MISSIONS OF INDIAN AIR FORCE
First years of independence (1947–1950)
After gaining independence from the British Empire in 1947, British India was partitioned into the new states of the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan.
Along the lines of the geographical partition, the assets of the air
force were divided between the new countries. India's air force retained
the name of the Royal Indian Air Force, but three of the ten
operational squadrons and facilities, located within the borders of
Pakistan, were transferred to the Royal Pakistan Air Force.[14] The RIAF Roundel was changed to an interim 'Chakra' roundel derived from the Ashoka Chakra.[4]
Around the same time, conflict broke out between them over the control of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. With Pakistani forces moving into the state, its Maharaja decided to accede to India in order to receive military help.[15] The day after 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.[15] This led to the eruption of full scale war between India and Pakistan, though there was no formal declaration of war.[16]
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.[17]
When India became a republic in 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped from the Indian Air Force.[11] At the same time, the current IAF roundel was adopted.[4]
Congo crisis and capture of Goa (1960–1961)
The IAF saw significant conflict in 1960, when Belgium's 75-year rule over Congo ended abruptly, engulfing the nation in widespread violence and rebellion.[18] The IAF activated No. 5 Squadron, equipped with English Electric Canberra, to support the United Nations Operation in the Congo. The squadron started undertaking operational missions in November.[19] The unit remained there until 1966, when the UN mission ended.[19] Operating from Leopoldville and Kamina, the Canberras soon destroyed the rebel Air Force and provided the UN ground forces with its only long-range air support force.[20]
In late 1961, the Indian government decided to deploy the armed forces in an effort to expel Portugal from the enclaves of Goa, Daman and Diu after years of disagreement between New Delhi and Lisbon.[21] The Indian Air Force was requested to provide support elements to the ground force in what was called Operation Vijay. Probing flights by some fighters and bombers were carried out from 8–18 December to draw out the Portuguese Air Force, but to no avail.[21] On 18 December, two waves of Canberra
bombers bombed the runway of Dabolim airfield taking care not to bomb
the Terminals and the ATC tower. Two Portuguese transport aircraft (a Super Constellation and a DC-6)
found on the airfield were left alone so that they can be captured
intact. However the Portuguese pilots managed to take off the aircraft
from the still damaged airfield and made their getaway to Portugal.[21] Hunters attacked the wireless station at Bambolim. Vampires were used to provide air support to the ground forces.[21] In Daman, Mystères were used to strike Portuguese gun positions.[21] Ouragans (called Toofanis in the IAF) bombed the runways at Diu
and destroyed the control tower, wireless station and the
meteorological station.Successfully re-integrating these parts into
India.[21]
Border disputes and changes in the IAF (1962–1971)
In 1962, border disagreements between China and India escalated to a
war when China mobilised its troops across the Indian border.[22] 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.[22]
Three years after the Sino-Indian conflict, in 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, a surprise invasion into India which came to be known as the Second Kashmir War.[23] This was the first time the IAF actively engaged an enemy air force.[24] However, instead of providing close air support to the Indian Army,[25] the IAF carried out independent raids against PAF bases.[26] These bases were situated deep inside Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.[27]
During the course of the conflict, the PAF enjoyed technological
superiority over the IAF and had achieved substantial strategic and
tactical advantage due to their sudden attack and whole hearted
diplomatic and military support from the US and Britain.[23]
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.[23] Despite this, the IAF was able to prevent the PAF from gaining air superiority over conflict zones.[28] The small and nimble IAF Folland Gnats proved effective against the F-86 Sabres of the PAF earning it the nickname "Sabre Slayers".[29] By the time the conflict had ended, the IAF lost 73 aircraft, while the PAF lost 43 aircraft.[23] More than 60% of IAF's air combat losses took place during the battles over Kalaikunda and Pathankot
After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes to improve its capabilities. In 1966, the Para Commandos regiment was created.[30] To increase its logistics supply and rescue operations ability, the IAF inducted 72 HS 748s which were built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under license from Avro.[31] 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,[32] were inducted into the air force. HAL also started developing an improved version of the Folland Gnat, known as HAL Ajeet.[33] At the same time, the IAF also started inducting Mach 2 capable Soviet MiG-21 and Sukhoi Su-7 fighters.[34]
Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
By late 1971, the intensification of the independence movement in erstwhile East Pakistan lead to the Bangladesh Liberation War between India and Pakistan .[35] On 22 November 1971, 10 days before the start of a full-scale war, four PAF F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions at Garibpur, near the international border. Two of the four PAF Sabres were shot down and one damaged by the IAF's Folland Gnats.[36] On 3 December, India formally declared war against Pakistan following massive preemptive strikes
by the PAF against Indian Air Force installations in Srinagar, Ambala,
Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur. However, the IAF did not suffer
significantly because the leadership had anticipated such a move and
precautions were taken.[37] The Indian Air Force was quick to respond to Pakistani air strikes, following which the PAF carried out mostly defensive sorties.[38]
Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out almost 2,000 sorties over East Pakistan and also provided close air support to the advancing Indian Army.[39] IAF also assisted the Indian Navy in its operations against the Pakistani Navy and Maritime Security Agency in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. On the western front, the IAF destroyed more than 29 Pakistani tanks, 40 APCs and a railway train during the Battle of Longewala.[40] 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.[41] 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.[42] By the time Pakistani forces surrendered, the IAF claimed that 94 PAF aircraft, including 54 F-86 Sabres had been shot down.[43] The IAF had flown over 6,000 sorties[39] on both East and West fronts; including sorties by transport aircraft and helicopters.[39]
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.[44]
Incidents before Kargil (1984–1988)
In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the Siachen Glacier in the contested Kashmir region.[45] In Op Meghdoot, IAF's Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.[46]
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. The Indian
forces, facing no opposition, took control over most of the heights on
the glacier.[47]
Following the inability to negotiate an end to the Sri Lankan Civil War, and to provide humanitarian aid through an unarmed convoy of ships,[48] the Indian Government decided to carry out an airdrop of the humanitarian supplies on the evening of 4 June 1987 designated Operation Poomalai (Tamil: Garland) or Eagle Mission 4.[48] Five An-32s escorted by five Mirage 2000s carried out the supply drop which faced no opposition from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.[48][49] Sri Lanka accused India of "blatant violation of sovereignty".[48] India insisted that it was acting only on humanitarian grounds.[48]
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.[50]
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.[50]
Mi-8s supported the ground forces and also provided air transportation
to the Sri Lankan civil administration during the elections.[50]
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.[50]
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 2000 kilometres to the remote Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives in response to Maldivian president Gayoom's request for military help against a mercenary invasion in Operation Cactus. The IL-76s of No. 44 Squadron landed at Hulhule at 0030 hours and the Indian paratroopers secured the airfield and restored Government rule at Male within hours.[51]
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.[51] The IAF strike was code named Operation Safed Sagar.[51] The first strikes were launched on 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships.[52] The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with MiG-21s and later MiG-29s providing fighter cover.[53] The IAF also deployed its radars and the MiG-29 fighters in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border.[54] Srinagar Airport was at this time closed to civilian air-traffic and dedicated to the Indian Air Force.[52]
On 27 May, the Indian Air Force suffered its first fatality when it lost a MiG-21 and a MiG-27 in quick succession.[notes 1][55][56] The following day, while on an offensive sortie, a Mi-17 was shot down by three Stinger missiles and lost its entire crew of four.[53] Following these losses the IAF immediately withdrew helicopters from offensive roles as a measure against the threat of Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPAD). On 30 May, the Mirage 2000s
were introduced in offensive capability, as they were deemed better in
performance under the high-altitude conditions of the conflict zone.
Mirage 2000s were not only better equipped to counter the MANPAD threat
compared to the MiGs, but also gave IAF the ability to carry out aerial
raids at night. The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter
escort to the Mirage 2000.[57] The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and severely disrupted their supply lines.[58] Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo and the heavily defended Tiger Hill and paved the way for their early recapture.[53] At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.[57] By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully repulsed the Pakistani forces from Kargil.[59]
Post Kargil incidents (1999–present)
On 10 August 1999, IAF MiG-21s intercepted a Pakistan Navy Breguet Atlantique which was flying over Sir Creek, an Indian territory. The aircraft was shot down killing all 16 Pakistani Navy personnel on board.[60] India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission to gather information on IAF air defence,[61] a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.[62]
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.[63] Self-reliance is the main aim that is being pursued by the defence research and manufacturing agencies.
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 16614 feet (5065 meters).[64][65]
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.[66]
Structure
The President of India is the Supreme Commander of all Indian armed forces and by virtue of that fact is the notional Commander-in-chief of the Air Force. Chief of the Air Staff with the rank of Air Chief Marshal is the Commander of the Indian Air Force. He is assisted by six officers, all with the rank of Air Marshal:
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff
- Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
- Air Officer in Charge of Administration
- Air Officer in Charge of Personnel
- Air Officer in Charge of Maintenance
- Director General of Inspection and Flight Safety.
In January 2002, the government conferred the rank of Marshal of the Air Force on Arjan Singh making him the first and only Five-star officer with the Indian Air Force and ceremonial chief of the air force.[67]
Commands
The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands.
Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the
rank of Air Marshal. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct
military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility,
whereas the responsibility of functional commands is to maintain combat readiness.
Aside from the Training Command at Bangalore, the centre for primary
flight training is located at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh, 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, Andhra Pradesh
(also the location for helicopter training). Technical schools are found
at a number of other locations.[68]
Operational Commands
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Functional Commands
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Wings
A Wing
is a formation intermediate between a Command and a Squadron. It
generally consists of two or three IAF Squadrons and Helicopter Units,
along with Forward Base Support Units (FBSU). FBSUs do not have or host
any Squadrons or Helicopter units but act as transit airbases for
routine operations. In times of war, they can become fully fledged air
bases playing host to various Squadrons. In all, about 47 Wings and 19
FBSUs make up the IAF.[69][70] Wings are typically commanded by a Group Captain.
Squadrons
Squadrons
are the field units and formations attached to static locations. Thus, a
Flying Squadron is a sub-unit of an air force station which carries out
the primary task of the IAF. All fighter squadrons are headed by a Commanding Officer with the rank of Wing Commander.[71] Some Transport squadrons and Helicopter Units are headed by a Commanding Officer with the rank of Group Captain.
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Flights
Within this formation structure, IAF has several service branches for day-to-day operations. They are:[73]
Flying Branch
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Technical Branch
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Ground Branch
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Garud Commando Force
Main article: Garud Commando Force
In September 2009, the IAFMM. established its own special operation unit called the Garud Commando Force, consisting of approximately 1500 personnel. The unit derives its name from Garuda, a divine mythical bird of Hindu Mythology, but more commonly the word for Garuda in Sanskrit Language. Garud is tasked with the protection of critical installations; During hostilities, Garuds undertake combat search and rescue,
rescue of downed airmen and other forces from behind enemy lines,
suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD), radar busting, combat control,
missile and munitions guidance ("lasing" of targets) and other missions
in support of air operations. It has been suggested that they undertake
an offensive role including raids on enemy air bases etc. during times
of war.
Apart from protecting air bases from sabotage and attacks by commando
raids, they are also tasked to seal off weapons systems, fighter
hangars and other major systems during intrusions and conflicts. and
disaster relief during calamities.[74]
Integrated Space Cell
Main article: 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 Organization (ISRO) has been set up
to utilise more effectively the country's space-based assets for
military purposes.[6][7]
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 cooperation and
coordination between the three services as well as civilian agencies
dealing with space.[75]
India currently has 10[76]
remote sensing satellites in orbit. Though most are not meant to be
dedicated military satellites, some have a spacial resolution of 1 metre
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 1-metre,[77] the RISAT-2 which is capable of imaging in all-weather conditions and has a resolution of one metre,[78] the CARTOSAT-2, CARTOSAT-2A[79][80] and CARTOSAT-2B[81] which carries a panchromatic camera which has a resolution of 80 centimetres (black and white only).
Display Teams
Main articles: Surya Kiran and Sarang (military)
Surya Kiran (Sanskrit for Sun Rays) is an aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was formed in 1996 and are successors to the Thunderbolts.[82] The team has a total of 13 pilots (selected from the fighter stream of the IAF) and operate 9 HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 trainer aircraft[82] painted in a "day-glo orange" and white colour scheme. The Surya Kiran team were conferred squadron status in 2006, and presently have the designation of 52 Squadron, Air force ("The Sharks").[83] Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is based at the Indian Air Force Station at Bidar.[82] The HJT-16 Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara. The IAF have already given an order for 12 Limited Series Production aircraft for the Surya Kiran team.[84]
Meanwhile, IAF has begun the process of converting Surya Kirans to BAE
Hawks. It will take 2–3 years for the team to completely shift to Hawks.[84]
Sarang is the Helicopter Display Team of the Indian Air Force. The name Sarang (Sanskrit for Peacock) is symbolic as it is the national bird of India. The team was formed in October 2003 and their first public performance was at the Asian Aerospace Show, Singapore, 2004.[85] The team flies four HAL Dhruvs[86]
painted in red and white with a peacock figure at each side of the
fuselage. The Sarang display team is based at the Indian Air Force base
at Air Force Station Sulur, Coimbatore.
Personnel
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.[68] 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".[87] In 2010, James Hackett revised that estimate to an approximate strength of 127,000 active personnel in the IISS publication "Military Balance 2010".[88]
The rank structure of the Indian Air Force is based on that of the Royal Air Force. The highest rank attainable in the IAF is Marshal of the Indian Air Force,
conferred by the President of India after exceptional service during
wartime. MIAF Arjan Singh is the only officer to have achieved this
rank. The head of the Indian Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff,
who holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The current Chief of the Air
Staff is Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha with effect from 31 December 2013.
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 16½ and 19 and have passed high school graduation, can
apply at the Intermediate level.[89]
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.[90] 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.[91] 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.[92] At the time of application, all applicants below 25 years of age must be single.[93]
The IAF selects candidates for officer training from these applicants.
After completion of training, a candidate is commissioned as a Flying Officer.[94]
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| Rank | Marshal of the Air Force¹ |
Air Chief Marshal |
Air Marshal | Air Vice Marshal |
Air Commodore |
Group Captain |
Wing Commander |
Squadron Leader |
Flight Lieutenant |
Flying Officer |
Pilot Officer2 |
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Airmen
The duty of an airman in the Indian Air Force 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.[95]
The recruitment of personnel below officer rank is conducted through
All India Selection Tests and Recruitment Rallies. All India Selection
Tests are conducted among 14 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.[95]
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.[95] 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.[95]
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Sergeant | Corporal | Leading Aircraftsman |
Aircraftsman | |
Honorary Officers
- Sachin Tendulkar was the first sportsperson and the first civilian without aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force.[96]
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.[97]
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.[98][99]
Training and education
The Indian Armed Forces has set up numerous military academies across India for training its personnel. Military schools, Sainik Schools,
and the Rashtriya Indian Military College were founded to broaden the
recruitment base of the Defence Forces. The three branches of the Indian
Armed Forces jointly operate several institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), National Defence College (NDC) and the College of Defence Management (CDM) for training its officers. The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) at Pune is responsible for providing the entire pool of medical staff to the Armed Forces by giving them in service training.
Besides these Tri-service institutions, the Indian Air Force has a Training Command
and several training establishments. While technical and other support
staff are trained at various Ground Training Schools, the pilots are
trained at the Air Force Academy located at Dundigul. The Pilot Training
Establishment at Allahabad, the Air Force Administrative College at Coimbatore, the School of Aviation Medicine at Bangalore, the Air Force Technical College, Bangalore at Jalahalli and the Paratrooper’s Training School at Agra are some of the other training establishments of the IAF.
Aircraft inventory
Main article: List of active Indian military aircraft
The Indian Air Force has aircraft and equipment of Russian (erstwhile
Soviet Union), British, French, Israeli, U.S. 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.[100]
Airborne early warning aircraft
The IAF currently operates the EL/W-2090 Phalcon AEW&C. A total of 3 such systems are currently in service, with possible orders for 2 more.[101][102][103] The Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEWACS) is a project of India's DRDO to develop an AWACS
system for the Indian Air Force. The DRDO AEWACS program aims to
deliver three radar-equipped surveillance aircraft to the Indian Air
Force. The aircraft platform selected was the Embraer ERJ 145. Three ERJ
145 were procured from Embraer at a cost of US $ 300 Million, including
the contracted modifications to the airframe. Probable delivery date
for the first batch of three is 2015.[104]
Multi-role fighters and strike aircraft
The IAF's primary air superiority fighter with the additional capability to conduct air-ground (strike) missions is Sukhoi Su-30MKI. The IAF have placed an order for a total of 272 Su-30MKIs[105] of which 194[106] are in service as of March 2013. The Mikoyan MiG-29 known as Baaz (Hindi
for Hawk) is a dedicated air superiority fighter and constitutes a
second line of defence after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. 66 MiG-29s are in
service, all of which are currently being upgraded to the MiG-29UPG
standard.[107] The Dassault Mirage 2000, known as Vajra (Sanskrit for Thunderbolt) in Indian service, is the primary multirole fighter, the IAF currently operates 51 Mirage 2000Hs which are currently being upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 MK2 standard.[108][109] The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 serves as an Interceptor aircraft
in the IAF. The IAF have phased out most of its MiG-21s and plans to
keep only 125 that have been upgraded to MiG-21 Bison standard.[110] These aircraft will be phased out between 2014 and 2017.[111] The MiG-21s are planned to be replaced by the indigenously built HAL Tejas.[112][113]
The SEPECAT Jaguar known as Shamsher and the Mikoyan MiG-27 known as Bahadur (Hindi for Valiant) serve as the IAF's primary ground attack force.[114] The IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars[115] and over 100 MiG-27s.[116]
Tanker and transport aircraft
The IAF currently operates 6 Ilyushin Il-78MKIs in the aerial refueling (tanker) role.[117][118] For strategic military transport operations the IAF uses the Ilyushin Il-76 known as Gajraj (Hindi for King Elephant) in Indian service.[119] The IAF currently operates 17 Il-76s,[120] which are to be replaced by a number of C-17 Globemaster IIIs in the near future.[121][122]
The C-130J of the IAF is used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations.[123] There are currently 6 C-130Js in service.[124] The Antonov An-32 known as Sutlej (name of an Indian river) serves as medium transport aircraft in the IAF. The aircraft is also used in bombing roles and para-dropping operations.[125] The IAF currently operates 105 An-32s, all of which are being upgraded.[125] The Dornier Do 228 serves as light transport aircraft in the IAF.[126] The IAF also operates Boeing 737s[127] and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft[128] as VIP transports and passenger airliners for troops. Other VIP transport aircraft are used for both the President of India and the Prime Minister of India under the call sign Air India One.[129]
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.[130] A replacement is under consideration.[131]
Trainer aircraft
The HAL HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.[132] The HPT-32 was grounded in July 2009 following a crash that killed two senior flight instructors,[133] but was revived in May 2010[133]
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.[133] The HPT-32 is to be phased out soon.[133] The IAF uses the HAL HJT-16 Kiran mk.I for intermediate flight training of cadets, while the HJT-16 Kiran mk.II provides advanced flight and weapons training.[134][135] The HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 is also operated by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF.[136] The Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara.[137] The BAE Hawk Mk 132
serves as an advanced jet trainer in the IAF and is progressively
replacing the Kiran Mk.II. The IAF has begun the process of converting
the Surya Kiran display team to Hawks.[84] A total of 106 BAE Hawk trainers have been ordered by the IAF of which 39 have entered service as of July 2010.[138]
The purchase of 75 Pilatus PC-7
Mk-II aircraft was cleared by the Cabinet Committee. The decision has
been made in the wake of acute shortage of basic trainer aircraft.[139] On 24 May 2012, IAF signed a Rs 2800 crore deal with Pilatus Aircraft to purchase 75 PC-7s.[140] Another 37 of these planes has been ordered under follow-on contract that will take the total planes with IAF to 112.[141]
Helicopters
The HAL Dhruv serves primarily as a light utility helicopter in the
IAF. In addition to transport and utility roles, newer Dhruvs are also
used as attack helicopters.[142] 4 Dhruvs are also operated by the Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team.[86] The HAL Chetak is a light utility helicopter and is used primarily for training, rescue and light transport roles in the IAF.[143] The HAL Chetak is being gradually replaced by HAL Dhruv.[143] 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.[144] The Mil Mi-8 and the Mil Mi-17 are operated by the IAF for medium utility roles. The Mi-8 is being progressively replaced by the Mi-17.[145][146]
The IAF has ordered 80 Mi-17V-5s to replace and augment its existing
fleet of Mi-8s and Mi-17s, with an order for 59 additional helicopters
to follow soon.[147] 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 4
Mi-26s.[148]
The Mil Mi-35
serves primarily as an attack helicopter in the IAF. The Mil Mi-35 can
also act as a low-capacity troop transport. The IAF currently operates 2
squadrons (No.104 Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators) of Mi-25/35s.[149]
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
The IAF currently uses the IAI Searcher II[150] and IAI Heron[151] for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The IAI Harpy serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack radar systems.[152] The IAF also operates the DRDO Lakshya which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training.[153]
Land-based missile systems
Surface-to-air missile systems
The S-125 Pechora[154] and the 9K33 Osa[97] as Surface-to-air missile systems in service is getting replaced with the Akash medium range surface-to-air missile system. A total of 8 squadrons has been ordered so far.[155]
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 ballistic missile.[156]
Future of the Indian Air Force
Main article: Future of the Indian Air Force
The number of aircraft in the IAF has been decreasing from the late
1990s due to 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 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.[157]
Current acquisitions
The IAF has placed orders for 48 HAL Tejas fighters,[158] 75 Pilatus PC-7MkII basic trainers,[159] 72 HAL HJT-36 Sitara trainers,[84] 10 C-17 Globemaster III strategic air-lifters,[160] 65 HAL Light Combat Helicopters,[161] 139 Mi-17V-5 helicopters.[147][162] and the IAF has also ordered 18 Israeli SPYDER Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs).[163] It was announced in 2012 that India will order 126 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters at a cost of USD 20 billion as part of the MRCA competition,[164][165] 6 Airbus A330 tanker aircraft,[166] 22 AH-64E Apache Longbow heavy attack helicopters,[167] 12 VVIP-configured AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters,[168] 15 CH-47F medium lift helicopters[169] and IAI Harop UCAVs.[152][170]
As of January 2013, news reports have begun to appear that India may
order an additional 63 Rafale fighter jets from France, increasing the
total number of the French jets to 189.[171] The IAF has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for 16 C-27J Spartan medium military transport aircraft.[172] A new Request For Information has been issued to replace Hawker Siddeley HS 748 for $ 2.4 billion.[173] The IAF also submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)[174] and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) will float a tender for 125 light helicopters.
DRDO and HAL projects
Indian defence companies such as HAL and DRDO are developing several aircraft for the IAF such as the HAL Tejas,[112][113] Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),[175] DRDO AEW&CS (revived from the Airavat Project),[176] NAL Saras,[177] HAL HJT-36 Sitara,[178] HAL HTT-40, HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH),[179] HAL Light Observation Helicopter (LOH),[180] DRDO Rustom[181] and AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) UCAV.[182] DRDO has developed the Akash missile system for the IAF[183][184] and is developing the Maitri SAM with MBDA.[185] DRDO is also developing the Prithvi II ballistic missile.[186]
HAL has undertaken the joint development of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft)[187] (a derivative project of the Sukhoi PAK FA) and the UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA)[188] with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). DRDO has entered in a joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop the Barak 8 SAM.[189] DRDO is developing the air-launched version of the BrahMos cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia. DRDO is also developing the nuclear capable Nirbhay cruise missile.[190]
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