{{Short description|Aerial service branch of the Indian Armed Forces}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = Indian Air Force | native_name = ''Bhāratīya Vāyu Senā'' | image = File:Indian Air Force Crest.png | image_size = 230px | caption = Emblem of the Indian Air Force | start_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1950|01|26}} (''as current service'')<hr>{{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 = 149,000 active personnel{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=251}}<br/> 140,000 reserve personnel{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=251}}<br/> 1,750 aircraft (approx){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=256}} | command_structure = {{armed forces|India}} | garrison = Vayu Sena Bhawan, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi. | garrison_label = Headquarters | nickname = | patron = | motto = {{transliteration|sa|ISO|Nabhaḥ Spr̥śaṁ Dīptam}} <small>(ISO)</small> <br /> {{Translation|"Touch the Sky with Glory"}}<ref>{{cite web |title=About IAF |url=https://careerairforce.gov.in/about-iaf |website=Indian Air Force (DISHA) |access-date=17 January 2026}}</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: ''Dēśa Pukārē Jaba Saba Kō''<br />(When the Country Calls Everyone) *Slow: ''Vāyu Sēnā Niśāna''<br />(The Air Force Emblem) }} | mascot = | anniversaries = Air Force Day: 8 October<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> | 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|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 =2020–2021 China–India skirmishes |19 = Operation Ganga|20 = 2025 India–Pakistan conflict }} | decorations = | battle_honours = | battle_honours_label = | flying_hours = | website = {{Official URL}} <!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = {{flagicon|India}} President Droupadi Murmu | commander1_label = Commander-in-Chief | commander2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.svg}} Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh | commander2_label = Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) | commander3 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Air marshal (India).svg}} Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor | commander3_label = Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) | commander4 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Air marshal (India).svg}} Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti | commander4_label = Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) | commander5 = | commander5_label = | notable_commanders = {{plainlist| *{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Marshal of the Air Force (India).svg}} Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh *{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.svg}} Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal *{{Flagicon image|Flag of Air marshal (India).svg}} Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee}} <!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = 80px | identification_symbol_label = Roundel | identification_symbol_2 = 80px | identification_symbol_2_label = Fin flash | identification_symbol_3 = 200px | identification_symbol_3_label = Flag | identification_symbol_4 = 150px | identification_symbol_4_label = President's Colour <!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack = Jaguar, Eitan, Harop | aircraft_bomber = | aircraft_electronic = A-50E/I, DRDO AEW&CS | aircraft_fighter = Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar | aircraft_helicopter = CH-47 Chinook, Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26 | aircraft_helicopter_attack = Prachand, Apache AH-64E, Mi-25/35, Rudra | aircraft_helicopter_cargo = | aircraft_helicopter_multirole = | aircraft_helicopter_observation = | aircraft_helicopter_trainer = | aircraft_helicopter_utility = | aircraft_patrol = | aircraft_recon = Searcher II, Heron | aircraft_trainer = Hawk Mk 132, HJT-16 Kiran, Pilatus C-7 Mk II | aircraft_transport = C-130J, C-17 Globemaster III, CH-47F (I) Chinook, Il-76, An-32, HS 748, Do 228, EADS CASA C-295, Boeing 737, ERJ 135, Boeing 777 | aircraft_tanker = Il-78 MKI | aircraft_general = }}
The '''Indian Air Force''' ('''IAF''') (ISO: {{IAST|Bhāratīya Vāyu Senā}}) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of British India which honoured India's aviation service during World War II.<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref>
Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai. The IAF's mission expands beyond engagement with hostile forces, with the IAF participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the IAF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presidentofindia.nic.in/about.htm|title=About – The President of India|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|2025|1|1}}, 135,000 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, an Air chief marshal, is a four-star officer and is responsible for the bulk of operational command of the Air Force. There is never more than one serving ACM at any given time in the IAF. The rank of Marshal of the Air Force has been conferred by the President of India on one occasion in history, to Arjan Singh. On 26 January 2002, Singh became the first and so far, only five-star rank officer of the IAF.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arjan Singh: IAF's 1965 war hero and the only five-star ranked officer|work=Hindustan Times |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>
==Mission== 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 |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}}
The IAF's mission is defined by the 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 |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>
* The Primary objective of IAF is to defend the nation and its airspace against Air threats in coordination with Army and Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE INDIAN AIR FORCE |url=https://digital.nios.ac.in/content/375en/15.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730113056/https://digital.nios.ac.in/content/375en/15.pdf |archive-date=2022-07-30 |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=digital.nios.ac.in}}</ref> * The secondary purpose is to assist civil power during natural calamities and internal disturbances. * The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops in the battlefield and also provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. * IAF also provides strategic air lift or secondary Airlift for the Indian Army. * The IAF also operates the Integrated Space Cell together with the other two branches of the Indian Armed Forces, the Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). * Rescue of civilians during natural disasters * Evacuation of Indian nationals from foreign countries in case of instability or other problems
In practice, this is taken as a directive meaning the IAF bears the responsibility of safeguarding Indian airspace and thus furthering national interests in conjunction with the other branches of the armed forces. The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops on the battlefield as well as strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The Integrated Space Cell is operated by the Indian Armed Forces, the civilian Department of Space, and the Indian Space Research Organisation. By uniting the civilian run space exploration organisations and the military faculty under a single Integrated Space Cell the military is able to efficiently benefit from innovation in the civilian sector of space exploration, and the civilian departments benefit as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/05/under-the-optimisation-plan-india-working-on-satellites-in-three-orbits|title=Under the optimisation plan India working on satellites in three orbits |date=5 October 2024 }}</ref><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 |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 |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 cyclone in 1998, the tsunami in 2004, and the floods in 2013.<ref name="ATCP" /> The IAF has also undertaken relief missions such as Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka.<ref name="ATCP" />
==History== {{main|History of the Indian Air Force|Royal Indian Air Force}}
{{See also|List of historical aircraft of the Indian Air Force}}
===Formation and early pilots=== [[File:IAF Wapiti K1260.jpg|right|thumb|A Westland Wapiti, one of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force]] The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932 in British India as an auxiliary air force<ref name="clause4">{{cite web|title=HC Deb 3 April 1933 vol 276 cc1473-501|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1933/apr/03/clause-4-relations-between-royal-air|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|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|date=3 April 1933|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|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 |archive-date=2019-07-23 |url-status=usurped |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 |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 biplanes and five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots were led by British 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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006180501/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1940s/Goyal.html |archive-date=6 October 2009}}</ref>
"A" flight of No 1. Squadron first saw action in April 1936, in Miranshah, in North Waziristan, flying reconnaissance missions and providing ground support against tribal insurgents in the North-West Frontier. No 1. Squadron was expanded in April 1939 to from a "B" flight, also equipped with Westland Wapiti biplanes, and "C" flight, raised in June 1938 brought the squadron to full strength.<ref name=":0" />
===World War II (1939–1945)=== {{main|India in World War II}}
During World War II, the IAF played an instrumental role in halting the advance of the Japanese army in Burma, where the first IAF air strike was executed. The target for this first mission was the Japanese military base in Arakan, after which IAF strike missions continued against the Japanese airbases at Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.
The IAF was mainly involved in strike, close air support, aerial reconnaissance, bomber escort and pathfinding missions for RAF and USAAF heavy bombers. RAF and IAF pilots would train by flying with their non-native air wings to gain combat experience and communication proficiency. Besides operations in the Burma Theatre IAF pilots participated in air operations in North Africa and Europe.<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 DFC. Squadron Leader Sukthankar eventually completed 45 operations, 14 of them on board the RAF Museum's Avro Lancaster R5868. Another volunteer was Assistant Section Officer Noor Inayat Khan a Muslim pacifist and Indian nationalist who joined the WAAF, in November 1940, to fight against Nazism. Noor Khan served bravely as a secret agent with the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in France, but was eventually betrayed and captured.<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 Vengeance, Douglas Dakota, the British Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Westland Lysander. 22 Distinguished Flying Crosses were awarded to personnel of the IAF.
In recognition of the valiant service by the IAF, King George VI conferred the prefix "Royal" in 1945. Thereafter the IAF was referred to as the ''Royal Indian Air Force''. In 1950, when India became a republic, the prefix was dropped and it reverted to being the Indian Air Force.<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)=== {{See also|Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-1948}} [[File:Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection CI75.jpg|thumb|World War II photo: Arjan Singh (middle) as Flight Lieutenant. He went on to become Marshal of the Air Force]] After it became independent from the British Empire in 1947, British India was partitioned into the new states of the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. Along the lines of the geographical partition, the assets of the air force were divided between the new countries. India's air force retained the name of the Royal Indian Air Force, but three of the ten operational squadrons and facilities, located within the borders of Pakistan, were transferred to the Royal Pakistan Air Force.<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 |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, war 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.<ref name=Lyon79>{{Harvnb|Lyon|2008|p=79|Ref=Lyon}}</ref> The day after, the Instrument of Accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to transport troops into the war zone. And this was when a good management of logistics came into help.<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, a couple of IAF Hawker Tempest fighters did intercept a Pakistani Douglas DC-3 transport aircraft & tried to shoot it down but the pilot of the DC-3 (Mukhtar Ahmad Dogar) managed to evade the fighters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fearlesswarriors.pk/ghazi/air-cdre-mukhtar-ahmad-dogar-sj-ghazi-of-1948-war/ |title=Air Cdre Mukhtar Ahmad Dogar SJ | Ghazi of 1948 War | FearlessWarriors.PK |work=Fearless Warriors of Pakistan | Har Waqt, Har Jagah, Har Dam Tayar |date=10 August 2019 |access-date=4 August 2022 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125220610/https://fearlesswarriors.pk/ghazi/air-cdre-mukhtar-ahmad-dogar-sj-ghazi-of-1948-war/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other than that, it also provided 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 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723023345/http://www.aerospaceindia.org/Journals/Summer%202008/Sanjeev%20Bedi.pdf |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 Belgium's 75-year rule over Congo ended abruptly, engulfing the nation in 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=dead|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, 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=usurped |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 Leopoldville and Kamina, the Canberras soon destroyed the rebel Air Force and provided the UN ground forces with its only long-range air support force.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
In late 1961, the Indian government decided to attack the 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. 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 |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 Canberra bombers bombed the runway of Dabolim airfield taking care not to bomb the Terminals and the ATC tower. Two Portuguese transport aircraft (a Super Constellation and a DC-6) found on the airfield were left alone so that they could be captured intact. However the Portuguese pilots managed to take off the aircraft from the still damaged airfield and made their getaway to Portugal.<ref name=brgoa1/> Hunters attacked the wireless station at Bambolim. Vampires were used to provide air support to the ground forces.<ref name=brgoa1 /> In Daman, Mystères were used to strike Portuguese gun positions.<ref name=brgoa1 /> Ouragans (called Toofanis in the IAF) bombed the runways at Diu and destroyed the control tower, wireless station and the meteorological station. After the Portuguese surrendered the former colony was integrated into India.<ref name=brgoa1 />
===Border disputes and changes in the IAF (1962–1971)=== {{See also|Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965}} [[File:IAF Hf24 flying in formation.jpg|thumb|left|HAL HF-24 Maruts flying in formation. These were the first indigenous fighter jet to enter service with the IAF]] In 1962, border disagreements between China and India escalated to a war when China mobilised its troops across the Indian border.<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.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
On 24 April 1965, an Indian Ouragan strayed over the Pakistani border and was forced to land by a Pakistani Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, the pilot was returned to India; however, the captured aircraft would be kept by the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) and ended up being displayed at the PAF museum in Peshawar.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jackson|first=Paul|date=1988|title=Ouragon:Ancestor of Rafale|url=http://www.airenthusiast.com/|journal=Air Enthusiast|volume=37|page=78|issn=0143-5450|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=9 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509090039/http://www.airenthusiast.com/}}</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 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 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 Gnats proved effective against the F-86 Sabres 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 ground attack missions to enemy ground-fire, since fighter-bomber aircraft would carry out repeated dive attacks on the same target. According to, Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh of the Indian Air Force, despite having been qualitatively inferior, IAF achieved air superiority in three days in the 1965 War.<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>
After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes to improve its capabilities. In 1966, the 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 748s 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=usurped |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 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 |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)=== {{See also|Indo-Pakistani air war of 1971}} [[File:Mig21 pair during 1971 war.jpg|thumb|A pair of MiG-21s during the 1971 war]] By late 1971, the intensification of the independence movement in East Pakistan lead to the Bangladesh Liberation War between India and Pakistan.<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 PAF F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions at Garibpur, near the international border, however, Two of the four PAF Sabres were shot down and one damaged by the IAF's Folland Gnats.<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 |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 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 strikes failed, as the IAF did not suffer any significant damage because of advance intelligence, and 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>
Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out almost 12,000 sorties over East Pakistan and also provided close air support to the advancing Indian Army.<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 |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 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 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 |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 |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 |publisher=Time Inc. |date=20 December 1971 |access-date=12 April 2011 |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=https://www.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|access-date=25 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010083539/https://www.rbth.com/blogs/2015/06/04/why_the_indian_air_force_has_a_high_crash_rate_43501|archive-date=10 October 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=978-0-415-97664-0|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 |author-link=Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury |title=Air aspect of the Liberation War 1971 |url=http://www.mukto-mona.com/Articles/ishfaq/air_aspect71.htm |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 |access-date=8 April 2009 |newspaper=Daily Star}}</ref>
===Incidents before Kargil (1984–1988)=== [[File:Indian Air Force Antonov An-32.jpg|thumb|left|IAF An-32s were used to airdrop humanitarian supplies in Operation Poomalai]] In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the Siachen Glacier in the contested Kashmir region.<ref>{{Harvnb|Ives|2004|p=186|Ref=Ives}}</ref> In Op Meghdoot, IAF's Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.<ref>{{Harvnb|Talbott|2006|p=164}}</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 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=978-0-312-06067-1 |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=978-0-89886-588-2 |year=1998 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/thinairencounter00chil}}</ref> According to the ''TIME'' magazine, India gained more than {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2|sigfig=1|order=flip}} of territory because of its military operations in Siachen.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html |magazine=Time |title=The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World |date=31 July 1989 |first=Edward W. |last=Desmond|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:Paradropped Supply.jpg|thumb|Relief supplies dropped by the IAF over Jaffna during 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, 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. Five An-32s escorted by four Mirage 2000 of 7 Sqn AF, 'The Battleaxes', carried out the supply drop which faced no opposition from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Another Mirage 2000 orbited 150 km away, acting as an airborne relay of messages to the entire fleet since they would be outside radio range once they descended to low levels. The Mirage 2000 escort formation was led by Wg Cdr Ajit Bhavnani, with Sqn Ldrs Bakshi, NA Moitra and JS Panesar as his team members and Sqn Ldr KG Bewoor as the relay pilot.<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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609120451/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Chapter1.html |archive-date=9 June 2011}}</ref><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". 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|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-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.<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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dnv.indiannavy.gov.in/sites/default/files/repository-document/Quarterdeck%202015.pdf|title=Quaterdeck 2015 Navy Magazine}}</ref>
===Kargil War (1999)=== {{main|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 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 gunships.<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-21s and later MiG-29s 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 |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 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|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 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 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.<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 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 ==== 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/iafHistory|title=History}}</ref> 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|date=5 August 2011 |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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iadb.in/2022/06/12/in-iafs-push-towards-self-reliance-96-fighter-jets-to-be-produced-in-india/|title=In IAF's Push Towards Self-Reliance, 96 Fighter Jets To Be Produced In India |date=12 June 2022 }}</ref>
On 10 August 1999, IAF MiG-21s intercepted a Pakistan Navy Breguet Atlantique which was flying over Sir Creek, a disputed territory. The aircraft was shot down killing all 16 Pakistani Navy personnel on board.<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 |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 7 June 2002, a PAF F-16B Block 15 (S. No. 82-605) shot down an IAF Searcher II reconnaissance drone, using an AIM-9L Sidewinder missile, during a night interception near Lahore.<ref name="Vaya-20020607">{{cite web |title=IAF's Searcher-II Loss on June 07, 2002 |url=http://vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com/other-Parakram-IAF-UAV-Wreckage.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123123614/http://vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com/other-Parakram-IAF-UAV-Wreckage.html |archive-date=23 January 2009 |access-date=1 March 2012 |publisher=Vayu-sena-aux.tripod.com}}</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=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-air-force-super-hercules-c-103j-landing-daulat-beg-oldie-ladakh-china-174397-2013-08-19|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-21s were sent from Jodhpur Air Base to investigate a Turkish Airlines aircraft over Jaisalmer when it repeated an identification code, provided by another commercial passenger plane that had already entered Indian airspace before it. The flights were on their way to Mumbai and Delhi, and the planes were later allowed to proceed after their credentials were verified.<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|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 |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 Mirage-5 and JF-17 fighters allegedly conducted an airstrike against certain ground targets across the Line of Control. They were intercepted by a group of IAF fighters consisting of Su-30MKI and MiG-21 jets. An ensuing dogfight began. According to India, one PAF F-16 was shot down by an IAF MiG-21 piloted by Abhinandan Varthaman, while Pakistan denied use of F-16s in the operation. According to Pakistan, a MiG-21 and a Su-30MKI were shot down, while India claims that only the MiG-21 was shot down. Indian officials rejected Pakistani claims of shooting down an Su-30MKI stating that it's impossible to hide an aircraft crash as of now in a populated area like Kashmir and said it's a coverup for the loss of F16.<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| date=5 March 2019}}</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<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|date=28 February 2019 |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 AMRAAM missiles that are only carried by the F-16s within the PAF as proof of their involvement.<ref>{{Cite news |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 | India News – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=28 February 2019 |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> Unnamed US officials told ''Foreign Policy'' magazine 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|date=4 April 2019}}</ref> However, this was not confirmed by the United States, which cited 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=EurAsian Times}}</ref>
=== 2025 India-Pakistan conflict === {{Main|2025 India–Pakistan conflict}}
[[File:Satellite imagery of 9 of 12 Pakistan Air Force bases bombed by Indian Air Force during Op Sindoor.jpg|thumb|Satellite imagery of 9 out of 12 Pakistan Air Force bases neutralized by Indian Air Force led missile strikes during Operation Sindoor in 2025, making India the only nation in the world to have neutralized multiple airbases of a nuclear-armed country]] On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Sindoor,in response to the Pahalgam Attack. The operation was carefully orchestrated as a high-precision, intelligence-driven punitive strike targeting nine confirmed terrorist camps across the Line of Control and deeper within Pakistan. The IAF conducted coordinated attacks on critical targets, including the Nur Khan and Rahimyar Khan air bases, utilizing advanced indigenous platforms and the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for real-time, multi-domain coordination. Indian fighter aircraft and loitering munitions successfully penetrated and neutralized Chinese-origin Pakistani air defense systems through strategic jamming and evasion, completing the mission within just 23 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=Jammed air defence, mission over in 23 minutes: How India struck Pak bases |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pak-bases-chinese-supplied-air-defence-systems-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-attack-2724799-2025-05-14 |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The operation also highlighted the exemplary synergy between the three services, with the Indian Army and Navy providing essential support in air defense and maritime surveillance, respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-14 |title=Operation Sindoor: How IAF bypassed Pakistan's China-supplied defence systems, destroyed military targets |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/operation-sindoor-how-iaf-bypassed-pakistans-china-supplied-defence-systems-destroyed-military-targets/articleshow/121166537.cms |access-date=2025-07-04 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation SINDOOR Marks a Defining Chapter in India's Integrated Military Strategy: Govt |url=https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/operation-sindoor-marks-a-defining-chapter-in-indias-integrated-military-strategy-govt/121258676 |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=ET Government |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=Operation Sindoor: IAF 'bypassed and jammed' Chinese-supplied air defence systems during 23-minute strike |url=https://ground.news/article/the-abcd-of-op-sindoor-pakistan-needs-to-learn-and-recite |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Ground News |language=en}}</ref> While full details remain limited, reports indicate that the Indian Air Force employed a combination of decoy and anti-radiation drones, such as the IAI Harop, alongside a range of long-range stand-off weapons. These included cruise missiles like the BrahMos and SCALP, as well as solid-propellant precision-guided munitions such as the Israeli-origin Crystal Maze and Rampage missiles.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-28 |title=Four Days in May: The India-Pakistan Crisis of 2025 |url=https://www.stimson.org/2025/four-days-in-may-the-india-pakistan-crisis-of-2025/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Stimson Center |language=en-US}}</ref>
The Indian Air Force's precision strikes not only reportedly "dismantled terrorist infrastructure", It delivered a "significant setback" to Pakistan's military capabilities, reportedly setting back its air power by "five years" through the destruction of radar coverage, command and control systems, and critical assets at multiple airbases.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-28 |title='Blinded, numbed, paralysed': How Operation Sindoor set Pakistan air force back by five years |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/blinded-numbed-paralysed-how-operation-sindoor-set-pakistan-air-force-back-by-five-years/articleshow/121462969.cms |access-date=2025-07-04 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> According to India, more than 100 terrorists across 9 "terror hubs",<ref>{{Cite web |title="More Than 100 Terrorists Killed In 9 Terror Hubs," Says Army On Op Sindoor |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/more-than-100-terrorists-killed-in-9-terror-hubs-army-on-operation-sindoor-8387838 |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=NDTV |language=en}}</ref> including high-value targets, were neutralized, and key Pakistani military installations were rendered inoperable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minda |first=Paridhi |date=2025-05-12 |title=100 Terrorists Dead, Airbases Damaged: What India Achieved in Operation Sindoor |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/operation-sindoor-success-target-details-india-strikes-back-pakistan-terror-camps-air-force-navy-response-100-terrorists-killed-dgmo |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Operation SINDOOR: India's Strategic Clarity and Calculated Force | url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128748 }}</ref> Throughout the campaign, Indian forces maintained strict rules of engagement, initially focusing exclusively on terrorist-linked infrastructure and avoiding escalation,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-07 |title=Operation Sindoor: No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit, says Indian Embassy in Washington DC |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/operation-sindoor-no-pakistani-civilian-economic-or-military-targets-have-been-hit-says-indian-embassy-in-washington-dc/articleshow/120943846.cms |access-date=2025-07-04 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> which underscored the nation's commitment to strategic restraint and professionalism. The operation was recognized as a demonstration of India's growing self-reliance in defense technology<ref>{{Cite web |work=OBSERVER RESEARCH FOUNDATION |title=Operation Sindoor: A Coming of Age for India's Defence Industry |url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/operation-sindoor-a-coming-of-age-for-india-s-defence-industry |access-date=2025-07-04 |language=en}}</ref> and its ability to conduct complex, integrated military operations with precision and discipline, thereby altering the regional security landscape in India's favor.<ref name="rusi.orghttps">{{Cite web |title=Calibrated Force: Operation Sindoor and the Future of Indian Deterrence |url=https://www.rusi.orghttps//www.rusi.org |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Rusi |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901190943/https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russias-iranian-made-uavs-technical-profile |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force's "Successfully Executed Tasks In Operation Sindoor" Post After India-Pak Ceasefire |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-successfully-executed-assigned-tasks-says-indian-air-force-on-india-pakistan-ceasefire-8385741 |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=NDTV |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-16 |title=India asserts regional air superiority with Operation Sindoor success |url=https://www.intellinews.com/india-asserts-regional-air-superiority-with-operation-sindoor-success-381438/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Intellinews|language=en}}</ref>
In the early hours of May 10, India carried out further coordinated airstrikes on at least eleven sites across Pakistan, beginning with airbases at Nur Khan (near Rawalpindi), Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sukkur, followed by strikes on Sarghoda, Bholari, and Jacobabad airbases, as well as command, control, and drone-related targets at Murid, and radar sites at Chunian, Arifwala, and Pasrur. At certain bases, including Sarghoda and Rahim Yar Khan, the Indian Air Force cratered runways to temporarily disable flight operations. The strikes were described by Indian officials as a swift and calibrated response to sustained Pakistani drone attacks.<ref name=":1" />
On 9 August, 2025, Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh stated that a large aircraft had been shot down at a distance of 300 km in May, along with five other fighter aircraft. He attributed most of these to the S-400 missile system. During a lecture in Bengaluru, he described the 300 km engagement as the "longest recorded surface-to-air kill" that could be publicly acknowledged. A senior IAF official noted that such long-range engagements are rarely confirmed due to classification and verification challenges, but in this instance, radar and electronic tracking reportedly confirmed the target's destruction.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patel |first=Shivam |date=2025-08-09 |title=India shot down six Pakistani military aircraft in May, air force chief says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/india-shot-down-six-pakistani-military-aircraft-may-air-force-chief-says-2025-08-09/ |access-date=2025-08-19 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Operation Sindoor's 300-km kill: How the Indian Air Force may have set a rare record |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/operation-sindoor-300-km-kill-indian-air-force-set-rare-record-10180497/ |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=S-400 Missile recorded 'largest ever kill' during Ops Sindoor, says IAF Chief |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/s-400-missile-recorded-largest-ever-kill-during-ops-sindoor-says-iaf-chief/videoshow/123207396.cms |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref> According to an Austrian aerial warfare analyst Tom Cooper, the aircraft destroyed in the process might have been a SAAB 2000, referring to its military variant with the Erieye system.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2025-08-14 |title=International experts back IAF chief's remark on downing of Pakistan jets |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/international-experts-back-iaf-chiefs-remark-on-downing-of-pakistan-jets/articleshow/123290037.cms |access-date=2025-08-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Group Captain Animesh Patni was reportedly awarded the Vir Chakra for executing the 314-km surface-to-air missile strike.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-18 |title=Meet the brave Indian Air Force captain who shot down a Pakistani aircraft from 314 km away |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/meet-the-brave-indian-air-force-captain-who-shot-down-a-pakistani-aircraft-from-314-km-away-2025-08-18-1004031 |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=India TV News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Independence Day: Rare military honour for 7 top officers for Operation Sindoor; 9 Vir Chakra for IAF pilots |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/independence-day-rare-military-honour-for-7-top-officers-for-operation-sindoor-9-vir-chakra-for-iaf-pilots-3681435 |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
==== Expert Analyses ==== [[File:"Nurkhan Airbase in Pakistan, destroyed by the Indian Air Force".jpg|thumb|Nur Khan Airbase in Pakistan, Damaged by the Indian Air Force in 2025]]
Austrian air-warfare analyst Tom Cooper opined that India's Operation Sindoor gave it a clear military edge over Pakistan. He cited the May 10 airstrikes on the PAF Mushaf Airbase, which likely blocked access to a nuclear weapons facility, showcasing India's precision and exposing Pakistan's security gaps.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-14 |title='Pakistan couldn't protect its own nuclear weapons': Top air warfare historian Tom Cooper calls India the clear winner |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/pakistan-couldnt-protect-its-own-nuclear-weapons-top-air-warfare-historian-tom-cooper-calls-india-the-clear-winner/articleshow/121161557.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-10-08 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> In another interview, he declared India as a "clear winner" in the air battle against Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=Operation Sindoor: Aviation expert Tom Cooper hails Indian Air Force |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/operation-sindoor-aviation-expert-tom-cooper-hails-indian-air-force-2724376-2025-05-14 |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Later in August, while he endorsed Air Chief Marshal Singh's claim that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down by the IAF, he added that even more aircraft were destroyed on the ground.<ref name=":4" />
Walter Ladwig of the Royal United Services Institute described the operation as a precise, disciplined strike on terrorist targets that avoided escalation. He noted it marked a shift toward expected cross-border retaliation and said restraint by both sides may signal more stable crisis management under nuclear conditions.<ref name="rusi.orghttps" />
Former US Air Force pilot Ryan Bodenheimer called the X-Guard decoy system used by India a major leap in electronic warfare, calling it "the best spoofing we’ve ever seen." Trailing Rafales, the AI-powered decoys reportedly confused Pakistani defenses. ''Business Today'', citing ''Jane’s Defence Weekly'', suggested some claimed Rafale kills may have actually been hits on these decoys.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-08 |title='Best deception ever seen': US F-16 pilot reveals how a 30 kg device fooled Pakistan into thinking it downed a Rafale |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/best-deception-ever-seen-us-f-16-pilot-reveals-how-a-30-kg-device-fooled-pakistan-into-thinking-it-downed-a-rafale/articleshow/122313728.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-10-08 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
India's defense attaché to Indonesia, Captain Shiva Kumar, said Indian forces shifted strategy after May 7 by targeting Pakistani military sites. He noted that suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD and DEAD) enabled effective missile strikes, leading to "complete air superiority" from May 8 to 10. Tommy Tamtomo, vice chairman of the Indonesia Center of Air Power Studies, stated at a seminar in Jakarta that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had lost six fighter jets, two Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft, and a military transport plane during the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who Won the 100-hour War? Pakistan or India? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/who-won-the-100-hour-war-pakistan-or-india/ |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
At a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conference, senior officials praised India's operations as a milestone in modern air warfare. RTAF Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence), Air Marshal Sommai Leelitham, highlighted the Indian Air Force's (IAF) precise, loss-free strikes on multiple Pakistani Air Force bases. The RTAF report noted India's three-phase approach using dummy aircraft, loitering munitions, and precision missile strikes from Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Su-30MKI jets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-01 |title=Decoys, loitering drones, then BrahMos: Thai Air Force praises IAF's three-step Operation Sindoor tactic against Pakistan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/decoys-loitering-drones-then-brahmos-thai-air-force-praises-iafs-three-step-operation-sindoor-tactic-against-pakistan/articleshow/122181208.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-10-08 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Air Force Praises India's Air Strikes On PAF Bases, Highlights Pakistan Air Defense Failure |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/thai-air-force-praises-india-s-air-strikes-on-paf-bases-highlights-pakistan-air-defense-failure-2923668.html |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=Zee News |language=en}}</ref>
==Structure== The President of India is the Supreme Commander of all Indian armed forces and by virtue of that fact is the national Commander-in-chief of the Air Force. The Chief of the Air Staff with the rank of Air chief marshal is the Commander {{Main|List of serving air marshals of the Indian Air Force}}
{| class="wikitable" !Post !Current Holder |- |Chief of the Air Staff |Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-21 |title=Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh appointed as next Chief of the Air Staff |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2057269 |access-date= |website=PIB}}</ref> |- |Vice Chief of the Air Staff |Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VM<ref>{{Cite web |title=IAF: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Charge as Vice Chief |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/air-marshal-nagesh-kapoor-takes-charge-as-iafs-vice-chief-of-air-staff-3848849 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> |- |Deputy Chief of the Air Staff |Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-06-10 |title=Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal Bharti take over as deputy chiefs |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lt-general-rajiv-ghai-air-marshal-bharti-take-over-as-deputy-chiefs/articleshow/121737615.cms |access-date=2025-06-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- |Air Officer in Charge Personnel |Air Marshal Hardeep Bains, AVSM, VM<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2174437 |title=AIR MARSHAL HARDEEP BAINS, TAKES OVER AS AIR OFFICER-IN-CHARGE PERSONNEL, INDIAN AIR FORCE |publisher=Press Information Bureau |date=1 October 2025}}</ref> |- |Air Officer in Charge Administration |Air Marshal S Sivakumar, VSM<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2141043 |title=AIR MARSHAL S SIVAKUMAR VSM TAKES OVER AS AIR OFFICER-IN- CHARGE ADMINISTRATION (AOA) |publisher=PIB |date=2025-07-01}}</ref> |- |Director General of Inspection and Flight Safety |Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, AVSM, VM<ref name="PIB-011223">[https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2197204®=3&lang=1 <nowiki>Air Marshal Tejbir Singh assumed the appointment of Director General (Inspection and Safety) [DG (I&S)] at Air HQ on 01 December 2025. Press Release:Press Information Bureau</nowiki>]</ref> |- |Air Officer in Charge Maintenance |Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM, VSM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2162736|title=Air Marshal SANJIV GHURATIA assumed the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air Headquarters on 01 Feb 25 | publisher= Press Information Bureau |date=2025-09-01|website=PIB India)}}</ref> |- |Director General of Air Operations |Air Marshal George Thomas, AVSM, VM<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1929067682562756648|title=On assuming the appointment of DG Air (Operations), Air Marshal George Thomas, AVSM, VM, paid homage to Bravehearts at Amar Jawan Jyoti |user=salute2soldier|date=2025-06-01}}</ref> |- |Director General of Medical Services (Air) |Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-03 |title=Lt Gen Thareja to assume post of Director General Medical Services (Air) |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/lt-gen-thareja-to-assume-post-of-director-general-medical-services-air-9815390/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> |} In January 2002, the government conferred the rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force on Arjan Singh making him the first and only ''Five-star'' officer with the Indian Air Force and ceremonial chief of the air force.<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 |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 commands. Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, whereas the responsibility of functional commands is to maintain combat readiness. Aside from the Training Command at Bangalore, the primary flight training is done at the Air Force Academy (located in Hyderabad), followed by operational training at various other schools. Advanced officer training for command positions is also conducted at the Defence Services Staff College; specialised advanced flight training schools are located at Bidar, Karnataka and Hakimpet, Telangana (also the location for helicopter training).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/institution#:~:text=Air%20Force%20Academy%20AFC%20Flying,branches%20in%20a%20single%20institution.|title=Air Force Academy}}</ref> [[File:VayuBhawanDelhi.jpg|thumb|268x268px|Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi ]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Name !! Headquarters !! Commander |- |Central Air Command (CAC)||Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh |Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM<ref name="NIE-010525">{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/30/armed-forces-up-for-major-rejig-as-new-northern-army-commander-iaf-vice-chief-appointed|title=Armed forces up for major rejig as new Northern Army Commander, IAF Vice Chief appointed|publisher=New Indian Express|date=2025-05-01}}</ref> |- |Eastern Air Command (EAC)||Shillong, Meghalaya |Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM<ref>{{Cite web|title=Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia takes over as Eastern Air Command chief|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-marshal-inderpal-singh-walia-appointed-eastern-air-command-chief-air-force-2861426-2026-02-01|website=India Today|date=2026-02-01|access-date=2026-02-02|language=en|first=Shivani|last=Sharma}}</ref> |- |Southern Air Command (SAC)||Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |Air Marshal Manish Khanna, UYSM, AVSM, VM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-marshal-khanna-assumes-charge-as-aoc-in-c-of-southern-air-command/article69644746.ece|title= Air Marshal Khanna assumes charge as AOC-in-C of Southern Air Command |work=The Hindu|date=2025-06-01}}</ref> |- |South Western Air Command (SWAC)||Gandhinagar, Gujarat |Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VM<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-02 |title=Air Marshal Tejinder Singh takes over as SWAC chief |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/air-marshal-tejinder-singh-takes-over-as-swac-chief/articleshow/126292932.cms |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- |Western Air Command (WAC)||New Delhi |Air Marshal George Thomas, AVSM, VM<ref>{{cite tweet|number=2051977033643876641|user=hqwaciaf|title=Air Marshal George Thomas, AOC-in-C Western Air Command visited a frontline base on 06 May 26|date=6 May 2026}}</ref> |- |Training Command (TC)+||Bengaluru, Karnataka |Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas, PVSM, AVSM, VSM<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-01 |title=Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas assumes charge as AOC-in-C of IAF Training Command |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/air-marshal-seethepalli-shrinivas-assumes-charge-as-aoc-in-c-of-iaf-training-command/article70460453.ece |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> |- |Maintenance Command (MC)+||Nagpur, Maharashtra |Air Marshal Yalla Umesh, VSM<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://x.com/MC_IAF/status/1995393329878667775|title=Air Marshal Yalla Umesh has taken charge as the 39th AOC-in-C of Maintenance Command|date=1 December 2025|access-date=2 December 2025|website=x.com (formerly twitter)}}</ref> |} ''Note: + = Functional Command''
===Wings=== A wing is a formation intermediate between a command and a squadron. It generally consists of two or three IAF squadrons and helicopter units, along with forward base support units (FBSU). FBSUs do not have or host any squadrons or helicopter units but act as transit airbases for routine operations. In times of war, they can become fully fledged air bases playing host to various squadrons. In all, about 47 wings and 19 FBSUs make up the IAF.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Webmaster |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 |author1=Webmaster |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=978-1-935501-73-2 |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 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=== {{Main|List of active Indian Air Force aircraft squadrons}}
Squadrons are the field units and formations attached to static locations. Thus, a flying squadron or unit is a sub-unit of an air force station which carries out the primary task of the IAF. A fighter squadron consists of 18 aircraft; all fighter squadrons are headed by a commanding officer with the rank of wing commander.<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=== Flights are sub-divisions of 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|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 |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 6 February 2004.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web|author=V.K. Bhatia|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> thumb|Garud Commandos [[File:IAF garud patch.svg|thumb|Garud Insignia]]
All Garuds are volunteers who are imparted a 52-week basic training, which includes a three-month probation followed by special operations training, basic airborne training and other warfare and survival skills. The last phase of basic training sees Garuds been deployed to get combat experience. Advanced training follows, which includes specialised weapons training.<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 designators 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" />
===Defence Space Agency=== {{Main|Defence Space Agency}}
thumb|Defence Space Agency Insignia|150px The Defence Space Agency, an integrated tri-services agency, which draws its personnel from all the three services of the Indian armed forces, is set up to operate the space-warfare and Satellite Intelligence assets of India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-16 |title=Agencies take shape for special operations, space, cyber war |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-begins-setting-up-new-tri-service-agencies-to-handle-special-operations-space-and-cyberspace/articleshow/69346012.cms |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Unlike an aerospace command, where the air force controls most of its activities, the Defence Space Agency envisages co-operation and co-ordination between the three services as well as civilian agencies dealing with space.
India currently has 10<ref>{{Cite web |title=Satellite Database |url=https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Union of Concerned Scientists |language=en}}</ref> military satellites.
===Display teams=== {{main|Surya Kiran|Sarang display team{{!}}Sarang}}
thumb|The Suryakiran Aerobatic team in their Diamond Formation.thumb|A solo HAL Dhruv Mk.1 of the Sarang Helicopter Display team coming in for landing after a display. {{Multiple image | border = | total_width = 250 | image_style = border:1; | perrow = 2 | image1 = Suryakiran insignia.svg | image2 = Sarang Helicopter Display Team insignia.png }} ''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|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 Bae Hawk mk.132 painted in a "day-glo orange" and white colour scheme. The Surya Kiran team were conferred squadron status in 2006, and presently have the designation of 52 Squadron (''"The Sharks"'').<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 team earlier used to fly HAL HJT-16 Kiran.
''Sarang'' (Sanskrit for ''Peacock'') is the Helicopter Display Team of the Indian Air Force. The team was formed in October 2003 and their first public performance was at the Asian Aerospace Show, Singapore, 2004.<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 |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 earlier used to fly four HAL Dhruvs<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|work=Thaindian News |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> but that was upgraded to five on the 91st Air Force day held in Prayagraj. The choppers are painted in red and white with a peacock figure at each side of the fuselage. The team is based at the Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbatore.
==Personnel== [[File:IAF Uniform.png|thumb|IAF officers in uniform]]
In 2017, there was a shortage of 15,503 personnel out of an authorized strength of 155,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-12-27 |title=Armed forces facing shortage of nearly 60,000 personnel: Government |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/armed-forces-facing-shortage-of-nearly-60000-personnel-government/articleshow/62270482.cms |work=The Economic Times |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 |access-date=2017-12-28}}</ref>
In mid-2019, the air force had 12,142 officers out of an authorized strength of 12,625, and 129,094 enlisted personnel out of an authorized 142,917.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strength of Defence Forces |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=192200 |date=24 July 2019 |website=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Ministry of Defence of the India |access-date=17 October 2025}}</ref>
Personnel strength on 1 March 2022 was 138,994 enlisted and 12,143 officers.<ref name="Bhatt">{{Cite web |last=Bhatt |first=Ajay |date=1 April 2022 |title=Unstarred Ques no. 4929, Lok Sabha |url=https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/178/AU4929.pdf?source=pqals |access-date=1 August 2025 |website=Sansad}}</ref> {{div col}} {| class="wikitable" |+ IAF officer strength on 1 March 2022 by rank (not including Armed Forces Medical Services)<ref name="Bhatt"/> ! Pay level ! Rank ! Strength |- | 18 | Air Chief Marshal | 1 |- | 17/16/15 | Air Marshal | 27 |- | 14 | Air Vice Marshal | 75 |- | 13A | Air Commodore | 222 |- | 13 | Group Captain | 1019 |- | 12A | Wing Commander | 4934 |- | 11 | Squadron Leader | 3822 |- | 10B | Flight Lieutenant | 1258 |- | 10 | Flying Officer | 785 |- ! colspan="2"| Total | 12143 |}
{| class="wikitable" |+ IAF enlisted strength on 1 March 2022 by rank<ref name="Bhatt"/> ! Pay level ! Rank ! Strength |- | 8 | MWO | 2698 |- | 7 | WO | 5420 |- | 6 | JWO | 9873 |- | 5 | SGT | 46037 |- | 4 | CPL | 49127 |- | 3 | LAC | 23134 |- | 3 | AC | 2705 |- ! colspan="2"| Total | 138994 |}
{{Pie chart | thumb = left | radius = 100 | caption= Strength of the Indian Air Force on 1 March 2022 | label1 = Officers | value1 = 12143 | color1 = #5d8aa8 | label2 = Personnel below officer rank | value2 = 138994 | color2 = #a9a9a9 }} {{div col end}}
In 2025, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) listed active personnel strength at 149,900.{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=251}}
===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, who holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
====Officers==== Anyone holding Indian citizenship can apply to be an officer in the Air Force as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria. There are four entry points to become an officer. Male applicants, who are between the ages of 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 |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|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|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|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|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|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|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|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"/>
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" |- style="background:#ccc;" ! Rank group|| colspan=10| Junior commissioned officers || colspan=24| Non commissioned officer || colspan=2| Enlisted {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/India}} |}
===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>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/soldier-or-servant-the-army-bipin-rawat-sahayak-buddy-system#:~:text=The%20Sahayak%20system%20was%20scrapped,Not%20officers'%20families.|title=Soldier or Servant? The Quint Exposes Army's Abused Sahayak System |date=24 February 2017 }}</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| 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 |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 (NDA). Besides the tri-service institutions, the Indian Air Force has a Training Command and several training establishments. While technical and other support staff are trained at various Ground Training Schools, the pilots are trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigul (located in Hyderabad). The Pilot Training Establishment at Allahabad, the Air Force Administrative College at Coimbatore, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isam.in/iam.html|title=Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine}}</ref> 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|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/indian-air-force-day/|title=93rd Indian Air Force Day 2025: India Salutes Its Sky Warriors at Hindon Air Base |date=6 October 2025 }}</ref> In 2025, IISS estimated that the IAF had approximately 1750 aircraft, including 721 combat capable fixed-wing aircraft.{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=256}}
===Multi-role fighters and strike aircraft=== [[File:IAF Tejas full size (32941198511).jpg|thumb|HAL Tejas]] [[File:RB005 - Dassault Rafale - Indian Air Force - 50976863128.jpg|thumb|Dassault Rafale]] [[File:Sukhoi Su 30 MKI.jpg|thumb|Sukhoi Su-30MKI]]The Indian Air Force has been reported to have a shortage of combat aircraft count. As of April 2026, the IAF has 29 combat squadrons as against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=Defence panel clears private sector entry to speed up fighter jet production |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-panel-suggests-induction-of-indigenous-light-fighter-jets-in-phases-2688636-2025-03-04 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> This strength is on par with the IAF's fighter fleet during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. The squadron strength of the IAF had peaked in 1996 at 41 squadrons but dwindled gradually to 35 units in 2013 and to 31 in 2025. In response, the Ministry of Defence appointed a five-member Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of IAF which analysed and reported the "key thrust areas and recommendations" necessary for "achieving the desired capability enhancement goals" to the Ministry.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=2025-03-03 |title=Defence panel recommends DRDO, PSU, private sector collaboration for IAF's Atmanirbharta |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-panel-recommends-drdo-psu-private-sector-collaboration-for-iafs-atmanirbharta/articleshow/118690645.cms |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
*Dassault Rafale: the latest addition to India's aircraft arsenal; India has signed a deal for 36 Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft. As of June 2022, 36 Rafale fighters are in service with the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/delivery-of-rafale-jets-to-be-completed-by-apr-2022-french-envoy/articleshow/87785451.cms|title=Delivery of Rafale jets to be completed by April 2022: French envoy |newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> *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 |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|date=27 May 2020 |via=Youtube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Initially stationed at Bangalore, the first squadron was then to be transferred to its home base in Sulur, Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{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|agency=PTI |date=2021-02-03 |title=Govt formally seals ₹48,000 crore deal to procure 83 Tejas LCA from HAL|language=en-IN|newspaper=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> *Sukhoi Su-30MKI: the IAF's primary air superiority fighter, with additional air-to-ground (strike) mission capability, is the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. 260 Su-30MKIs are in service.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/hal-completes-licensed-production-of-final-two-of-222-su-30mki-fighters-for-iaf |title=HAL completes licensed production of final two of 222 Su-30MKI fighters for IAF |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203060039/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/hal-completes-licensed-production-of-final-two-of-222-su-30mki-fighters-for-iaf |url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> *Mikoyan MiG-29: the MiG-29, known as ''Baaz'' (Hindi for Hawk), is a dedicated air superiority fighter, constituting the IAF's second line of defence after the Su-30MKI. There are 69 MiG-29s in service, all of which have been recently upgraded to the MiG-29UPG standard, after the decision was made in 2016 to upgrade the remaining 21 MiG-29s to the UPG standard.<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 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 |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=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/French-jet-Rafale-bags-20bn-IAF-fighter-order-India-briefs-losing-European-countries/articleshow/11706551.cms |title=French jet Rafale bags $20bn IAF fighter order; India 'briefs' losing European countries |date=1 February 2012 |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 |url-status=live |archive-date=4 May 2013}}</ref> The IAF's Mirage 2000 were scheduled to be phased out by 2030.<ref name="MiG">{{Cite web |last1=Service |first1=Tribune News |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 |work=Tribuneindia News Service |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> *SEPECAT Jaguar: the Jaguar, known as the ''Shamsher'', serves as the IAF's primary 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=usurped|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="MiG" />
===Airborne early warning and control system=== thumb|right|An AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145 The IAF operates three Netra Embraer ERJ 145I aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathews |first=Neelam |title=India Renews Indigenous AWACS Efforts |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-03-28/india-renews-indigenous-awacs-efforts |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}}</ref> 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>{{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 |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 |date=2020-08-27 |title=India to procure two more Phalcon airborne warning and control systems |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-to-procure-two-more-phalcon-airborne-warning-and-control-systems-from-israel-11598532284956.html |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> India is also investing in a DRDO project to develop six new Airborne AEW&C aircraft, as an upgrade to the Netra systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2021-09-09 |title=Modi govt okays 6 more 'eyes in the sky' for IAF, DRDO project to cost Rs 11,000 crore |url=https://theprint.in/defence/modi-govt-okays-6-more-eyes-in-the-sky-for-iaf-drdo-project-to-cost-rs-11000-crore/730697/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Aerial refuelling=== The IAF currently operates six Ilyushin Il-78MKIs 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 journal |last=Kopp |first=Carlo |title=The PLA-AF's Aerial Refuelling Programmes |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Tanker-Programs.html |website=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|pages=1}}</ref>
===Transport aircraft=== [[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III ‘CB-8010’.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 |date=30 November 1999 |access-date=10 July 2010 |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 |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 IIIs.<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 |last1=Current) |first1=Transport (1985 |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><ref>{{cite web |title=India set to decide big military aircraft deals |url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1068.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103181410/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1068.htm |archive-date=3 January 2014 |publisher=India Strategic}}</ref>
IAF C-130Js 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 fulfil 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 |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 |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 |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 VIP transports and passenger airliners for troops. 2 specially modified Boeing 777 are used for both the Indian President and Prime Minister under the call sign Air India One.<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 |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 |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 in the form of licence-built C-295 is currently being commissioned into the Air Force.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-26 |title=IAF inducts C-295 tactical aircraft, first of 56 'Rhinos' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-inducts-c-295-tactical-aircraft-first-of-56-rhinos/articleshow/103945197.cms |access-date=2025-11-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Dalip |date=2023-07-24 |title=IAF gets ready with warehouse ahead of C-295 induction into IAF |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/iaf-gets-ready-with-warehouse-ahead-of-c-295-induction-into-iaf/article67116384.ece |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}</ref>
===Trainer aircraft=== The HPT-32, the IAF's primary basic trainer has been phased out,<ref name="iafrev">{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Ravi |date=16 May 2010 |title=IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article431223.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011023614/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article431223.ece |archive-date=11 October 2013 |access-date=17 May 2010 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> initially replaced by 75 Pilatus PC-7 trainers, and followed by a planned 70 HTT-40 trainers. 36 more HTT-40s are to be ordered once fleet is operational.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-20 |title=IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-hal-conclude-6800-crore-contract-for-70-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/article66037061.ece |access-date=2023-02-14 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> 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.<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 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004072209/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/Kiran2/ |archive-date=4 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/suryakirans.htm|title=SURYAKIRANS|access-date=20 July 2010|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 Yashas.<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 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">{{cite web |date=10 October 2010 |title=IAF's Surya Kirans to fly Hawk's |url=http://frontierindia.net/iafs-surya-kirans-to-fly-hawks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011194010/http://frontierindia.net/iafs-surya-kirans-to-fly-hawks |archive-date=11 October 2010 |access-date=10 October 2010}}</ref> 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===
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.<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. |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 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 |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 |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:IAF LCH-Image3.jpg|thumb|HAL Prachand armed with rockets and air to air missiles]]
The Mil Mi-8 and the Mil Mi-17, Mi-17 1V and Mi-17V 5 are operated by the IAF for medium lift strategic and utility roles. The Mi-8 is being progressively replaced by the Mi-17 series of helicopters.<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 |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 |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-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 |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 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 |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>
==Missile systems==
=== Anti-tank guided missiles === {| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;" ! style="width:13%;" |Name !Image ! style="width:15%;" |Type ! style="width:5%;" |Quantity ! style="width:15%;" |Origin !Notes |- |Spike NLOS |150x150px | rowspan="5" |Air launched Anti-tank guided missile |— |{{Flag|Israel}} |'''Status: In service.''' Indian Air Force procured Spike-NLOS for Mi-17 helicopters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2019 |title=Army set to get its first consignment of Spike anti-tank guided missiles under emergency purchases |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/army-set-to-get-its-first-consignment-of-spike-anti-tank-guided-missiles-under-emergency-purchases/400825 |access-date=2019-04-20 |website=Times Now |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2020-12-31 |title=India stocks up missile arsenal as it prepares for another tense summer in Ladakh |url=https://theprint.in/defence/india-stocks-up-missile-arsenal-as-it-prepares-for-another-tense-summer-in-ladakh/576386/ |access-date=2020-12-31 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 9M120 Ataka-V<br />(AT-9 Spiral-2) |150px || —|| {{Flag|Russia}} ||'''Status: In service. ''' Operated from Mil Mi-35. 20 helicopters modified to deploy the missile as of July 2024.<ref name="firstpost.com2">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2019 |title=India signs Rs 200-crore deal with Russia to acquire 'Strum Ataka' anti-tank missile for its fleet of Mi-35 attack choppers |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-signs-rs-200-crore-deal-with-russia-to-acquire-strum-ataka-anti-tank-missile-for-its-fleet-of-mi-35-attack-choppers-6907151.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831124618/https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-signs-rs-200-crore-deal-with-russia-to-acquire-strum-ataka-anti-tank-missile-for-its-fleet-of-mi-35-attack-choppers-6907151.html |archive-date=31 August 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-15 |title=Kornet to Nag missiles: Army's anti-tank warfare capabilities have undergone paradigm shift |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-day-2024-indian-army-anti-tank-warfare-capabilities-nag-helina-missiles-2488905-2024-01-15 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> |- | 9K114 Shturm<br />(AT-6 Spiral) |150px|| 800 || {{Flag|Russia}} ||'''Status: In service.''' Operated from Mil Mi-35<ref name="firstpost.com2" /> |- |Dhruvastra |150x150px |— |{{Flag|India}} |'''Status: Completed user trials and Ready for Induction.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2021 |title=Anti-tank guided missile systems Helina, Dhruvastra clear user trials; ready for induction |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/helina-dhruvastra-user-trials-successful-anti-tank-guided-missile-systems-drdo-photos-videos-685963}}</ref>''' |- |Amogha missile | |— |{{Flag|India}} |'''Status: Under development.''' To be integrated on HAL Rudra and HAL Prachand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bharat Heavy Dynamics test fires indigenous anti-tank missile - The Economic Times |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bharat-heavy-dynamics-test-fires-indigenous-anti-tank-missile/articleshow/48975211.cms |accessdate=2015-11-18 |website=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bharat Heavy Dynamics Test Fires Indigenous Anti-tank Missile |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Bharat-Heavy-Dynamics-Test-Fires-Indigenous-Anti-tank-Missile/2015/09/15/article3029806.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195104/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Bharat-Heavy-Dynamics-Test-Fires-Indigenous-Anti-tank-Missile/2015/09/15/article3029806.ece |archive-date=23 September 2015 |accessdate=2015-12-01 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |}
===Ballistic and cruise missiles=== {| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;" !Name !Image !Type !Quantity !Origin !Notes |- |BrahMos |129x129px ----center|frameless|131x131px |Supersonic cruise missile ----Supersonic air-launched cruise missile |Unknown |{{Flag|India}} {{Flag|Russia}} |'''Status: In service.''' 450 km range. To be increased to 800 km. 40 Su-30MKI modified to operate BrahMos. Further 84 aircraft to be modified.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Draft note' on Sukhoi upgrade project all set to head for PM-led panel's nod |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/india-finalizes-plan-to-upgrade-sukhoi-30mki-fighter-jets-with-advanced-capabilities/articleshow/111910699.cms |access-date=2024-07-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Operates air launched and surface launched (transporter erector launcher) variants. Number of TELs with IAF is unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rout |first=Hemant Kumar |date=2016-05-27 |title=Indian air force successfully test fires supersonic cruise missile BrahMos |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2016/May/27/indian-air-force-successfully-test-fires-supersonic-cruise-missile-brahmos-908583.html |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=IAF Chief inaugurates state-of-the-art BRAHMOS Technical Position |date=2014-12-09 |publisher=BrahMos Aerospace |url=https://www.brahmos.com/press-release/187 |access-date=2026-05-05}}</ref> |- |Storm Shadow |center|frameless|139x139px |Subsonic air-launched cruise missile |Unknown |{{Flag|France}} {{Flag|UK}} |'''Status: In service.''' 550 km range<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shukla |first=Tarun |date=2016-09-23 |title=India signs $8.9 billion Rafale fighter jet deal with France |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/evf5K6CXgBWob80jHxbUgL/India-France-sign-89billion-dollar-Rafale-deal-for-36-fig.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113112953/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/evf5K6CXgBWob80jHxbUgL/India-France-sign-89billion-dollar-Rafale-deal-for-36-fig.html |archive-date=13 January 2025 |access-date=2025-04-09 |work=mint |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Kh-35 |center|frameless|141x141px |Subsonic air launched cruise missile |Unknown |{{Flag|Russia}} |'''Status: In service.''' 260 km range |- |Rampage |center|frameless|146x146px |Air-launched ballistic missile |Unknown |{{Flag|Israel}} |'''Status: In service.''' 150–250 km range. |- |Prithvi II |center|162x162px |Short-range ballistic missile |Unknown |{{Flag|India}} |'''Status: In service.''' 150–350 km range. IAF-specific variant of the Prithvi ballistic missile.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 November 2002 |title=Prithvi |url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/india/missile/prithvi.htm |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 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref> |- |Pralay |center|186x186px |Short-range quasi ballistic missile |120 on order |{{Flag|India}} |'''Status: Trials.''' 150–500 km range.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Negi |first1=Manjeet |date=25 December 2022 |title=Amid conflict, India approves 120 Pralay missiles for armed forces along China border |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-approves-120-pralay-missiles-for-armed-forces-along-china-border-2313411-2022-12-25 |access-date=25 December 2022 |publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-17 |title=Defence Ministry clears proposal to buy 'Pralay' ballistic missiles for Indian Army |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-ministry-clears-proposal-to-buy-pralay-ballistic-missiles-for-indian-army/articleshow/103736449.cms |access-date=2023-11-15 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> |}
=== Air defence systems === {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Name ! class="unsortable" | Image ! Type ! Quantity ! Origin ! Notes |- ! colspan="6" |Anti-Satellite Missile Systems |- |Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Mk-II |179x179px |Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile / Anti-satellite weapon |Unknown |{{IND}} |'''Status: In service.''' Dual-stage solid-fueled missile with final kinetic-kill stage. Target speed: 10 km/s. Flight Altitude: 1,200 km<ref name="IB">{{Cite web |title=Explained: India's Ballistic Missile Defence programme, developed by DRDO |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/09/11/explained-indias-ballistic-missile-defence-programme-developed-by-drdo.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> |- ! colspan="6" |Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems |- |Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) | |Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile |Unknown |{{IND}} |'''Status: In service.''' Dual-stage solid-fueled missile. Flight Altitude: 150 km.<ref name="IB" /> |- |Advanced Air Defence (AAD) |177x177px |Endo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile |Unknown |{{IND}} |'''Status: In service.<ref name="IB" />''' |- |Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) |230x230px |Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile |Unknown |{{IND}} |'''Status: being replaced by Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV).''' Dual-stage liquid-fueled missile. It can intercept targets at 80 km altitude.<ref name="IB" /> |- ! colspan="6" |Air Defence Systems |- |S-400 Triumph |frameless|155x155px |Long-range surface-to-air missile system |3 regiments Total 48 launchers |{{Flag|Russia}} |'''Status: In service.''' 2 more regiments' delivery by 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |title=India deploys first S-400 air defence system in Punjab sector, to take care of aerial threats from both China, Pak |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/india-deploys-first-s-400-air-defence-system-in-punjab-sector-to-take-care-of-aerial-threats-from-both-china-pak20211220222321/ |newspaper=ANI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-21 |title=Russia to deliver remaining 2 S-400 air defence missiles to India by Q3 of 2026: Sources |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/russia-to-deliver-remaining-2-s-400-air-defence-missiles-to-india-by-q3-of-2026-sources-422331-2024-03-21 |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> 400 km operational range. Each regiment will have two batteries with eight launchers each.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How India Walked a Tightrope to Ink the S-400 Missiles Deal With Russia |url=https://thewire.in/security/india-s-400-missiles-deal-russia-us-caatsa |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Wire}}</ref> |- |Barak-8 (MR-SAM) |225x225px | rowspan="2" |Medium-range surface-to-air missile |18 squadrons |{{Flag|India}} {{Flag|Israel}} |'''Status: In service.''' MRSAM is a medium range air defence system with a max range of 70–80 km.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chacko |first=Joseph P. |date=2021-01-26 |title=Why Indian Air Force requires Akash NG SAM when it has MRSAM? |url=https://frontierindia.com/why-indian-air-force-requires-akash-ng-sam-when-it-has-mrsam/ |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=Frontier India |language=en-GB}}</ref> It is used to counter aerial threats such as Fighter aircraft, helicopter, UAV etc.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Bikash |date=2023-02-23 |title=First Medium Range Surface to Air Missile Regiment being raised in Eastern Theatre |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/first-medium-range-surface-to-air-missile-regiment-being-raised-in-eastern-theatre/articleshow/98187551.cms |access-date=2023-08-12 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> An Air Force Squadron consists of 3 TELs per Squadron. |- |Akash |150x150px |15 squadrons (120 launchers)<ref name="SI">{{Cite web |last=Deb |first=Sheershoo |date=2020-08-23 |title=Full List of India's Air Defence System-Shield of India |url=https://www.defencexp.com/full-list-of-indian-air-defence-systems/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=DefenceXP - Indian Defence Network |language=en-US}}</ref> |{{Flag|India}} |'''Status: In service.''' Akash 1S has 40 km operational range and flight ceiling of 20 km. 2 regiments of Akash Prime on order for Army.<ref name="PIB India">{{Cite web |date=30 March 2023 |title=Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1912309 |publisher=PIB India}}</ref> Akash NG with increased range of 70–80 km is being tested.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1995445 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> |- |SPYDER |150x150px |Short and Medium range surface-to-air missile |18 Systems (Batteries)<ref>{{Cite web |title=IAF plans to arm its Su-30MKI fleet with I-Derby ER BVRAAMs |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iaf-plans-to-arm-its-su-30mki-fleet-with-i-derby-er-bvraams |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> |{{Flag|Israel}} |'''Status: In service.'''<ref name="IS">{{Cite web |title=India prepares Israeli SPYDER air defence missile system for Pakistan border |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/india-pakistan-border-iaf-spyder-israel-air-defence-missile-system-963021-2017-02-27 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=India Today |date=28 February 2017 |language=en}}</ref> 18 SPYDER-SRs Systems (Batteries) along with 750 Python-5 surface to air missiles (SAMs) and 750 Derby SAMs has been delivered. 50 km operational range and flight ceiling of 16 km. A typical battery consists one central command and control unit, six missile firing units, and a resupply vehicle. |- |SAMAR | | rowspan="3" |Short-range Surface-to-air missile |Unknown (On order)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aero India 2023: SAMAR air-defence system ready for induction into IAF service |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2023-samar-air-defence-system-ready-for-induction-into-iaf-service |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> |{{Flag|India}} |'''Status: On order.'''<ref name="IS" /> The system employs Vympel R-73 and Vympel R-27 air-to-air missiles, which are of Russian origin.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Satam |first1=Parth |date=23 October 2022 |title=Indian 'Jugaad'! IAF Converts Obsolete Russian Air-To-Air Missiles Into Surface-To-Air Systems; Experts Perplexed |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/indian-jugaad-iaf-converts-obsolete-russian-air-to-air-missiles/ |access-date=18 December 2023 |publisher=The Eurasian Times}}</ref> User trials complete.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Udoshi |first=Rahul |date=16 February 2023 |title=Aero India 2023: SAMAR air-defence system ready for induction into IAF service |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2023-samar-air-defence-system-ready-for-induction-into-iaf-service |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |S-125 (SA-3 Goa) |150x150px |25 Squadrons for IAF |{{Flag|USSR}} |'''Status: Being replaced by Akash'''. Mainly used for point-defense of airbases.<ref name="SI" /> Will be completely replaced by Akash NG and MRSAM by 2030 |- |9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) |150x150px |80 |{{Flag|USSR}} |'''Status: In service (To be replaced by QRSAM)<ref name="SI" />''' |- ! colspan="6" |Man-portable air-defense systems |- |9K38 Igla (SA-18) ----9K338 Igla-S |150x150px |Man-portable air-defense system |2500<ref>{{cite book |author=Small Arms Survey |author-link=Small Arms Survey |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2004.html |title=Small Arms Survey 2004: Rights at Risk |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2004 |pages=77–97 |chapter=Big Issue, Big Problem?: MANPADS |ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2004}} |access-date=29 August 2018 |chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2004/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2004-Chapter-03-EN.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830004903/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2004.html |archive-date=30 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|87}} ----48 launchers 316 missiles<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=What is Igla-S, the Portable Air Defence System India is Procuring to Attack Low-flying Aircraft |url=https://www.news18.com/explainers/what-is-igla-s-the-portable-air-defence-system-india-is-procuring-to-attack-low-flying-aircraft-8662933.html |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="IR">{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Smruti |date=2024-04-08 |title=India receives fresh batch of Igla-S air defence system from Russia, to be deployed at LAC |url=https://theprint.in/defence/india-receives-fresh-batch-of-igla-s-air-defence-system-from-russia-to-be-deployed-at-lac/2031688/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> |{{Flag|Russia}} |'''Status: In service.''' Igla-S deployed along LAC. Additional 96 launchers, 300 missiles of Igla-S on order.<ref name="IR" /> |- ! colspan="6" |Air defence - anti-aircraft gun systems |- |Sudarshan CIWS | |Close-in weapon system |240 (to be ordered) |{{IND}} |'''Status: In Service.''' Advanced version of Bofors L/70 manufactured by L&T Defence. System includes 3D AESA radar and has a range of 3.5 km and firing rate of 300 rounds/min.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-19 |title=IAF Likely To Procure L&T Defence's Sudarshan Close-in Weapon System, Indian Army May Follow Suit|work=Indian Aerospace and Defence Bulletin |url=https://www.iadb.in/2022/10/19/iaf-likely-to-procure-lt-defences-sudarshan-close-in-weapon-system-indian-army-may-follow-suit/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-23 |title=Made in India: L&T's Sudarshan SHORAD Gets Greenlight for Rs 7,000 Crore Deal |url=https://defence.in/threads/made-in-india-l-ts-sudarshan-shorad-gets-greenlight-for-rs-7-000-crore-deal.3878/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Defence.in |language=en-US}}</ref> Two orders cleared:
* {{INRConvert|6000|c|lk=on|year=2021}} order cleared for Indian Army in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 June 2021 |title=Purchase of indigenous air defence guns, ammunition worth Rs 6,000 crore cleared |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/purchase-of-indigenous-air-defence-guns-ammunition-worth-rs-6000-crore-cleared/articleshow/83234214.cms |publisher=Economic Times}}</ref> * {{INRConvert|7000|c|lk=on|year=2024}} order cleared for 240 guns by CCS for Indian Air Force in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=George |first=Sarahbeth |date=2024-02-25 |title=Drones, Missiles, Radars, Fighter jets: Indian armed forces to get nearly 1 lakh crore infusion for game-changer tech |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drones-missiles-radars-fighter-jets-indian-armed-forces-to-get-nearly-1-lakh-crore-infusion-for-game-changer-tech/articleshow/107981352.cms |access-date=2024-02-25 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1760693464298373263 |user=NewsIADN |title=The clearance for IAF include the following ✅₹7000 crore worth contract for 240 units of Sudarshan... |date=2024-02-22 |access-date=2024-08-22}}</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 modernize its fleet. This includes both the upgrade of existing aircraft, equipment and infrastructure as well as induction of new aircraft and equipment, both indigenous and imported. As new aircraft enter service and numbers recover, the IAF plans to have a fleet of 42 squadrons.<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>
===Renaming=== IAF has sent a proposal to rename itself as Indian Air and Space Force (IASF). It has declared this as a part of its current drive to become a credible space power.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pandit |first1=Rajat |title=IAF goes full throttle to turn into an 'aerospace power' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-goes-full-throttle-to-turn-into-an-aerospace-power/articleshow/105885149.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=2 January 2024 |language=English |date=11 December 2023}}</ref>
===Expected future acquisitions=== ====Single-engined fighter==== On 3 January 2017, Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar addressed a media conference and announced plans for a competition to select a Strategic Partner to deliver "... 200 new single engine fighters to be made in India, which will easily cost around (USD)$45 million apiece without weaponry" with an expectation that Lockheed Martin (USA) and Saab (Sweden) will pitch the F-16 Block 70 and Gripen, respectively. An MoD official said that a global tender will be put to market in the first quarter of 2018,<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 fighter aircraft for 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 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 |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:LUH AeroIndia 2025 (IAF Camo).jpg|thumb|HAL LUH in IAF colors, at Aero India 2025]] IAF's current orders include
* HAL Tejas - 141 Mk 1A, 10 Mk 1 trainers, 29 Mk 1A trainers on order<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 October 2023 |title=IAF chief receives 1st LCA trainer from HAL, 7 more to come by Mar '24 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-chief-receives-1st-lca-trainer-from-hal-7-more-to-come-by-mar-24-101696421772646.html |access-date=9 December 2023 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 February 2021 |title=Contract signed for 83 LCA Tejas fighters, all eyes now on HAL delivery schedule |url=https://theprint.in/defence/contract-signed-for-83-lca-tejas-fighters-all-eyes-now-on-hal-delivery-schedule/597841/ |access-date=1 November 2023 |newspaper=Print}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2023 |title=Rs 2.23 lakh crore-deal: India approves purchase of 97 Tejas aircraft, 156 Prachanda helicopters, other defence equipment |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/defence-ministry-approves-purchase-of-97-tejas-aircraft-and-156-prachanda-helicopters-sources-11833571.html |access-date=30 November 2023 |newspaper=Money Control |language=en}}</ref> * HAL HTT-40: 70 on order<ref>{{Cite web |title=Union Cabinet approves procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL for Indian Air Force at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1903445 |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=pib.gov.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-20 |title=IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-hal-conclude-6800-crore-contract-for-70-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/article66037061.ece |access-date=2023-01-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> * HAL Prachand: 66 on order<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |date=2025-03-28 |title=MoD inks two contracts worth Rs 62,700 crore with HAL for supply of 156 LCH, Prachand to the Armed Forces |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2116411 |access-date=2025-03-29 |work=Press Information Bureau}}</ref> * HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH): 6 on order<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=2021-03-23 |title=Indigenous light choppers get go-ahead, delivery in 2022 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indigenous-light-choppers-get-go-ahead-delivery-in-22/articleshow/81638498.cms |access-date=2024-03-19 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> * EADS CASA C-295: 55 on order<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> * IAI Harop UCAVs<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 |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> * General Atomic MQ-9B Predator: 8 on order<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-28 |title=US to provide consultancy to India to build advanced UAVs under USD 3 billion 31 Predator drone deal |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/us-to-provide-consultancy-to-india-to-build-advanced-uavs-under-usd-3-billion-31-predator-drone-deal20240728200152/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=ANI}}</ref>
===DRDO and HAL projects=== [[File:Tejas MKII.jpg|thumb|HAL Tejas Mk2, Medium Fighter Aircraft]] Indian defence company HAL and Defense Research Organization DRDO are developing several aircraft for the IAF including:-
* HAL Tejas Mk 2<ref name="toi_tejas" /><ref name="dna_tejas" /> * 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 |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> * 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 |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 Yashas<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 |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><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-11 |title=Improper engine choice, planning delayed Intermediate Jet Trainer project: CAG |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/improper-engine-choice-planning-delayed-intermediate-jet-trainer-projectcag-101691692475652.html |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</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 |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> * TAPAS-BH-201 * 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> * HAL CATS: DRDO and HAL has also engaged in the development of 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://economictimes.indiatimes.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> * Akash-NG to supplement Akash SAM & 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> * Nirbhay long range nuclear capable cruise missile.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 May 2010 |title=IAF Sukhoi Fleet to be Equipped with Homemade Nirbhay Missiles |url=http://indiadefenceonline.com/1914/iaf-sukhoi-fleet-to-be-equipped-with-homemade-nirbhay-missiles/ |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 |url-status=usurped |access-date=16 July 2010}}</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== * Indian Air Force ranks and insignia * List of Indian Air Force Gallantry Award winners * List of active Indian military aircraft * List of historical aircraft of the Indian Air Force * List of Indian military missiles * List of Indian military radars * Indian Air Force Football Team
== Media == In the year 2005, the National Geographic Channel created a 10 part documentary series detailing out all the branches of the Indian Air Force. It was titled ''Mission Udaan - Inside the Indian Air Force''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/nat-geos-mission-udaan-to-woo-indian-audiences-with-a-10-part-peek-into-the-iaf-17514.html|title=Nat Geo's 'Mission Udaan' to woo Indian audiences with a 10-part peek into the IAF|date=19 August 2005 |accessdate=31 July 2024}}</ref>
In partnership with ''Threye'', a Delhi-based game developer, The IAF launched ''Guardians of the Skies'', a roleplaying combat game for mobile devices in 2014. The IAF would later also create a successor, titled ''Indian Air Force: A Cut Above'', in 2019.
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
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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=Talbott |first1=Strobe |title=Engaging India: diplomacy, democracy, and the bomb |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z708iXbcrNkC |edition=Illustrated |year=2006 |publisher=Brookings Institution Press |isbn=978-0-8157-8301-5}} * {{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=978-1-935501-33-6}} * {{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}}
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