INDIAN

AIR FORCE

1. History
2. Operations & Wars
3. Structure & Commands
4. Leadership
5. Branches
6. Rank Structure
7. Weapons
8. Awards & Honours

By WhySSB Team

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Dear Defence Aspirants
I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and filled with determination. You have embarked on a
journey that demands courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment—the journey to serve our
nation through the armed forces.

Choosing a path in the defence forces is not merely a career choice; it is a calling—an opportunity to
dedicate your life to something greater than yourself. It is about safeguarding our borders, protecting
our people, and upholding the values that define our nation.

I want to remind you that this journey will not be easy. It will test your physical endurance, mental
strength, and emotional resilience. There will be challenges that push you to your limits, moments of
doubt, and times when the path ahead seems daunting. But remember, it is in facing these challenges
that you will discover your true potential.

You are choosing a path that requires sacrifice—sacrifice of comfort, sacrifice of time spent with loved
ones, sacrifice of personal ambitions for the greater good. It is a path that demands selflessness and a
deep sense of duty.

Yet, it is also a path of immense pride and honour. The pride of wearing the uniform, the honour of
serving alongside the finest men and women our country has to offer, and the privilege of defending our
motherland.

As you prepare for the rigorous selection process, keep in mind that success is not solely defined by the
outcome but by the effort you put in, the perseverance you display, and the integrity you uphold
throughout your journey.

Believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, and trust in the training that has prepared you for this
moment. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger, to learn, and to become the leader
our nation needs.

Lastly, never forget the reason you chose this path—to serve with courage, integrity, and honour. Your
passion for serving our country is commendable, and your commitment to this noble cause is an
inspiration to us all.

May you find strength in your purpose, courage in the face of adversity, and success in your
endeavours. The entire nation stands behind you, cheering for your success and praying for your safety.

With utmost respect and admiration,

Team WhySSB

"नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्"

The Motto of Indian Air Force (Touch the sky with Glory) has been taken from eleventh
chapter of the Gita, the Discourse given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of
Kurukshetra during the Great War of Mahabharata.
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History
The history of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is a tale of evolution, valor, and
significant contributions to India’s defense and strategic interests. Below is a
detailed account of its history:

Formation and Early Years (1932-1947)

• Establishment: The Indian Air Force was officially established on October

8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire’s Royal Air Force. Its first
squadron, No. 1 Squadron, was formed on April 1, 1933, and was equipped
with four Westland Wapiti biplanes.
• World War II: During WWII, the IAF expanded significantly. Indian pilots
flew missions in Burma, North Africa, and other theaters. The IAF earned
accolades for its performance in the Burma Campaign against the Japanese.

Post-Independence and Early Conflicts (1947-1962)

• Partition and Early Challenges: Following India’s independence in 1947, the

IAF faced the challenge of partition, which saw the division of assets between
India and Pakistan. The IAF played a critical role in airlifting troops to Kashmir
during the first Indo-Pakistani War (1947-1948).
• Modernization and Expansion: The late 1940s and 1950s saw the IAF
modernizing its fleet, transitioning from propeller-driven aircraft to jet
fighters like the de Havilland Vampire and Hawker Hunter.
• Role in the 1961 Goa Liberation: The IAF played a crucial role in the
liberation of Goa from Portuguese control, providing air support to ground
forces.

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Indo-China War (1962)

• Operational Limitations: During the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the IAF’s role
was limited primarily to airlifting supplies and troops due to political decisions
not to escalate the conflict with offensive air operations.

Indo-Pakistani Wars (1965 and 1971)

• 1965 War: The IAF was actively engaged in the second Indo-Pakistani War,
conducting air strikes against Pakistani bases and providing close air support
to Indian Army operations.
• 1971 War and Bangladesh Liberation: The IAF played a pivotal role in the
1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. It achieved air superiority
over East Pakistan, carried out strategic bombing missions, and supported the
Indian Army’s operations. The IAF’s performance was crucial in securing a
decisive victory.

Modernization and Regional Conflicts (1972-1999)

• Introduction of Advanced Aircraft: The 1970s and 1980s saw the induction
of advanced aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, SEPECAT
Jaguar, and Mirage 2000, enhancing the IAF’s capabilities.
• Operation Meghdoot (1984): The IAF played a key role in airlifting troops
and supplies during Operation Meghdoot, the mission to secure the Siachen
Glacier.
• Operation Poomalai (1987): The IAF conducted a humanitarian air drop
over Jaffna in Sri Lanka to aid Tamil civilians during the Sri Lankan Civil War.

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• Operation Safedsagar (1999) : The Indian Air Force's pivotal air operations
during the Kargil conflict, marked a significant milestone in military aviation
history. Initiated in response to Pakistani infiltrations in the Kargil sector, the
operation was authorized after initial reluctance from the government to
employ air power beyond helicopters.

The environment posed formidable challenges due to high altitudes, which

severely affected aircraft and weapon performance. Despite these
challenges, the IAF utilized MiG and Mirage fleets to conduct precision
airstrikes, essential for creating conditions suitable for subsequent helicopter
operations.

Initially, setbacks like the loss of aircraft to enemy action prompted tactical
revisions, shifting from direct attack helicopters to modified fighter profiles
operating beyond enemy SAM capabilities. These adjustments underscored
the importance of adaptability in combat scenarios.

Air reconnaissance and battle damage assessment (BDA) were crucial

components of the operation, ensuring accurate targeting and effective
strikes against enemy positions. The strikes proved highly effective, causing
significant damage to enemy personnel and disrupting their logistical
support. Intercepted communications highlighted the severe impact on
enemy morale and operational capabilities.

The integration of air power with ground operations was another highlight,
emphasizing the need for joint planning and consultation between the Army
and Air Force. This synergy maximized the effectiveness of airstrikes in
supporting ground advances, exemplified by successful attacks on key enemy
targets like Tiger Hill.

• Operation Bandar – Balakot attack or airstrike was carried out by the

seventh and ninth squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and was codenamed
Operation Bandar
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21st Century and Current Capabilities

• Modernization and Indigenization: The IAF has continued to modernize,

inducting multi-role fighters like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Dassault Rafale, and
indigenous HAL Tejas. The development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Tejas marks a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology.
• Strategic Airlift and Force Multipliers: The acquisition of C-17 Globemaster
III and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft has enhanced the IAF’s strategic airlift
capability. Airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) and mid-air
refueling aircraft have further bolstered its operational reach.
• Joint Exercises and International Cooperation: The IAF regularly
participates in joint exercises with air forces of other countries, enhancing
interoperability and strategic partnerships. Exercises like Red Flag (USA),
Garuda (France), and Indradhanush (UK) are notable examples.
• Space and Cyber Warfare Capabilities: The IAF is also focusing on enhancing
its capabilities in space and cyber domains, crucial for modern warfare.

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Organizational Structure
and Commands
The IAF is organized into five operational and two functional commands:

1. Western Air Command (WAC): Headquarters in New Delhi.

2. Eastern Air Command (EAC): Headquarters in Shillong.
3. Central Air Command (CAC): Headquarters in Prayagraj.
4. Southern Air Command (SAC): Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
5. South Western Air Command (SWAC): Headquarters in Gandhinagar.
6. Training Command: Headquarters in Bengaluru.
7. Maintenance Command: Headquarters in Nagpur.

Leadership
 Marshal of Indian Airforce : Arjan Singh
 First Chief of Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Subroto Mukherjee
 Chief of Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhary PVSM AVSM
VM ADC
 Vice Chief of Air Staff: Air Marshal Amar Preet singh PVSM AVSM

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Future Prospects

• Modernization Programs: The IAF is focusing on acquiring advanced fifth-

generation fighter aircraft, drones, and other cutting-edge technologies to
maintain air superiority.
• Indigenous Development: Continued emphasis on indigenization, with
projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and various
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is expected to shape the future capabilities
of the IAF.

Branches
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is organized into various branches, each specializing in specific
operational, technical, and administrative functions. These branches ensure the smooth
functioning and high operational readiness of the IAF. Below is a detailed overview of
the main branches within the Indian Air Force:

1. Flying Branch

Role: The Flying Branch is responsible for all flying operations, including combat,
transport, reconnaissance, and training missions.

Sub-Branches:

• Fighter Pilots: Operate fighter aircraft for air superiority, ground attack, and
interception missions.
• Transport Pilots: Fly transport aircraft for airlift operations, including troop
movement, logistics support, and humanitarian missions.

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• Helicopter Pilots: Operate helicopters for varied missions such as search and rescue,
medical evacuation, and close air support.

2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

Role: This branch is responsible for the maintenance and servicing of all aircraft and
associated systems, ensuring they are airworthy and combat-ready.

Sub-Branches:

• Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical): Focuses on aircraft structures, engines, and

related mechanical systems.
• Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics): Deals with avionics, radar, communication
systems, and electronic warfare systems.

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

Role: The Non-Technical Branch handles administrative, logistical, educational, and

other support functions essential for the smooth operation of the IAF.

Sub-Branches:
 Administration: Manages personnel administration, discipline, welfare, and
security.
1. Air traffic controller
2. Fighter Controller

 Logistics: Ensures the supply chain management of spares, equipment, clothing,

and other logistics.
 Accounts: Manages financial planning, accounting, budgeting, and auditing.
 Education: Provides educational and training programs for personnel, including
professional military education and technical training.
 Meteorology: Provides weather forecasts and climate information essential for
planning and conducting air operations

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  Weapon System - The creation of WS branch would entail unification of all
weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational
employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.
 The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams
1. Surface-to-Surface missiles
2. Surface-to-Air missiles
3. Remotely Piloted Aircraft
4. Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft

Rank Structure

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Weapons
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is equipped with a diverse array of aircraft, missiles, and other
weapons to ensure its operational effectiveness and strategic capabilities. Here is an
overview of the key components of its arsenal:

Aircraft

Fighter Aircraft

1. Sukhoi Su-30MKI: A multi-role air superiority fighter with advanced avionics, capable
of carrying a variety of weapons.
2. Dassault Rafale: A versatile multi-role fighter equipped with advanced radar,
electronic warfare systems, and capable of nuclear delivery.
3. HAL Tejas: An indigenously developed lightweight, multi-role supersonic fighter.
4. MiG-29 UPG: An upgraded version of the MiG-29 with improved avionics and multi-
role capabilities.
5. Mirage 2000: A multi-role fighter used for both air defense and ground attack
missions.
6. MiG-21 Bison: A legacy aircraft upgraded with modern avionics and systems.

Ground Attack and Bomber Aircraft

1. SEPECAT Jaguar: A ground attack aircraft used for deep penetration strike missions.
2. MiG-27: A ground attack aircraft (recently retired but historically significant).

Transport Aircraft

1. C-17 Globemaster III: A strategic airlifter capable of carrying heavy payloads over long
distances.

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2. C-130J Super Hercules: A tactical transport aircraft used for special operations and
humanitarian missions.
3. IL-76: A heavy lift transport aircraft.
4. AN-32: A tactical transport aircraft used for logistical support.

Helicopters

1. HAL Dhruv: An indigenous multi-role utility helicopter.

2. Mi-17 V5: A medium-lift transport helicopter used for troop transport and logistics.
3. HAL Rudra: An armed version of the Dhruv, equipped with anti-tank guided missiles,
rockets, and guns.
4. AH-64E Apache: An advanced attack helicopter equipped with precision weapons and
advanced avionics.
5. CH-47F Chinook: A heavy-lift helicopter used for transport and disaster relief
operations.

Reconnaissance and Surveillance

1. DRDO AEW&CS: An indigenously developed airborne early warning and control

system mounted on an Embraer EMB-145 platform.
2. Phalcon AWACS: An airborne warning and control system mounted on an IL-76
platform.

Missiles

Air-to-Air Missiles

1. Astra: An indigenously developed beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

2. R-77: A Russian BVR air-to-air missile.
3. MICA: A French multi-role air-to-air missile equipped on the Mirage 2000 and Rafale.
4. Python-5: An Israeli short-range air-to-air missile.

Air-to-Ground Missiles

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1. BrahMos-A: An air-launched variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
2. Kh-59: A Russian air-to-surface missile.
3. Spice 2000: An Israeli precision-guided munition used for ground attack missions.

Anti-Aircraft and Air Defense Systems

1. Akash: An indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile system.

2. SPYDER: An Israeli short and medium-range surface-to-air missile system.
3. S-400 Triumf: A Russian long-range air defense system (acquisition in progress).

Bombs and Precision-Guided Munitions

1. Sudarsan: An indigenous laser-guided bomb.

2. HSLD (High-Speed Low-Drag) Bombs: Conventional bombs for various strike missions.
3. DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW): An indigenously developed precision-
guided munition for anti-airfield roles.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

1. Heron: An Israeli medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV used for surveillance

and reconnaissance.
2. Searcher: An Israeli UAV for reconnaissance missions.
3. Rustom: An indigenously developed MALE UAV (under development).

Weapons and Systems in Development

1. AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): A fifth-generation stealth fighter project.

2. Ghatak UCAV: An unmanned combat air vehicle project.
3. Hypersonic Weapons: Various hypersonic missile projects in collaboration with
DRDO.

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Awards & Honours
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a distinguished history of recognizing the bravery and
service of its personnel through various gallantry awards. Here are some notable IAF
awardees who have received India’s highest military honors:

Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Awardees

The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military decoration awarded for displaying
distinguished acts of valor during wartime.

1. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon: He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir
Chakra for his heroic actions during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He engaged six
Pakistani Sabre jets, shooting down two and damaging another, before being killed in
action.

Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Awardees

The Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest military decoration in India, awarded for acts
of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

1. Group Captain A.B. Devayya: Awarded posthumously for his actions during the Indo-
Pakistani War of 1965. Despite being hit, he continued to engage the enemy and shot
down a Sabre jet before crashing.
2. Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath: Awarded the MVC twice, first in 1962 for
reconnaissance missions over Aksai Chin during the Sino-Indian War, and then in 1965
for similar missions during the Indo-Pakistani War.
3. Wing Commander Padmanabha Gautam: Recognized for his bravery during the Indo-
Pakistani War of 1971, he led numerous bombing missions and was pivotal in achieving
air superiority.

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Vir Chakra Awardees

The Vir Chakra is the third-highest military decoration in India, awarded for acts of
bravery in the presence of the enemy.

1. Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke: Awarded for his role in the 1971 war, he
conducted successful air strikes against enemy positions.
2. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja: Posthumously awarded for his gallant efforts during the
Kargil conflict in 1999. After his aircraft was hit, he ejected but was captured and killed
by Pakistani forces.

Ashoka Chakra Awardees

The Ashoka Chakra is India’s highest peacetime military decoration, awarded for valor,
courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

1. Flight Lieutenant Suhas Biswas: Awarded posthumously for his bravery during a
rescue mission in 1952, where he died while saving lives during a flood relief operation.
2. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma: The first Indian astronaut, awarded for his
contributions to space exploration and his participation in the Soyuz T-11 mission in
1984.

Other Notable Awardees

1. Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh: The first and only officer of the IAF to be promoted to
the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He played a crucial role in the 1965
Indo-Pak war and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
2. Group Captain Varun Singh: Awarded the Shaurya Chakra in 2020 for safely landing
his Tejas aircraft after a major technical failure during a test flight.

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