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{{Short description|Aspect of history}} | {{Short description|Aspect of history}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}} | ||
{{lead too short|date=November | {{lead too short|date=November 2022}} | ||
The '''history of the [[Indian Air Force]]''' began with its establishment in 1932 and continues up to the present day. | The '''history of the [[Indian Air Force]]''' began with its establishment in 1932 and continues up to the present day. | ||
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{{main|Royal Indian Air Force}} | {{main|Royal Indian Air Force}} | ||
[[File:Royal Indian Air Force.svg|thumb|Crest of the [[Royal Indian Air Force]] (1932–1950)]] | [[File:Royal Indian Air Force.svg|thumb|Crest of the [[Royal Indian Air Force]] (1932–1950)]] | ||
The Indian Air Force was established in [[British India]] as an auxiliary air force<ref name="clause4">{{cite book|contribution= CLAUSE 4.—(Relations between Royal Air Force and Indian Air Force, and attachment of personnel.) | url=http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1933/apr/03/clause-4-relations-between-royal-air |title=HC Deb 3 April 1933 vol 276 cc1473-501|work=[[Hansard]] | publisher=[[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]| access-date=8 April | The Indian Air Force was established in [[British India]] as an auxiliary air force<ref name="clause4">{{cite book|contribution= CLAUSE 4.—(Relations between Royal Air Force and Indian Air Force, and attachment of personnel.) | url=http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1933/apr/03/clause-4-relations-between-royal-air |title=HC Deb 3 April 1933 vol 276 cc1473-501|work=[[Hansard]] | publisher=[[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]| access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> of the [[Royal Air Force]] with the enactment of the Indian Air Force Act 1932 on 8 October that year<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| 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><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> and adopted the Royal Air Force uniforms, badges, brevets and insignia.<ref name="Heraldry">{{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 [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal) [[Sir Cecil Bouchier|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> | ||
The first five pilots commissioned into the IAF were Harish Chandra Sircar, [[Subroto Mukerjee]], Bhupendra Singh, Aizad Baksh Awan and Amarjeet Singh. A sixth officer, J N Tandon had to revert to logistics duties as he was too short. All of them were commissioned as [[Pilot Officer]]s in 1932 from RAF Cranwell. [[Subroto Mukerjee]] later went on to become the IAF's first [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]]. Subsequent batches inducted before [[World War II]] included [[Aspy Engineer]], K K Majumdar, Narendra, Daljit Singh, Henry Runganadhan, R H D Singh, Baba Mehar Singh, S N Goyal, Prithpal Singh and [[Arjan Singh]]. [[File:IAF Wapiti K1260.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Westland Wapiti]], one of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force.]] | The first five pilots commissioned into the IAF were Harish Chandra Sircar, [[Subroto Mukerjee]], Bhupendra Singh, Aizad Baksh Awan and Amarjeet Singh. A sixth officer, J N Tandon had to revert to logistics duties as he was too short. All of them were commissioned as [[Pilot Officer]]s in 1932 from RAF Cranwell. [[Subroto Mukerjee]] later went on to become the IAF's first [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]]. Subsequent batches inducted before [[World War II]] included [[Aspy Engineer]], K K Majumdar, Narendra, Daljit Singh, Henry Runganadhan, R H D Singh, Baba Mehar Singh, S N Goyal, Prithpal Singh and [[Arjan Singh]]. [[File:IAF Wapiti K1260.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Westland Wapiti]], one of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force.]] | ||
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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]]. | 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 | 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 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mgtrust.org/w2.htm|title=Second World War – Europe|website=mgtrust.org}}</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. | 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. | ||
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{{Main|Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965}} | {{Main|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]].]] | [[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]].]] | ||
Three years after the Sino-Indian conflict, India went to war with Pakistan again over Kashmir. Learning from the experiences of the Sino-Indian war, India decided to use its air force extensively during the war.{{Citation needed|date=March | Three years after the Sino-Indian conflict, India went to war with Pakistan again over Kashmir. Learning from the experiences of the Sino-Indian war, India decided to use its air force extensively during the war.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} This was the first time the IAF actively engaged an enemy air force.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Harvnb|Pradhan|Chavan|2007|p=xiv|Ref=ybChavan}}</ref> However, instead of providing close air support to the Indian Army, the IAF carried out independent raid missions against [[Pakistani Air Force]] (PAF) bases.<ref name="Emerging">{{Harvnb|Sisodia|Bhaskar|2005|p=82|Ref=Emerging}}</ref> These bases were situated deep inside the Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.<ref>{{Harvnb|Gupta|1997|p=43|Ref=Gupta}}</ref> conflict.<ref>{{Harvnb|Raju|1996|p=11|Ref=Raju}}</ref> | ||
On 1 September 1965, the IAF fighters intervened in an ongoing battle between Indian and Pakistani forces in Chhamb.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> However, it was inadequate in [[close air support]] role.<ref name="Barua">{{Harvnb|Barua|2005|p=193|Ref=Barua}}</ref> Initially, IAF had sent the obsolete [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampires]] and later [[Dassault Mystère|Mystères]] to stop Pakistani advance.<ref name="Barua"/> But after incidents of [[friendly fire]], they were not called again for close air support.<ref name="Barua"/> Two days later, IAF [[Folland Gnat]] fighters shot down a PAF F-86 Sabre over Chhamb area.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The Gnats were effective against the F-86 and earned the nickname ''Sabre Slayer''.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Harvnb|Coggins|2000|p=164|Ref=Coggins}}</ref><ref name="Sabre Slayers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101658120200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020061232/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101658120200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2008|title=Remembering the lethal 'Sabre Slayers' |date=16 October 2008|author=Staff Reporter|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-04-08}}</ref> According to one Western source, the Gnats accounted for at least 6 Sabre kills.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> | On 1 September 1965, the IAF fighters intervened in an ongoing battle between Indian and Pakistani forces in Chhamb.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> However, it was inadequate in [[close air support]] role.<ref name="Barua">{{Harvnb|Barua|2005|p=193|Ref=Barua}}</ref> Initially, IAF had sent the obsolete [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampires]] and later [[Dassault Mystère|Mystères]] to stop Pakistani advance.<ref name="Barua"/> But after incidents of [[friendly fire]], they were not called again for close air support.<ref name="Barua"/> Two days later, IAF [[Folland Gnat]] fighters shot down a PAF F-86 Sabre over Chhamb area.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The Gnats were effective against the F-86 and earned the nickname ''Sabre Slayer''.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Harvnb|Coggins|2000|p=164|Ref=Coggins}}</ref><ref name="Sabre Slayers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101658120200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020061232/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101658120200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2008|title=Remembering the lethal 'Sabre Slayers' |date=16 October 2008|author=Staff Reporter|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-04-08}}</ref> According to one Western source, the Gnats accounted for at least 6 Sabre kills.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> | ||
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The professional standards, capability and flexibility were soon put to the test in December 1971 when India and Pakistan went to war over (then) [[East Pakistan]]. At the time, the IAF was under the command of Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal. On 22 November, ten days before the start of a full-scale war, four [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]] [[F-86 Sabre]] jets attacked Indian and [[Mukti Bahini]] positions near the Indo-Bangla border in the [[Battle of Garibpur]]. In what became the first ever [[Dogfight]] over East Pakistan skies (present day [[Bangladesh]]), three of the 4 PAF Sabres [[Battle of Boyra|were shot down by IAF Gnats]], and hostilities commenced. 3 December saw the formal declaration of war following massive, but [[Operation Chengiz Khan|failed preemptive strikes]] by the [[Pakistan Air Force]] against Indian Air Force installations in the west. The PAF targets were against Indian bases in Srinagar, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur on the lines of [[Operation Focus]]. But the plan failed miserably as Indians had anticipated such a move and no major losses were suffered. The Indian response over Pakistan skies, however, produced severe blows to the PAF. | The professional standards, capability and flexibility were soon put to the test in December 1971 when India and Pakistan went to war over (then) [[East Pakistan]]. At the time, the IAF was under the command of Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal. On 22 November, ten days before the start of a full-scale war, four [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]] [[F-86 Sabre]] jets attacked Indian and [[Mukti Bahini]] positions near the Indo-Bangla border in the [[Battle of Garibpur]]. In what became the first ever [[Dogfight]] over East Pakistan skies (present day [[Bangladesh]]), three of the 4 PAF Sabres [[Battle of Boyra|were shot down by IAF Gnats]], and hostilities commenced. 3 December saw the formal declaration of war following massive, but [[Operation Chengiz Khan|failed preemptive strikes]] by the [[Pakistan Air Force]] against Indian Air Force installations in the west. The PAF targets were against Indian bases in Srinagar, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur on the lines of [[Operation Focus]]. But the plan failed miserably as Indians had anticipated such a move and no major losses were suffered. The Indian response over Pakistan skies, however, produced severe blows to the PAF. | ||
Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out more than 4,000 sorties in East Pakistan and [[East Pakistan Operations 1971|provided successful air cover]] for the advancing [[Indian army]] in [[East Pakistan]]. IAF also assisted the [[Indian Navy]] in sinking several Pakistani naval vessels in the [[Bay of Bengal]]. In the west, the airforce demolished scores of tanks and armoured vehicles in a single battle – the [[Battle of Longewala]]. The IAF pursued [[strategic bombing]] by destroying oil installations in [[Karachi]], the [[Mangla Dam]] and gas plant in Sindh. As the IAF achieved complete [[air superiority]] over the eastern wing of Pakistan within a few days,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070112032245/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born] | Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out more than 4,000 sorties in East Pakistan and [[East Pakistan Operations 1971|provided successful air cover]] for the advancing [[Indian army]] in [[East Pakistan]]. IAF also assisted the [[Indian Navy]] in sinking several Pakistani naval vessels in the [[Bay of Bengal]]. In the west, the airforce demolished scores of tanks and armoured vehicles in a single battle – the [[Battle of Longewala]]. The IAF pursued [[strategic bombing]] by destroying oil installations in [[Karachi]], the [[Mangla Dam]] and gas plant in Sindh. As the IAF achieved complete [[air superiority]] over the eastern wing of Pakistan within a few days,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070112032245/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html "Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born"]. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''. 20 December 1971.</ref> the ordnance factories, runways, and other vital areas in East Pakistan were severely crippled. In the end, the IAF played a pivotal role in the victory for the Allied Forces leading to the liberation of Bangladesh. In addition to the overall strategic victory, the IAF had also claimed 94<ref>An air force Intelligence Unit of SI Directorate, commanded by then Flt Lt M L BALA while listening to a coded telephone call, after decoding it learnt that a high-level meeting chaired by the then Governor of East Pakistan was going to be held in Dhaka Governor house. He passed the information to the concerned authorities. Based on this information, the Governor House was bombed. Pak army surrendered the next day [http://orbat.com/site/cimh/iaf/IAF_1971_kills.pdf#search=%22iaf%20combat%20kills%22 IAF Combat Kills, 1971 war] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511153500/http://orbat.com/site/cimh/iaf/IAF_1971_kills.pdf |date=11 May 2013 }}</ref> Pakistani aircraft destroyed, with some 45 of their own aircraft admitted lost. The IAF had however, flown over 7000 combat sorties on both East and West fronts and its overall sortie rate numbered over 15000. Comparatively the PAF was flowing fewer sorties (though PAF had qualitative advantage; its [[Mirage III]] fighter/bombers could fly at night, where no IAF fighter had that capability—the only aircraft in IAF with this capability was the [[Canberra bomber]]) by the day fearing loss of planes. Towards the end of the war, IAF's transport planes dropped leaflets over Dhaka urging the Pak forces to surrender; East Pakistani sources note that as the leaflets floated down, the morale of the Pakistani troops sunk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mm-gold.azureedge.net/Articles/ishfaq/air_aspect71.html|title=Air aspect of the Liberation War 1971 Air Cdre Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury (Retd)|website=mm-gold.azureedge.net}}</ref> | ||
==Operation Meghdoot 1984== | ==Operation Meghdoot 1984== | ||
{{Main|Operation Meghdoot}} | {{Main|Operation Meghdoot}} | ||
The Operation Meghdoot was the name given to the [[preemptive strike]] launched by the Indian Military to capture most of the [[Siachen Glacier]], in the disputed [[Kashmir]] region. Launched on 13 April 1984, this [[military operation]] was unique as it was the first assault launched in the world's highest battlefield. The [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] played an important role in the [[Operation Meghdoot]]. The IAF Strategic airlifters like the Il-76s, An 12s transported stores and troops, airdropped supplies to high altitude airfields while transport helicopters like Mi-17s, Chetaks transported men and material.<ref>[http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=72 OP | The Operation Meghdoot was the name given to the [[preemptive strike]] launched by the Indian Military to capture most of the [[Siachen Glacier]], in the disputed [[Kashmir]] region. Launched on 13 April 1984, this [[military operation]] was unique as it was the first assault launched in the world's highest battlefield. The [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] played an important role in the [[Operation Meghdoot]]. The IAF Strategic airlifters like the Il-76s, An 12s transported stores and troops, airdropped supplies to high altitude airfields while transport helicopters like Mi-17s, Chetaks transported men and material.<ref>[http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=72 OP Meghdoot]</ref> The military action was successful as India gained control over all of the [[Siachen Glacier]] and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as the three main passes of the [[Saltoro Mountains|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 |date = 13 December 1991 |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan, 1991 |isbn = 9780312060671}}</ref><ref name=Child>{{cite book |last = Child |first = Greg |title = Thin air: encounters in the Himalayas |year = 1998 |publisher = The Mountaineers Books, 1998 |isbn = 9780898865882 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/thinairencounter00chil }}</ref> According to ''''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'''' magazine, India gained more than {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2|sigfig=1}} 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 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312141921/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 March 2007 | magazine=Time | title=The Himalayas War at the Top of the World | date=31 July 1989 | first=Edward W. | last=Desmond/Kashmir}}</ref> Pakistan tried in 1987 and in 1989 to re-take the glacier but was unsuccessful.<ref name=Kapur>{{cite book|last=Kapur|first=S. Paul|title=Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia|year=2007|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0804755504|page=118}}</ref> | ||
==Operation Poomalai (1987)== | ==Operation Poomalai (1987)== | ||
<!-- [[WP:NFCC]] violation: [[File:Poomalai An-32.jpg|thumb|right|[[An-32]]s of the Indian Air Force taxiing for take off from [[Bangalore]] during [[Operation Poomalai]].]] --> | <!-- [[WP:NFCC]] violation: [[File:Poomalai An-32.jpg|thumb|right|[[An-32]]s of the Indian Air Force taxiing for take off from [[Bangalore]] during [[Operation Poomalai]].]] --> | ||
Failing to negotiate an end to the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]], India sent a convoy of unarmed ships to northern [[Sri Lanka]] to provide more than 1000 tonnes of humanitarian aid,<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Chapter1.html|title=Indian Air Force in Sri Lanka.Operation Poomalai – The Jaffna Food drop.|publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com|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 | Failing to negotiate an end to the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]], India sent a convoy of unarmed ships to northern [[Sri Lanka]] to provide more than 1000 tonnes of humanitarian aid,<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Chapter1.html|title=Indian Air Force in Sri Lanka.Operation Poomalai – The Jaffna Food drop.|publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com|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 2022}}</ref> but it was intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy and sent back.<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/> Following this, 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 as a show of force to the Sri Lankan government, of symbolic support to the Tamil rebel and to preserve the credibility of the then Indian [[Prime Minister]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/> Five [[An-32]]s of the [[Para Commandos (India)|Paratroop Training School]] in [[Agra]], escorted by five [[Mirage 2000]]s of the [[No. 7 Squadron IAF|No. 7 Squadron]] were to carry out the supply drop.<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/><ref name=NYT>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B0DE0D8173FF936A35755C0A961948260&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIndia|title=India Airlifts Aid to Tamil Rebels|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=5 June 1987 | first=Steven R. | last=Weisman}}</ref> The message was conveyed to the Sri Lankan [[Ambassador]] to [[New Delhi]] that Indian Air Force would be flying a mission at 1600 Hours to drop supplies over Jaffna. The ambassador was told that the aircraft were expected to complete their mission unhindered and any opposition by the Sri Lankan Air Force 'would be met by force' by the escorting Mirage 2000s.<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/> The air drop was a success and the IAF was unopposed by the Sri Lankan forces.<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/> Sri Lanka accused India of "blatant violation of sovereignty".<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/> India insisted that it was acting only on humanitarian grounds.<ref name=Bharat-rakshak.com/> | ||
==Operation Pawan (1987)== | ==Operation Pawan (1987)== | ||
The IAF supported the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] (IPKF) in northern and eastern [[Sri Lanka]]. 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/|title=OP PAWAN|access-date=24 July | The IAF supported the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] (IPKF) in northern and eastern [[Sri Lanka]]. 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/|title=OP PAWAN|access-date=24 July 2022}}</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 H.U. were utilised to provide suppressive fire against militant strong points and to interdict coastal and clandestine riverine traffic.<ref name=oppawan/> | ||
==Kargil 1999== | ==Kargil 1999== | ||
{{Main|Kargil War}} | {{Main|Kargil War}} | ||
[[File:Sheeju mig21.JPG|thumb|left|IAF [[MiG-21]]s were used extensively in the [[Kargil war]].]] | [[File:Sheeju mig21.JPG|thumb|left|IAF [[MiG-21]]s were used extensively in the [[Kargil war]].]] | ||
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 | 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 2022}}</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=BBCN>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/352995.stm|title=BBC News | South Asia | India launches Kashmir air attack|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The initial strikes saw [[MiG-27]]s carrying out offensive sorties, with [[MiG-21]]s and later [[MiG-29]]s providing fighter cover.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Kargil/PCamp.html|title=The Kargil Operations. The Mirage-2000 at Kargil.|publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com|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 2022}}</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=BBCN/> | ||
On 27 May, the first fatalities were suffered when a [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] and a [[MiG-27]] jets were lost over Batalik Sector to enemy action and mechanical failure, respectively.<ref name= BBC>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/354120.stm|title=BBC News | South Asia | India loses two jets|publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref name=telegraph>{{cite web|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|access-date = 2006-09-18|work = The Telegraph}}</ref> The following day, a Mi-17 was lost- with the loss of all four of the crew- when it was hit by three [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]s while on an offensive sortie.<ref name= Bharat-rakshak.com/> These losses forced the Indian Air Force to reassess its strategy. The helicopters were immediately withdrawn from offensive roles as a measure against the man-portable missiles in possession of the infiltrators. On 30 May, the Indian Air Force called into operation the [[Mirage 2000]] which was deemed the best aircraft capable of optimum performance under the conditions of high-altitude seen in the zone of conflict. Mirage 2000s not only had better defence equipment compared to the MiGs, but also gave IAF the ability to carry out aerial raids at night. The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Harvnb|Ganguly|Kapur|2008|p=105|Ref=Ganguly}}</ref> The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and within days, their supply lines were severely disrupted.<ref>{{Harvnb|Jones|2003|p=97|Ref=OJones}}</ref> Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo<ref name= Bharat-rakshak.com/> and the heavily defended [[Tiger Hill, Kargil|Tiger Hill]] and paved the way for their early recapture.<ref name= Bharat-rakshak.com/> At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully liberated Kargil from Pakistani forces.<ref>{{Harvnb|Kapur|2007|p=122|Ref=Kapur}}</ref> | On 27 May, the first fatalities were suffered when a [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] and a [[MiG-27]] jets were lost over Batalik Sector to enemy action and mechanical failure, respectively.<ref name= BBC>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/354120.stm|title=BBC News | South Asia | India loses two jets|publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref name=telegraph>{{cite web|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|access-date = 2006-09-18|work = The Telegraph}}</ref> The following day, a Mi-17 was lost- with the loss of all four of the crew- when it was hit by three [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]s while on an offensive sortie.<ref name= Bharat-rakshak.com/> These losses forced the Indian Air Force to reassess its strategy. The helicopters were immediately withdrawn from offensive roles as a measure against the man-portable missiles in possession of the infiltrators. On 30 May, the Indian Air Force called into operation the [[Mirage 2000]] which was deemed the best aircraft capable of optimum performance under the conditions of high-altitude seen in the zone of conflict. Mirage 2000s not only had better defence equipment compared to the MiGs, but also gave IAF the ability to carry out aerial raids at night. The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Harvnb|Ganguly|Kapur|2008|p=105|Ref=Ganguly}}</ref> The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and within days, their supply lines were severely disrupted.<ref>{{Harvnb|Jones|2003|p=97|Ref=OJones}}</ref> Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo<ref name= Bharat-rakshak.com/> and the heavily defended [[Tiger Hill, Kargil|Tiger Hill]] and paved the way for their early recapture.<ref name= Bharat-rakshak.com/> At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully liberated Kargil from Pakistani forces.<ref>{{Harvnb|Kapur|2007|p=122|Ref=Kapur}}</ref> | ||