INDIAN AIR FORCE

By JESAL PATEL (NR 11106)

The Indian Air Force Today

IAF today, having completed Platinum Jubilee of a dedicated service to the nation. It is the fourth largest air force in the world, with a strength of 1,322 aircraft, including 680 combat aircraft and 305 helicopters, and presently operates a total of 34 squadrons. All this aircraft belong to 4.5 generations. The only 4.5 generation fighter Aircraft developed by India is HALL- TEJAS.

 The Indian Air Force has seven commands, of which five are operational and two functional, namely : HQ Central Air Command, Allahabad HQ Eastern Air Command, Shillong HQ Western Air Command, New Delhi HQ Southern Air Command, Thiruvananthapuram HQ South-Western Air Command, Gandhinagar HQ Maintenance Command, Nagpur HQ Training Command, Bangalore

History of IAF
Indian air force established on 8th October 1932 under British rule. Early it was name as Royal Indian Air Force. The aircraft RIAF 1st operated was wapiti planes with one squadron. Prefix of Royal has been dropped when India became a republic in 1950.

Major Operations of IAF

IAF has been involved in four wars till now three with neighbouring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Hierarchy of Indian Air Force

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Air Chief Marshall Air Marshall Air Vice Marshall Air Commander Wing Commander Squadron Leader Flight Leutenant Flying Officer

Aircrafts with IAF

SU-30
Twin seater twin engine multirole fighter of Russian origin which carries 130 mm GSH gun alongwith 8000 kg external armament. It has a max speed of 2500 km/hr

 Mirage-2000
A single seater air defence and multi-role fighter of French origin powered by a single engine can attain max speed of 2495 km/hr.

 MIG-29
Twin engine, single seater air superiority fighter aircraft of Russian origin capable of attaining max. speed of 2445 km per hour. It carries a 30 mm cannon alongwith four R-60 close combat and two R27 medium range radar guided missiles.

 MIG-27
Single engine, single seater tactical strike fighter aircraft of Russian origin having a max. speed of 1700 km/hr. It carries one 23 mm six-barrel rotary integral cannon and can carry upto 4000 kg of other armament externally.

 MIG-21 BIS
Single engine, single seater multirole fighter/ground attack aircraft of Russian origin which forms the backbone of the IAF. It has a max speed of 2230 km/hr and carries one 23mm twin barrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles.

 Jaguar
A twin-engine, single seater aircraft of AngloFrench origin which has a max. speed of 1350 km /hr. It has two 30mm guns and can carry two R-350 Magic CCMs (overwing) along with 4750 kg of external stores (bombs/fuel).

 IL-76
A four engine heavy duty/long haul military transport aircraft of Russian origin with a max speed of 850 km/hr. It has a twin 23 mm cannon and capacity to carry 225 paratroopers or 40 tonnes freight, wheeled or tracked armoured vehicles.

 MI-26
Twin engine turboshaft, military heavy lift helicopter of Russian origin with carrying capacity of 70 combat equipped troops or 20,000 kg payload. It has a max speed of 295 km/hr.

 MI-25
Twin engine turboshaft, assault and anti armour helicopter capable of carrying 8 men assault squad with four barrel 12.7 mm rotary gun in nose and upto 1500 Kg of external ordnance including Scorpion antitank missiles. It has a max cruise speed of 310 km/hr.

 Chetak
Single engine turboshaft, light utility French helicopter with capacity of 6 passengers or 500 kg load. The anti-tank version carries 4 AS-11 wire guided missiles. It has a max speed of 220 km/hr.

Upcoming Project MMRCA

The IAF Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) commonly known as the MRCA Tender, is an ongoing competition to supply the Indian Air Force with 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. The Defence Ministry has allocated Rs. 42,000 crore for the purchase of these aircraft.

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