Kill] documentary published by IAF
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/ Indian Air Force on bharat-rakshak.com]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1965.htm Global Security article on Indo-Pakistani Wars]
* [http://www.dsalert.org/insignia/indian-air-force Designators Batches of Indian Air Force] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711043530/http://www.dsalert.org/insignia/indian-air-force |date=11 July 2020 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081022200042/http://careerairforce.nic.in/ Career Air Force Government of India]
 
{{Military of India}}
{{Indian Air Force}}
 
{{India topics}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Portal bar|India|History}}
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[[Category:Indian Air Force| ]]
[[Category:Defence agencies of India]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1932]]
[[Category:1931 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Military history of India during World War II]]

Revision as of 10:38, 8 October 2022

Ensign of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Military. The Royal Indian Air Force was founded on 1 April 1932 as part of the armed forces of the British Empire. In 1950, after independence, India dropped the word 'Royal' from the name.

Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in 5 wars but also participates regularly in United Nations peace keeping missions.

The Indian Air Force has around 170,000 personnel and around 1700 aircraft making it the 4th largest air force in the world in terms of aircraft. The motto of the Indian Air Force is nabhah sprsham diptam ('touch the sky with glory').The motto has been taken from the Sacred Bhagavad Gita,Chapter 11,Verse 24.


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