Indian Air Force

Indian Air Force
Ensign of the Indian Air Force
Founded	October 8, 1932
Country	India
Size	120,000 personnel 1,700 aircraft (including 852 combat aircraft)
Part of	Indian Armed Forces
Headquarters	New Delhi
Motto	Sanskrit: Nabha Sparsham Deeptam "Touch the Sky with Glory"[1]
Colour	Navy Blue, Sky blue and White
Commanders
Chief of the Air Staff	Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik
Notable commanders	Subroto Mukerjee PC Lal
Insignia
Crest
Roundel
Fin flash
Aircraft flown
Attack	Jaguar IS, Mig-21, Mig-27
Electronic warfare	IAI Phalcon
Fighter	Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000H, Mig-29
Helicopter	Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8/Mi-17, Mi-26, Mi-25/35
Reconnaissance	Gulfstream IV
Transport	Il-76 MD, An-32, HS-748, Boeing 707, Boeing 737

The Indian Air Force (IAF; Devanāgarī: भारतीय वायु सेना, Bhartiya Vāyu Senā) is the air arm of the armed forces of India. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict. It was officially established on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the Indian Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during the World War II. After India achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force served the Union of India, with the prefix being dropped when India became a republic in 1950.

Since independence, the IAF has been involved in four conflicts with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus.

The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the IAF. The Chief of Air Staff, an officer of the rank of Air Chief Marshal, commands the Air Force. There is usually only one serving officer of that rank at any given time in the IAF. One officer has been conferred a 5-star rank, that of Marshal of the Air Force.

With strength of approximately 170,000 personnel and 1,700 aircraft, including 852 combat aircraft in active service, the Indian Air Force is the world's fourth largest.^[2][3] In recent years, the IAF has undertaken an ambitious expansion and modernisation program to replace its aging Soviet-era fighter jets. Among the various expansion plans is the MRCA program under which the IAF plans to induct 126 fighter jets at a cost of US$12 billion.

Contents 1 Mission 2 History 3 Structure of the IAF 3.1 Commands and structure 3.2 Bases 3.3 Wings 3.4 Squadrons 4 IAF personnel 4.1 Officers 4.2 Airmen 4.3 Non Combatants Enrolled and civilians 5 Aircraft inventory 5.1 Air superiority and multi-role combat aircraft 5.2 Strike, attack and offensive support aircraft 5.3 Reconnaissance and Airborne Early Warning aircraft 5.4 Transport aircraft 5.5 Training aircraft 5.6 Helicopters 5.7 Unmanned aerial vehicles 6 Land-Based Air Defence 7 Ongoing expansion 7.1 Future aircraft 7.1.1 Confirmed sales 7.1.2 Under procurement process 7.1.3 Under development 7.2 Aerospace Command 7.3 Surface to Air Missile Systems 7.4 Surface to Surface Missiles 7.5 Air to Surface Missiles 8 See also 9 Footnotes 10 References 11 External links

Mission

Indian Air Force

Nabha Sparsham Deeptam "Touch the Sky with Glory" Headquarters New Delhi History and traditions History of the Indian Air Force (established October 8, 1932) Personnel Marshal of the Indian Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force ranks and insignia Aircraft Aircraft of the Indian Air Force Installations Bases

The IAF's mission is defined by the Armed Forces Act of 1947, Constitution of India and the Air Force Act of 1950, in the aerial battlespace, as: Defence of India and every part thereof 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. ^[4] Moreover, the air force, along with the other branches of the Indian armed forces, can assist local and state governments; if assistance is sought by such government during natural disasters and for maintaining internal security.

History

The Indian Air Force was established as an auxiliary air force^[5] of the RAF with the enactment of the Indian Air Force Act of 1932 on October 8 of that year.^[6][7] On April 1, 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 Flt Lt (later Air Vice Marshal) Cecil Bouchier.^[8] Until 1938, No. 1 Squadron remained the only squadron of the IAF even though two more flights were added.^[8] During the Second World War, the Air Force had grown to 7 squadrons in 1943 and to nine squadrons in 1945.^[8] In recognition of the crucial role played by the IAF, King George VI conferred it the prefix Royal in 1945.^[7][9]

After Indian independence in 1947, Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) was bifurcated. Three of the ten operational squadrons and facilities located within the borders of Pakistan were transferred to Royal Pakistan Air Force.^[10]

In 1947, when a conflict broke out over the control of erstwhile principality of Jammu & Kashmir, the Maharaja of the state decided to accede India in order to receive military help.^[11] The day after instrument of accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to mobilise armed troops into the war-zone.^[12] This led to the eruption of full scale war between India and Pakistan without a formal declaration.^[13] During the war, the RIAF did not engage Pakistan Air Force in air-to-air combat; however, it did provide effective transport and close air support to the Indian troops.^[14] When India became a Republic in 1950, Royal title was dropped to become the Indian Air Force.^[7]

In 1960, when Belgium's 75-year colonial rule of the Congo ended abruptly, widespread violence and rebellion engulfed the nation.^[15] IAF aircraft arrived in Congo to support United Nations Operation in the Congo and started undertaking operational missions in November.^[16] The unit remained there until 1966, when the UN mission ended.^[16]

During the Sino-Indian War of 1962, India's military planners failed to deploy and effectively use the IAF against the invading Chinese forces.^[18] Three years after the Sino-Indian conflict, in 1965, India went to war with Pakistan again over Kashmir. Learning from the experiences of the Sino-Indian war, India decided to use its air force extensively during the war. This was the first time the IAF actively engaged an enemy air force.^[19] However, instead of providing close air support to the Indian Army,^[20] the IAF carried out independent raid missions against Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases.^[21] These bases were situated deep inside the Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.^[22] During the course of the conflict, the PAF enjoyed qualitative superiority over the IAF because most of the jets in IAF's fleet were of World War II-vintage. Despite this, the IAF was able to prevent the PAF from gaining air superiority over conflict zones.^[23] By the time the conflict had ended, Pakistan claimed to have shot down 113 IAF aircraft while the Indians claimed that 73 PAF aircraft were downed.^[24] More than 60% of IAF's air combat losses took place during the disastrous battles over Kalaikunda and Pathankot; where most of the losses were on the ground.^[25]

After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes. In 1966, the Para Commandos regiment was created.^[26] With an intention of increasing its logistics supply and rescue operations ability, the IAF inducted 72 Avro 748s which were built by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) under license from Avro.^[27] India started to lay more stress on indigenous manufacture of fighter aircraft. HAL HF-24 Marut, designed by the famed German aerospace engineer Kurt Tank,^[28] were inducted into the air force. HAL also started working on a new improved version of the Folland Gnat, known as HAL Ajeet. At the same time, the IAF also started inducting Mach 2 capable Soviet MiG-21 and Sukhoi Su-7 fighters.

By late 1971, another war between India and Pakistan seemed inevitable due to the intensification of the independence movement in erstwhile East Pakistan.^[29] On November 22, 1971, 10 days before the start of a full-scale war, four Pakistani Air Force (PAF) F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions near the international border. Three of the 4 PAF Sabres were shot down by IAF's Folland Gnats.^[30] On December 3, 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. But the plan failed as the IAF had anticipated such a move and no major losses were suffered.^[31] The Indian Air Force was quick to respond to Pakistani air-strikes, following which the PAF carried out mostly defensive sorties.^[32] Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out almost 2,000 sorties over East Pakistan and also provided close air support to the advancing Indian Army.^[33] IAF also assisted the Indian Navy in its operations against the Pakistani Navy and Maritime Security Agency in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. On the western front, the IAF destroyed more than 29 Pakistani tanks, 40 APCs and a railway train during the famed battle of Longewala.^[34] The IAF pursued strategic bombing of West Pakistan by carring out raids on oil installations in Karachi, the Mangla Dam and a gas plant in Sindh.^[35] 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.^[36] By the time Pakistani forces surrendered, the IAF claimed that 94 PAF aircraft, including 54 F-86 Sabres.^[37] The IAF had flown over 6,000 sorties^[33] on both East and West fronts; including sorties by transport aircraft and helicopters.^[33] 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.^[38]

In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the Siachen Glacier in the contested Kashmir region.^[39] IAF's Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.^[40] Launched on April 13, 1984, this military operation was unique because of Siachen's inhospitable terrain and climate. The military action was successful, given the fact that under a previous agreement, neither Pakistan nor India had stationed any personnel in the area. The Indian forces, facing no odds, took control over most of the heights on the glacier.^[41]

On May 20, 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.^[42] Due to Kashmir's high altitude and rigid terrain, the IAF initially expressed its reservations to deploy the slow-moving Mil Mi-8/17 helicopters which had a service ceiling of 10,000 feet.^[43] These concerns materialised when the Pakistani forces shot down an IAF Mi-8 helicopter and two fighter jets, MiG-21 and MiG-27, that had reportedly strayed into Pakistan's airspace.^[44] After the initial setbacks, the IAF deployed the Mirage 2000 which not only had better defense equipment compared to the MiGs, but also gave IAF the ability to carry out aerial raids at night. The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and within days, their supply lines were severely disrupted.^[45] The IAF also deployed its radars and the MiG-29 fighter jets in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border.^[46] The MiG-29s were also used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000. At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.^[47] The IAF's operations in Kargil not only boosted the morale of the Indian Army, but also paved the way for the early recapture of Muntho Dhalo and Tiger Hill.^[48] By July 26, the Indian forces had successfully liberated Kargil from Pakistani forces and Islamist militants.^[49] On August 10, 1999, IAF MiG-21s intercepted a Pakistan Navy Breguet Atlantic which was flying over the disputed region of Sir Creek. The aircraft was shot down killing all 16 Pakistani Navy personnel on board.^[50] India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission to gather information on IAF air defence,^[51] a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.^[52]

Since late 1990s, the Air Force is modernising its fleet to counter challenges in the new century. The fleet size of the IAF has decreased during this period due to the retirement of old aircraft. Still, India maintains the fourth largest airforce.^[53] As new aircraft enter service and numbers recover, the IAF plans to have a fleet of 42 squadrons.^[54]

Structure of the IAF

The President of India is the Supreme Commander of all Indian armed forces and by virtue of that fact is the notional Commander of the Air force. India's Ministry of Defence under the Defence Minister oversees the Air Force, by way of direct civilian leadership.^[55] The Prime Minister and the National Security Council provide indirect leadership by shaping government security policy. A Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal commands Air Head Quarters and provides military leadership. He is assisted by six officers: a Vice Chief of the Air Staff, a Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, the Air Officer in Charge of Administration, the Air Officer in Charge of Personnel, the Air Officer in Charge of Maintenance, and the Inspector General of Flight Safety.^[56] In January 2002, the government conferred the rank of Marshal of the Air Force on Arjan Singh making him the first and only Five Star rank officer with the Indian Air Force and ceremonial chief of the air force.^[57]

Commands and structure

The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in 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 center for primary flight training is located at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, followed by operational training at various other schools. Advanced officer training for command positions is also conducted at the Defence Services Staff College; specialised advanced flight training schools are located at Bidar, Karnataka, and Hakimpet, Andhra Pradesh (also the location for helicopter training). Technical schools are found at a number of other locations.

Operational Commands Central Air Command (CAC), headquartered at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh Eastern Air Command (EAC), headquartered at Shillong, Meghalaya Southern Air Command (SAC), headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala South Western Air Command (SWAC), headquartered at Gandhinagar, Gujarat Western Air Command (WAC), headquartered at Subroto Park, New Delhi

Functional Commands Training Command (TC), headquartered at Bangalore, Karnataka Maintenance Command (MC), headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra

Bases

The IAF operates over sixty air bases, with more being built or planned.^[58]

Western Air Command is the largest Air Command. It operates sixteen air bases from Punjab to Uttar Pradesh. Eastern Air Command operates fifteen Air bases in Eastern and North-eastern India. Central Air Command operates seven Air Bases in Madhya Pradesh and surrounding states of central India. Southern Air Command, a strategically important Air command, in line with India's latest doctrine of protecting the vital shipping routes. It operates nine Air bases in Southern India and two in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. South Western Air Command is the front line of defence against Pakistan, this important Command operates twelve air bases in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. India also operates the Farkhor Air Base in Tajikistan

Wings

Wing is a formation intermediate between Command and Squadron. A Wing generally consists of two or three IAF Squadrons and Helicopter Units and along with the 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 full fledged air bases playing host to various Squadrons. In all, about 47 Wings and 19 FBSUs make up the IAF.^[59][60]

Squadrons

Squadrons are the field units and formations attached to static locations. In other words, a Flying Squadron is a sub-unit of an air force station which carries out the primary task of the IAF. All fighter squadrons are headed by the Commanding Officer with the rank of Wing Commander. Some Transport squadrons and Helicopter Units are headed by the Commanding Officer with the rank of Group Captain.

Within this formation structure, IAF has several service branches for day to day operations. They are:^[61]

Flying Branch Flying

Technical Branch Engineering Logistics

Ground Branch Administration Accounts Education Medical & Dental Meteorological

IAF personnel

The rank structure of IAF is based on the rank structure of the Royal Air Force. The Air Force has a strength of 170,000 personnel.^[62] 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. The Air Chief Marshal is Fali Homi Major till 2009 april .P.V.Naik took on as a new Air Chief Marshall from May 1 2009 following the retirement of Fali Homi Major. ^[63]

Officers

Anyone holding the citizenship of India can apply to be a an officer in the Air Force as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria. There are four entry points to become an officer. Male applicants, who are between the ages of 16½ and 19 and have passed high school graduation, can apply at the Intermediate level.^[64] Men and women applicants, who have graduated from college (3 year course) and are between the ages of 18 and 28, can apply at the Graduate level entry.^[65] 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.^[66] After completing 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 technical branch the age limit is 28 years and for the ground duty branch is 25.^[67] At the time of application all applicant must be single.^[68] From the applicants the IAF selects candidates for officer training. After completion of training the candidate is commissioned as a Flying Officer.

Ranks of the Indian Air Force- Officer Ranks

Shoulder
Sleeve
Rank	Marshal of the Air Force¹	Air Chief Marshal	Air Marshal	Air Vice Marshal	Air Commodore	Group Captain	Wing Commander	Squadron Leader	Flight Lieutenant	Flying Officer	Pilot Officer2
¹ Honorary/War time rank. 2 Rank no longer exist.

Airmen

The duty of an airman in the Indian Air Force is to make sure that all the air and ground operations run smoothly. From operating Air Defence systems to fitting missiles, they are involved in all activities of an air base and give support to various technical and non technical jobs.^[69]

The recruitment of personnel below officer rank as an Airman in the IAF is conducted through All India Selection Tests and Recruitment Rallies. All India Selection Tests are conducted at the Airmen Selection Centres (ASCs) located all over India. There are 14 Airmen Selection Centers, spread 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 Centers for their respective commands.^[69]

Candidates initially take a written test at the time of application. Candidates passing the written test undergo physical fitness test, an interview, conducted in English, and medical examination. Candidates for training are selected from individuals passing the battery of tests based on their performance. Upon completion of training, an induvidual becomes an Airman.^[69]

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.^[69]

Ranks of the Indian Air Force - Enlisted Ranks

	Junior Commissioned Officer				Enlisted
Shoulder				Arm
Sleeve
Rank	Master Warrant Officer	Warrant Officer	Junior Warrant Officer		Sergeant	Corporal	Leading Aircraftsman	Aircraftsman

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.

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 helpful in administration and usual office and technical work. More than 250 different designations exists.

Aircraft inventory

The Indian Air Force has a strength of over 1,915 (combat & non-combat) aircrafts.^[70] Most of the IAF's aircraft are of Soviet/Russian origin. The Air Force also operates some aircraft from Britain and France. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under licence produce some of the Russian and British aircraft in India. The exact number of aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force cannot be determined with precision from open sources. Apparently reliable sources provide notably divergent estimates for a variety of high-visibility aircraft.^[71]

Air superiority and multi-role combat aircraft

These aircraft are primarily for air defence and superiority purposes. However, most of them have significant strike, offensive support capabilities. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the IAF's prime air superiority fighter. The Su-30K variant was first acquired in 1996. In 1996, the IAF signed a US$1.6 billion contract with Russia for the supply of 50 Su-30MKIs and the technology transfer and license to manufacture 140 Su-30MKIs by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.^[72] The twin seater, multi-role fighter has a maximum speed of 2500 km/h (Mach 2.35) and has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters. The aircraft, with one mid-air refueling, can travel as far as 8000 km, making it an effective platform to deliver strategic weapons.^[73] In 2007, US$700 million were spent to upgrade IAF's remaining 10 Su-30Ks & 8 SU -30MKs to MKI Std variant^[74] and signed a contract for the supply of 40 additional MKIs with Russia.^[75][76]

MiG-29s are dedicated air superiority fighters of the IAF.^[73] The MiG-29 (NATO: Fulcrum) has a top speed of 2,445 km/h (Mach 2.3) and is armed with a 30 mm cannon along with R-60 & R-27 R missiles. The IAF began deploying MiG-29 in 1984 and was the second airforce to do so^[77]. Since their induction, the IAF's MiG-29s have undergone a series of upgrades including more efficient and powerful radar (Zhuk-ME), weapons system and upgraded engine.^[78]

Mirage 2000s, capable of flying at 2,500 km/h (Mach 2.35), are the IAF's premier multirole fighter jet. These aircraft can carry a wide range of weaponry including two 30 mm integral cannons, two Matra Super 530D medium-range missiles, two R550 Magic close combat missiles and various ground attack munitions.^[79]

Since 1963, over 450 MiG-21 combat aircraft have been serving the IAF.^[80][81] Most of these MiGs have been upgraded since induction. In 1996, India signed a US$300 million deal with Russia to upgrade 125 MiG-21 Bis^[82] and a multi-million dollar deal was awarded to Israel's Elta for upgrading the avionics of the MiGs.^[83] Due to their frequent crashes, the MiG-21s have been dubbed flying coffins by the media.^[84] As of 2007, about 250 MiG-21s remain in service with the Indian Air Force and are planned to be replaced by the indigenously-built HAL Tejas starting 2010. IAF has had problems in aircraft maintenance with many crashes in recent years.^[85] During the 2006-09 period, 22 MiG series fighters in service with the IAF crashed.^[86]

Strike, attack and offensive support aircraft

Squadrons of Jaguar (known as the Shamsher in Indian service) and MiG-27 aircraft serve as the IAF's primary ground strike force.^[73] The twin-engine Jaguar IB, with a top speed of Mach 1.6, is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The IAF has 100 Jaguar IS and 8 maritime strike Jaguar IM aircraft. The single-seater MiG-27 carries one GSh-6-30 six-barreled 30 mm cannon, 4000 kg of general-purpose ordnance, SPPU-22 and SPPU-6 gun pods, and various guided air-to-surface missiles. In January 2009,India has successfully completed the upgrade programs on the Air Force's MiG-27 ground attack fighter aircraft.^[87] DRDO carried out the avionics upgrades on the fighter aircraft. In the upgraded MiG-27s, the avionics system is built around a modular mission computer termed Core Avionics Computer (CAC). The upgraded ground attack fighters are equipped with Inertial Navigation and Global Positioning System (INGPS) providing accurate navigation during aircraft sorties.^[87] To provide more accuracy to the aircraft's weapon systems, accurate ranging sensors such as Laser Designator Pod (LDP) and Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS) have been integrated in it also.^[87] To improve situational awareness of the pilot during air combat, a digital map generator has been integrated along with a digital video recording system, which helps in mission analysis and debrief support.^[87]

Reconnaissance and Airborne Early Warning aircraft

In 2004, the IAF ordered 3 IAI Phalcon Airborne Early Warning radar system from Israel Aerospace Industries,^[88] which is considered to be the most advanced AEW&C system in the world.^[89] The air force will use 3 newly-acquired Ilyushin Il-76 Phalcon as a platform for these radar. In May 2008, India appears to have ordered an additional three Phalcon radar equipped IL-76 from Israel,^[90] pushing up the value of the deal from US$1.1 to 1.5 billion. An Indian defense delegation headed by Defense Secretary Vijay Singh, visited Israel in November 2008 to discuss the purchase of the planes and missiles from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It has been reported that India has placed a follow up order for 3 more Phalcon radar equipped IL-76 from Israel at a cost of $1.5 billion, pushing the total number to be acquired up to 6.^[90] The first Phalcon arrived in India on May 25, 2009 and are expected to be commissioned into service by 2010.^[91] IAF Air Chief said that it would take a year and a half to get each and every combat plane in IAF to link with Phalcon.

Transport aircraft

The IAF operates 25 Ilyushin Il-76 for military transport duties such as heavylift, at all operational levels. The Il-76 MD is a strategic air-lifter with a payload of 95,000 lb and a range of over 5,000 km (2,700 nm; 3,100 statute miles). In 2003, the IAF orderd 6 IL-78MKI aircraft from Uzbekistan^[92] and are fitted with aerial refueling pods from Israel.^[93] India took delivery of the tankers in 2004.^[94]

IAF has a fleet of 64 Avro 748 which has a payload of 5,136 kg (11,323 lb) and has a range of 1,715 km (926 nm; 1,066 mi). The air force also operates a fleet of 94 twin-engined turboprop Antonov An-32 and 73 Dornier Do 228 utility aircraft. In an effort to infuse fresh life into its transport fleet, the Indian Air Force will begin an upgrade programme for its Antonov An-32s and Dornier Do 228s in 2009.^[95]

Training aircraft

HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.^[96] Developed during the late 1970s, it has been in service with the IAF since 1984.^[97]

The IAF uses HAL HJT-16 Kiran mk.I for intermediate flight training of cadets and HJT-16 Kiran mk.II provides Stage II flight training.^[98][99] In 2004, the IAF placed an order for 66 BAE Hawk Mk 132 Advanced Jet Trainers in a deal worth over 1 billion GBP. Deliveries began in November, 2007 and induction in February, 2008. Pilot instructors and engineers have already been trained in the UK, and the aircraft is scheduled to replace mk.II. HAL is developing HJT-36 Sitara to replace Kiran mk.I.

Helicopters

An important objective of the IAF is to support ground troops by providing air-cover and by transporting men and essential commodities across the battlefield. For this purpose the Air Force maintains a fleet of helicopters. Helicopters in service with the IAF are:

Light Utility HAL Dhruv HAL Chetak HAL Cheetah

Medium Utility Mi-8 Mi-17

Heavylift Mi-26

Attack Mi-25/35

On October 15, 2006 India agreed to acquire 80 Mi-17 helicopters from the Russian Federation in a deal worth approximately US$662 million.^[100]

Unmanned aerial vehicles

The primary role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is to provide aerial surveillance and reconnaissance. The IAF operates IAI Malat built Searcher II and Heron UAVs.^[101][102] Israel Aircraft Industries and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). India's leading unmanned aerial vehicle research agency are also jointly developing three new UAVs.

UAVs can also be used as a pilot-less target aircraft. HAL Lakshya, indigenously-developed pilotless target aircraft, was inducted into the IAF in July 2005.^[103] Another UAV, the HAL Nishant Remote Piloted Vehicle (RPV) has also been developed, with an endurance of over 3 hours.^[104] The UAV can be used for carrying out ground attacks and aerial surveillance.

Land-Based Air Defence

• Isayev SA-3 Goa:^[105][106] The Indian Air Force is considering upgrading its Pechora SA-3 missiles with Polish help whilst it waits for the Akash. According to Janes Missiles and Rockets (December 2005), the IAF would like to conduct the Newa-SCM upgrade package upgrade to 20 S-125M Pechora-CC systems, using primarily the Tatra 8x8 chassis, which is licence-built in India. Installation on specially adapted heavy equipment trailers or Tatra 8x8 vehicles was studied at the request of the Indian Air Force. It incorporates a new ZNO-X digital transmitter/receiver block developed by the Przemyslowy Instytut Telekomunikacji (PIT) to replace the original magnetron-based hardware. The unit uses digital technology, including digital frequency synthesis, and has automatic built-in test facilities. While the ZNO-X is an expensive upgrade, it significantly improves system performance. Most of the upgrade work would be done in India, although the core elements of the upgrade would be delivered from Poland.Pechora SAM will be phased out by 2012.^[107] As of 2009, no firm SA-3 upgrade program has been signed for.
• SA-8 Gecko^[105][106]
• SA-10 Grumble/S-300^[108]. However several sources disagree that India is a SA-10 operator.Reportedly 6 batteries were purchased in August 1995
• SA-16 Gimlet - MANPAD^[109]

Ongoing expansion

Future aircraft

As of 2008, the Indian Air Force plans to induct 126 multi-role combat aircraft (with an option for another 74 aircraft), 230 Su-30MKI air superiority fighters (Ordered at cost of US$8.4 billion, 120 are already in service with the IAF), 220 HAL Tejas, 47 Jaguar combat aircraft. Additionally, the Indian Air Force has signed contracts for 66 BAe Hawk Mk.132 trainers (deliveries underway), 80+ combat helicopters, 3 new Long Range UAVs, 6 mid-air refueling planes, 225+ HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer aircraft and some additional medium-range transport aircraft.

The Indian Air Force begun the upgradation of its MiG-29 fleet in 2007.^[110] India awarded Russia a US$965 million contract to upgrade its multi-role MiG-29 warplanes, on Monday March 10, 2008. According to the deal, Russia will re-arm the twin-engined MiG-29s with air-to-air missiles, and the upgraded MiGs will feature increased fuel capacity and the state-of-the-art avionics.

Confirmed sales

• Hawk AJT

Deliveries of the first order of 66 Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainers began in November, 2007 with induction in February, 2008. An order for 57 (40 for IAF and 17 for Indian Navy) more was placed in 2008. The Hawk, along with the HJT-36, will serve the IAF's future fighter training needs.

• C-130J Hercules

Indian Air force signed a deal to acquire 6 C-130J Super Hercules in early 2008 for US$1.06 billion. Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver the planes in 2011.^[111][112]

Under procurement process

• Medium multi-role combat aircraft

The IAF operates around 250 MiG-21 aircraft and is keen on replacing these Cold War-era fighter jets. Due to the delay in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft program,^[113] the IAF issued an Request of Intent (RoI) for the procurement of 126 multi-role combat aircraft. The following aircraft are participating in the competition: Russian MiG-35, French Rafale, European Eurofighter Typhoon, Swedish Gripen and the US F-16IN. Besides the F-16s, the US has also offered the sale of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft.^[114]

• Heavy lift transport aircraft

On June 15, 2009, the IAF announced that it was interested in purchasing about 10 C-17 Globemaster III tactical military transport aircraft. The IAF will be sending a proposal to the Indian Defense Ministry to acquire these aircraft through US Government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.^[115]

• Multi-role tanker transport

In May 2009, the IAF picked Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) over Russia's Ilyushin Il-78 as the future tanker for the air force. The deal is worth approximately US$1 billion.^[116]

• Attack helicopters

On May 26, 2009, the Indian Ministry of Defense invited bids for 22 combat helicopters in a deal worth US$2 billion. Companies which have expressed their interest in the tender include — Russia's Kamov and Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Europe's AgustaWestland and Eurocopter and United States' Bell Helicopter and Boeing.^[117]

• Light helicopters

A tender for supply of 317 light helicopters will be floated by Ministry of Defence combining the requirements of Indian Air force (125) and Indian Army (197). Unnamed government official stated that Letters of Interest (LOI) have been sent to Kamov, Bell, Augusta Westland and Eurocopter. In February 2008, Bell withdrew from the race, citing differences in offset clause with the Government of India.^[118] HAL has also recently joined the race with its Light Observation Helicopter (LOH). Although it is still on the drawing board, HAL officials seem to be confident to deliver in time.^[119]

• Medium lift helicopters

In December 2008, India and Russia inked a deal for the supply of 80 Mi-17V-5 (also known as Mi-171) medium lift helicopters at a cost of US$1.2 billion. The two countries had earlier negotiated a price of $650 million, but early in 2008 Russia asked for a revision of the contract price. Russia is expected to deliver the Mi-171 to the IAF in 2010.^[120] The deal also envisages a US$405 million "offset" obligation by Russia. The new choppers, which have an 18,000 ft operational ceiling, will replace 50 Mi-8s currently in service with the IAF, some of which are over 35 years old, and boost IAF's capability to support high-altitude posts in Siachen and Ladakh sectors. The helicopter will come with the circuitry and hard points to carry weapons.

• Heavy lift helicopters

In May 2009, India sent requests for proposals for 15 heavy lift helicopters.^[121] Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft are expected to bid for the order.^[117]

• VIP helicopters

Indian Air force had floated a tender in 2006 for supply of 12 VIP helicopters and 4 medium lift helicopters to replace Mi-8 helicopters of VIP Squadron. IAF concluded the trials of competing helicopters, Augusta Westland EH-101 and Sikorsky S-92 in the period of January 14—19, 2008.The government is on the verge of clearing a US$300 million deal to purchase 12 advanced VIP helicopters from Italian armament major Augusta Westland EH-101. Owned by Finmeccanica, the Italian firm had fielded the EH101 to compete for the Indian tender floated some two years ago. Based on the contract schedule, the first helicopter is likely to join the air force fleet around 2011.^[122]

Under development

• HAL Tejas: The IAF will also buy 220 indigenously-built HAL Tejas, formerly known as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). It has already ordered a total of 28 Tejas aircraft. Weaponisation is underway as the Tejas successfully test-fired a Russian R-73 close-combat air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa in October, 2007.^[123] These aircraft are expected to enter service in 2010. As on February 3, 2009, LCA has completed 1011 Test Flights successfully using these prototypes: TD1-233, TD2-298, PV1-182, PV2-107, PV3-120, LSP1-33, and LSP2-38.

• Medium Combat Aircraft: India is also planning to develop a fifth generation aircraft called Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA). Development work on the MCA is awaiting government approval and design phase is in its early stages. Initial design stages of the aircraft reveal it to be a twin-engined 5th generation stealth mutlti-role fighter. It will complement the HAL Tejas and the Sukhoi Su-30MKI in the Indian Air Force. The main purpose of this aircraft is to replace the aging SEPECAT Jaguar and MiG-27.^[124]

• Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft : In October 2007, India and Russia signed a pact to develop a fifth generation stealth fighter jet.^[125] The Indian version will be a two-seater, air superiority fighter jet.^[126] Another agreement was signed between India's Hindustan Aeronautics and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation in December 2008 which detailed the joint development and production the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA).^[127] Work on the program will start by mid-2009 and the program is expected to be completed by 2017.^[128]

• HAL HJT-36 Sitara: The HAL HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer carried out its maiden test flight in 2003 and is all set to enter service within the next 5 years. HAL recently signed a deal with Russian company Saturn DDB for supply of a specially designed engine for the trainer.

• Multirole Transport Aircraft: India's Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will form a joint-venture in mid-2009 for the development of a Multirole Transport Aircraft, which will replace the IAF's ageing fleet of Antonov An-32s. Both HAL and UAC will invest US$300 million each on the program.^[129]

• HAL Light Combat Helicopter: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is developing an Attack Helicopter for the IAF based on HAL Dhruv. It is being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armour role and will be capable to operate from altitudes an 6,500 metre.^[130] First flight of HAL LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) is expected in 2009.^[131]

• Airawat (AEW&C): India has also revived the Airavat Project, which was India's first attempt in developing an indigenous AEW aircraft. Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) is coordinating the Rs.1,800 crore effort to develop an indigenous airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS), scheduled to be completed by 2012.^[132] A $210 million deal signed with Brazil's Embraer in 2008 for the supply of three Embraer EMB-145 regional jets. India has sent a request for proposal to six vendors for the supply of Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU) and various other sub-systems. These vendors include Israel's Elta, the European consortium EADS, France's Thales, Sweden's SAAB Erikson and the United State's Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.

Aerospace Command

The IAF is setting up an aerospace command. This command will have space technology including satellites available to them. This command is said to be utilised by all the three services of the Indian armed forces and also for civilian purposes by ISRO.^[133][134]

A specialised surveillance satellite for the IAF will be operational by the end of 2010.^[135] The satellite will enable the IAF to carry out precise strikes against targets like terrorist training camps.^[136] The Satellite has been named RISAT 2 and will use an Israeli Synthetic Aperture Radar mounted on a ISRO developed satellite bus and will be launched on a fast track basis in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks ^[137] in place of the civilian RISAT 1.

Surface to Air Missile Systems

• Barak SAM - India and Israel have agreed to expand their missile development cooperation with a longer-range version of their extended-range Barak ship defense system for the Indian Air Force.^[138]
• Trishul(Trident): Development of Trishul is complete. It has met the IAF requirements during its various developmental flight trials. DRDO is presently in dialogue with IAF for possible induction.^[139] Frontier India reports that Indian Air force is considering to induct small quantity to meet partial requirement of LLQRM (Low Level Quick Reaction Missile) System.^[140]. However it is not known if IAF has placed a formal order of Trishul SAM System.

• SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby): In June 2007, India signed a $250 million to purchase SPYDER mobile air defense missiles from Israel.^[141] The two countries signed an additional $4 billion deal for the joint-development of a medium range surface-to-air missiles.^[142] However, the procurement of SPYDER missiles was delayed due to an ongoing investigation against Israel Aerospace Industries and RAFAEL by Indian intelligence agencies for its alleged kickbacks in the Barak-I deal with the Indian Navy.^[143] In August 2008, a $2.5 billion deal was signed by India and Israel to develop an advanced version of the SPYDER.^[144]

• Maitri LLQRM (Low Level Quick Reaction Missile): DRDO is in talks with MBDA to develop Maitri LLQRM for Army, Air force and Navy. Sources said that DRDL is preparing feasibility report and is awaiting formal clearance from defence ministry.^{[145][146][147]}

• Akash: Indian Air force has approved the induction of Akash Missile System and had initiated the process of inducting the system. Akash has successfully demonstrated its performance through number of flight tests.^[140][148] DRDO and IAF jointly began a ten day intensive trial of Akash on December 13, 2007 aimed at making IAF familiar with the system.^[149] Defence News reports that IAF has already ordered two units (squadrons) of Akash which are likely to be inducted by 2009.^[148].

Surface to Surface Missiles

• Prithvi II: 250 km Prithvi-II Ballistic Missile is under IAF service which could be used to target airfields, command and control centers etc.^[150][151]

Air to Surface Missiles

• DRDO- NPO Mashinostroeyenia Brahmos- Air launched version under Development

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Indian Air Force

• Indian Armed Forces
• India in World War II
• Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force aerobatic team
• Sarang, Indian Air Force Helicopter formation display team
• Indian Naval Air Arm

Footnotes

References

• Ajithkumar, M.P. (2006). India-Pakistan relations: the story of a fractured fraternity. Gyan Books. ISBN 9788178354934. http://books.google.com/books?id=mrnVSrgUkggC. 
• Bammi, Y.M. (2002). Kargil 1999, impregnable conquered. Gorkha Publishers. xxviii, 558, 65, 8 p. LCCN 2003-305922. http://books.google.com/books?id=FWVuAAAAMAAJ&pgis=1. 
• Bajwa, Kuldip Singh (2005). The Dynamics of Soldiering. Har-Anand Publications. 292. ISBN 9788124109403. http://books.google.com/books?id=rwgEjeQ018sC. 
• Barua, Pradeep (2005). The State at War in South Asia. University of Nebraska Press. xvi; 437. ISBN 9780803213449. http://books.google.com/books?id=FIIQhuAOGaIC&client=firefox-a. 
• Boyne, Walter J.; Fopp, Michael (2002). Air Warfare: An International Encyclopedia (Illustrated ed.). ABC-CLIO. xvi; 437. ISBN 9781576073452. http://books.google.com/books?id=FW_50wm8VnMC. 
• Chadha, Vivek (2005). Low intensity conflicts in India (Illustrated ed.). SAGE. 513. ISBN 9780761933250. http://books.google.com/books?id=ApzUuLiO0jYC. 
• Coggins, Ed (2000). Wings That Stay on (Illustrated ed.). Turner Publishing Company. iii; 244. ISBN 9781563115684. http://books.google.com/books?id=MG5wioBJyK0C&client=firefox-a. 
• Cordesman, Anthony H.; Kleiber, Martin (2006). The Asian Conventional Military Balance in 2006: Overview of major Asian Powers. Center for Strategic & International Studies. 48. http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf. 
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• Khan, J.A. (2004). Air Power and Challenges to IAF. APH Publishing. xxxii; 361. ISBN 9788176485937. http://books.google.com/books?id=Na-V9H0dbrgC&client=firefox-a. 
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• Pradhan, R. D.; Chavan, Yashwantrao Balwantrao (2007). 1965 War, the Inside Story: Defence Minister Y.B. Chavan's Diary of India-Pakistan War. Atlantic Publishers & Distributors. xviii; 141. ISBN 9788126907625. http://books.google.com/books?id=ymYCJQjEGBUC&client=firefox-a. 
• Praval, Karam Chand (1975). India's Paratroopers (A History of the Parachute Regiment of India). Leo Cooper, London. ISBN 9780850521849. 
• Shiva, Vandana (2005). India divided: diversity and democracy under attack. Seven Stories Press. 191. ISBN 9781583225400. http://books.google.com/books?id=yoj2SmTZIaoC. 
• Sisodia, N.S.; Bhaskar, Chitrapu Uday (2005). Emerging India: security and foreign policy perspectives. Bibliophile South Asia. xx; 376. ISBN 9788186019511. http://books.google.com/books?id=ykZKWATQgcoC&client=firefox-a. 
• Sisson, Richard; Rose, Leo E. (1991). War and Secession: Pakistan, India, and the Creation of Bangladesh (revised ed.). University of California Press. ISBN 9780520076655. http://books.google.com/books?id=zYdDnRN8QIoC. 
• Thomas, Raju G.C. (1996). India's Security Environment: Towards the Year 2000. DIANE Publishing. iv; 33. ISBN 9781428913899. http://books.google.com/books?id=MYm0hnXJYmgC&client=firefox-a. 
• Warikoo, K. (2009). Himalayan Frontiers of India: Historical, Geo-Political and Strategic Perspectives (Illustrated ed.). Taylor & Francis. xv; 240. ISBN 9780415468398. http://books.google.com/books?id=PvWp8_POzrEC&client=firefox-a. 
• Wilson, Stewart (2002). North American F-86 SABRE (Illustrated ed.). Wilson Media Pty, Limited. 64. ISBN 9781876722050. http://books.google.com/books?id=_IcBAAAACAAJ. 

External links

• Official website of The Indian Air Force
• Indian Air Force on bharat-rakshak.com
• Global Security article on Indo-Pakistani Wars

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