| Indian Air Force | ||
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| Active | 8 October 1932 – present | |
| Country | India | |
| Size | 127,000 personnel approx. 1,361 aircraft |
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| Part of | Ministry of Defence Indian Armed Forces |
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| Headquarters | New Delhi, India | |
| Motto | नभःस्पृशं दीप्तम् Sanskrit: Nabhaḥ-Spṛśaṃ Dīptam "Touch the Sky with Glory" |
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| Colors | Navy blue, sky blue & white |
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| Anniversaries | Air Force Day: 8 October | |
| Engagements | ||
| Website | indianairforce.nic.in | |
| Commanders | ||
| Chief of Air Staff | Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne | |
| Insignia | ||
| Air Force Ensign |  |
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| Roundel |  |
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| Fin flash |  |
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| Aircraft flown | ||
| Attack | Jaguar, MiG-27, Harpy | |
| Fighter | MiG-21, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas | |
| Helicopter | Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26, Mi-25/35 | |
| Reconnaissance | Searcher II, Heron | |
| Trainer | HPT-32 Deepak, HJT-16 Kiran, Hawk Mk 132, Pilatus C-7 Mk II | |
| Transport | Il-76, An-32, HS 748, Do 228, Boeing 737, ERJ 135, Il-78 MKI, C-130 | |
Since independence, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay – the invasion of Goa, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai. Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the IAF. The Chief of Air Staff, an Air Chief Marshal (ACM), is a four-star commander and commands the Air Force. There is never more than one serving ACM at any given time in the IAF. One officer Arjan Singh, DFC has been conferred the rank of Marshal of the Air Force, a five-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.
In its publication the Military Balance 2010, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimates that the Indian Air Force has a strength of 127,000 active personnel. However, various reliable sources provided notably divergent estimates of its strength over the years. The air force is estimated to have around 1,361 aircraft in active service during 2011/2012.
Mission
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. | ” |
The Indian Air Force along with the other branches of the Indian Armed Forces provide assistance in disaster relief such as during natural calamities by undertaking evacuation or search-and-rescue (SAR) operations and air dropping relief supplies in affected areas. The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the Gujarat cyclone in 1998 and the Tsunami in 2004. The IAF also provides assistance to other countries during relief activities such as Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka 123
History
Formation and World War II
During World War II, the red centre was removed from the IAF roundel to eliminate confusion with the Japanese Hinomaru ("Rising Sun") emblem. The Air Force grew to seven squadrons in 1943 and to nine squadrons in 1945, equipping with Vultee Vengeance dive bombers and Hurricanes, along with a transport unit with the surviving A.W. 15 Atalantas until 1944. The IAF helped in blocking the advance of the Japanese army in Burma, where its first air strike was on the Japanese military base in Arakan. It also carried out strike missions against the Japanese airbases at Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. In recognition of the crucial role played by the IAF, King George VI conferred it the prefix "Royal" in 1945. During the war, many youths joined the Indian National Army. Forty five of them (known as the Tokyo Boys) were sent to train as fighter pilots at the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force Academy in 1944 by Subhas Chandra Bose. After the war, they were interned by the Allies and were court-martialled. After Indian independence, some of them rejoined the IAF for service.
First years of independence (1947–1950)
Around the same time, conflict broke out between them over the control of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. With Pakistani forces moving into the state, its Maharaja decided to accede to India in order to receive military help. The day after instrument of accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to transport troops into the war-zone. And this was when a good management of logistics came into help. This led to the eruption of full scale war between India and Pakistan, though there was no formal declaration of war. During the war, the RIAF did not engage the Pakistan Air Force in air-to-air combat; however, it did provide effective transport and close air support to the Indian troops.
When India became a republic in 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped from the Indian Air Force. At the same time, the current IAF roundel was adapted.
Congo crisis and liberation 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. IAF sent No. 5 Squadron, equipped with English Electric Canberra, to support United Nations Operation in the Congo. The squadron started undertaking operational missions in November. The unit remained there until 1966, when the UN mission ended. 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.In late 1961, the Indian government decided to deploy the armed forces in an effort to expel Portugal from the enclaves of Goa, Daman and Diu after years of disagreement between New Delhi and Lisbon. 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. On 18 December, two waves of Canberra bombers bombed the runway of Dabolim airfield taking care not to bomb the Terminals and the ATC tower. Two Portuguese transport aircraft (a Super Constellation and a DC-6) found on the airfield were left alone so that they can be captured intact. However the Portuguese pilots managed to take off the aircraft from the still damaged airfield and made their getaway to Portugal. Hunters attacked the wireless station at Bambolim. Vampires were used to provide air support to the ground forces. In Daman, Mystères were used to strike Portuguese gun positions. Ouragans (called Toofanis in the IAF) bombed the runways at Diu and destroyed the control tower, wireless station and the meteorological station.
Border disputes and changes in the IAF (1962–1971)
In 1962, border disagreements between China and India escalated to a war when China mobilised its troops across the Indian border. 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.Three years after the Sino-Indian conflict, in 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, a surprise invasion into India which came to be known as the Second Kashmir War. This was the first time the IAF actively engaged an enemy air force. However, instead of providing close air support to the Indian Army, the IAF carried out independent raids against PAF bases. These bases were situated deep inside Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. During the course of the conflict, the PAF enjoyed technological superiority over the IAF and had achieved substantial strategic and tactical advantage due to their sudden attack . 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. Despite this, the IAF was able to prevent the PAF from gaining air superiority over conflict zones. The small and nimble IAF Folland Gnats proved effective against the F-86 Sabres of the PAF earning it the nickname "Sabre Slayers". By the time the conflict had ended, the IAF lost 75 aircraft, while the PAF lost 20 aircraft. More than 60% of IAF's air combat losses took place during the battles over Kalaikunda and Pathankot; where most of the aircraft were destroyed while parked on the ground.[31]
Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
By late 1971, the intensification of the independence movement in erstwhile East Pakistan lead to the Bangladesh Liberation War between India and Pakistan .[37] On 22 November 1971, 10 days before the start of a full-scale war, four PAF F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions at Garibpur, near the international border. Two of the four PAF Sabres were shot down and one damaged by the IAF's Folland Gnats.[38] On 3 December, India formally declared war against Pakistan following massive preemptive strikes by the PAF against Indian Air Force installations in Srinagar, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur. However, the IAF did not suffer significantly because the leadership had anticipated such a move and precautions were taken.[39] The Indian Air Force was quick to respond to Pakistani air strikes, following which the PAF carried out mostly defensive sorties.[40]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.[41] IAF also assisted the Indian Navy in its operations against the Pakistani Navy and Maritime Security Agency in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. On the western front, the IAF destroyed more than 29 Pakistani tanks, 40 APCs and a railway train during the Battle of Longewala.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44] By the time Pakistani forces surrendered, the IAF claimed that 94 PAF aircraft, including 54 F-86 Sabres had been shot down.[45] The IAF had flown over 6,000 sorties[41] on both East and West fronts; including sorties by transport aircraft and helicopters.[41] 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.[46]
Incidents before Kargil (1984–1988)
In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the Siachen Glacier in the contested Kashmir region.[47] In Op Meghdoot, IAF's Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.[48] Launched on 13 April 1984, this military operation was unique because of Siachen's inhospitable terrain and climate. The military action was successful, given the fact that under a previous agreement, neither Pakistan nor India had stationed any personnel in the area. The Indian forces, facing no opposition, took control over most of the heights on the glacier.[49]
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.[52] 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.[52] Mi-8s supported the ground forces and also provided air transportation to the Sri Lankan civil administration during the elections.[52] 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.[52]
On the night of 3 November 1988, the Indian Air Force mounted special operations to airlift a parachute battalion group from Agra, non-stop over 2000 kilometres to the remote Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives in response to Maldivian president Gayoom's request for military help against a mercenary invasion in Operation Cactus. The IL-76s of No. 44 Squadron landed at Hulhule at 0030 hours and the Indian paratroopers secured the airfield and restored Government rule at Male within hours.[53]
Kargil War (1999)
On 27 May, the Indian Air Force suffered its first fatality when it lost a MiG-21 and a MiG-27 in quick succession.[notes 1][57][58] 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.[55] Following these losses the IAF immediately withdrew helicopters from offensive roles as a measure against the threat of Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPAD). On 30 May, the Mirage 2000s were introduced in offensive capability, as they were deemed better in performance under the high-altitude conditions of the conflict zone. Mirage 2000s were not only better equipped to counter the MANPAD threat compared to the MiGs, but also gave IAF the ability to carry out aerial raids at night. The MiG-29s were used extensively to provide fighter escort to the Mirage 2000.[59] The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and severely disrupted their supply lines.[60] Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo and the heavily defended Tiger Hill and paved the way for their early recapture.[55] At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.[59] By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully repulsed the Pakistani forces from Kargil.[61]
Post Kargil incidents (1999–present)
On 10 August 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.[62] India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission to gather information on IAF air defence,[63] a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.[64]Since the late 1990s, the Indian Air Force has been modernising its fleet to counter challenges in the new century. The fleet size of the IAF has decreased to 33 squadrons during this period because of the retirement of older aircraft. Still, India maintains the fourth largest air force in the world. The squadron strength is being raised to 42 squadrons.[65]
Structure
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 with the rank of Air Marshal. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, whereas the responsibility of functional commands is to maintain combat readiness. Aside from the Training Command at Bangalore, the centre for primary flight training is located at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, followed by operational training at various other schools. Advanced officer training for command positions is also conducted at the Defence Services Staff College; specialised advanced flight training schools are located at Bidar, Karnataka, and Hakimpet, Andhra Pradesh (also the location for helicopter training). Technical schools are found at a number of other locations.[68]Operational Commands
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Functional Commands
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Bases
Main article: List of Indian Air Force bases
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.[72][73] Wings are typically commanded by a Group Captain.Squadrons
Squadrons are the field units and formations attached to static locations. Thus, a Flying Squadron is a sub-unit of an air force station which carries out the primary task of the IAF. All fighter squadrons are headed by a Commanding Officer with the rank of Wing Commander.[74] 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.[71]Within this formation structure, IAF has several service branches for day-to-day operations. They are:[75]
Flying Branch
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Technical Branch
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Ground Branch
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Garud Commando Force
Main article: Garud Commando Force
In September 2004, the IAF established its own special operation unit called the Garud Commando Force, consisting of approximately 1500 personnel. The unit derives its name from Garuda, a divine bird-like creature of Hindu Mythology, but more commonly the word for eagle in Sanskrit.
Garud is tasked with the protection of critical installations; search
and rescue during peace and hostilities and disaster relief during
calamities.[76]Integrated Space Cell
Main article: Integrated Space Cell
An Integrated Space Cell, which will be jointly operated by all the
three services of the Indian armed forces, the civilian Department of
Space and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has been set up
to utilise more effectively the country's space-based assets for
military purposes and to look into threats to these assets.[6][7]
This command will leverage space technology including satellites.
Unlike an aerospace command, where the air force controls most of its
activities, the Integrated Space Cell envisages cooperation and
coordination between the three services as well as civilian agencies
dealing with space.[77]India currently has 10[78] remote sensing satellites in orbit. Though most are not meant to be dedicated military satellites, some have a spacial resolution of 1 metre or below which can be also used for military applications. Noteworthy satellites include the Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) which has a panchromatic camera (PAN) with a resolution of 1 metre,[79] the RISAT-2 which is capable of imaging in all-weather conditions and has a resolution of one metre,[80] the CARTOSAT-2, CARTOSAT-2A[81] (a dedicated military satellite)[82] and CARTOSAT-2B[83] which carries a panchromatic camera which has a resolution of 80 centimetres (black and white only).
Display Teams
Main articles: Surya Kiran and Sarang (military)
Surya Kiran (Sanskrit for Sun Rays) is an aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was formed in 1996 and are successors to the Thunderbolts.[84] The team has a total of 13 pilots (selected from the fighter stream of the IAF) and operate 9 HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 trainer aircraft[84] painted in a "day-glo orange" and white colour scheme. The Surya Kiran team were conferred squadron status in 2006, and presently have the designation of 52 Squadron, Air force ("The Sharks").[85] Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is based at the Indian Air Force Station at Bidar.[84] The HJT-16 Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara. The IAF have already given an order for 12 Limited Series Production aircraft for the Surya Kiran team.[86]
Meanwhile, IAF has begun the process of converting Surya Kirans to BAE
Hawks. It will take 2–3 years for the team to completely shift to Hawks.[86]Sarang is the Helicopter Display Team of the Indian Air Force. The name Sarang (Sanskrit for Peacock) is symbolic as it is the national bird of India. The team was formed in October 2003 and their first public performance was at the Asian Aerospace Show, Singapore, 2004.[87] The team flies four HAL Dhruvs[88] painted in red and white with a peacock figure at each side of the fuselage. The Sarang display team is based at the Indian Air Force base at Air Force Station Sulur, Coimbatore.
Personnel
The rank structure of the Indian Air Force is based on that of the Royal Air Force. The highest rank attainable in the IAF is Marshal of the Indian Air Force, conferred by the President of India after exceptional service during wartime. MIAF Arjan Singh is the only officer to have achieved this rank. The head of the Indian Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff, who holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The current Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne with effect from 1 August 2011.
Officers
Anyone holding Indian citizenship can apply to be an officer in the Air Force as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria. There are four entry points to become an officer. Male applicants, who are between the ages of 16½ and 19 and have passed high school graduation, can apply at the Intermediate level.[91] 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.[92] 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.[93] 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.[94] At the time of application, all applicants must be single.[95] The IAF selects candidates for officer training from these applicants. After completion of training, a candidate is commissioned as a Flying Officer.[96]| Shoulder |  |
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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.[98]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.[99][100]
Training and education
Besides these Tri-service institutions, the Indian Air Force has a Training Command and several training establishments. While technical and other support staff are trained at various Ground Training Schools, the pilots are trained at the Air Force Academy located at Dindigul. The Pilot Training Establishment at Allahabad, the Air Force Administrative College at Coimbatore, the School of Aviation Medicine at Bangalore, the Air Force Technical College, Bangalore at Jalahalli and the Paratrooper’s Training School at Agra are some of the other training establishments of the IAF.
Aircraft inventory
Main article: List of active Indian military aircraft
The Indian Air Force has aircraft and equipment of Russian (erstwhile
Soviet Union), British, French, Israeli, U.S. and Indian origins with
Russian aircraft dominating its inventory. HAL produces some of the
Russian and British aircraft in India under licence. The exact number of
aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force cannot be determined with
precision from open sources. Various reliable sources provide notably
divergent estimates for a variety of high-visibility aircraft.[101]Fighter and multi-role combat aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the IAF's primary air superiority fighter with the capability to conduct strike missions. The IAF have placed an order for a total of 272 Su-30MKIs[103] of which 146 are in service as of 2011.[104]
The Mikoyan MiG-29 known as Baaz (Hindi for Hawk) is the IAF's dedicated air superiority fighter and forms the second line of defence for the IAF after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. The IAF operates 68 MiG-29s, all of which are currently being upgraded to the MiG-29UPG standard.[105]
The Dassault Mirage 2000, known as Vajra (Sanskrit for Thunderbolt) in Indian service, is the IAF's primary multirole fighter. The IAF currently operates 51 Mirage 2000Hs which are currently being upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 MK2 standard.[106][107]
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 serves as an Interceptor aircraft in the IAF. The IAF have phased out most of its MiG-21s and plans to keep only 125 that have been upgraded to MiG-21 Bison standard.[108] These aircraft will be phased out between 2014 and 2017.[109] The MiG-21s are planned to be replaced by the indigenously built HAL Tejas.[110][111]
Strike, attack and close support aircraft
These are military aircraft designed to attack targets on the ground. They are often deployed as close air support for, and in proximity to, their own ground forces, requiring precision strikes from these aircraft.
The SEPECAT Jaguar known as Shamsher and the Mikoyan MiG-27 known as Bahadur (Hindi for Valiant) serve as the IAF's primary ground attack force.[112] The IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars[113] and over 100 MiG-27s.[114]
Airborne early warning aircraft
The IAF currently operates the EL/W-2090 Phalcon AEW&C. A total of 3 such systems are currently in service, with possible orders for 2 more.[115][116][117]
Tanker aircraft
Transport aircraft
The IAF operates Ilyushin Il-76s known as Gajraj (Hindi for King Elephant) for military transport roles such as strategic or heavy lift at all operational levels.[120] The IAF currently operates 17 Il-76s.[121] The Il-76s are to be replaced by C-17 Globemaster IIIs.[122][123]
The C-130J of the IAF is used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations.[124] There are currently 6 C-130Js in service.[125]
The Antonov An-32 known as Sutlej (name of an Indian river) serves as medium transport aircraft in the IAF. The aircraft is also used in bombing roles and para-dropping operations.[126] The IAF currently operates 105 An-32s, all of which are being upgraded.[126]
The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 once formed the backbone of the IAF's transport fleet, but are now used mainly for transport training and communication duties.[127] A replacement is under consideration.[128]
The Dornier Do 228 serves as light transport aircraft in the IAF.[129]
The IAF also operates Boeing 737s[130] and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft[131] as VIP Transports.
The IAF operates aircraft for the President of India as well as the Prime Minister of India under the call sign Air India One.[132]
Training aircraft
The HAL HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.[133] The HPT-32 was grounded in July 2009 following a crash that killed two senior flight instructors,[134] but was revived in May 2010[134] and is to be fitted with a parachute recovery system (PRS) to enhance survivability during an emergency in the air and to bring the trainer down safely.[134] The HPT-32 is to be phased out soon.[134]
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.[135][136] The HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 is also operated by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF.[137] The Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara.[138]
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.[86] A total of 106 BAE Hawk trainers have been ordered by the IAF of which 39 have entered service as of July 2010.[139]
The purchase of 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II aircraft has been cleared by the Cabinet Committee. The decision has been made in the wake of acute shortage of basic trainer aircrafts.[140] On 24 May 2012, IAF signed a Rs 2800 crore deal with the Swiss company to purchase 75 Pilatus Planes.[141] The delivery of 75 Pilatus Planes is expected in January 2013 and the first course of training would begin in July 2013.[142]
Helicopters
The HAL Dhruv serves primarily as a light utility helicopter in the IAF. In addition to transport and utility roles, Dhruvs are also used as attack helicopters.[143] 4 Dhruvs are also operated by the Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team.[88]
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.[145]
The Mil Mi-8 and the Mil Mi-17 are operated by the IAF for medium utility roles. The Mi-8 is being progressively replaced by the Mi-17.[146][147] The IAF has ordered 80 Mi-17V-5s to replace and augment its existing fleet of Mi-8s and Mi-17s, with an order for 59 additional helicopters to follow soon.[148]
The Mil Mi-26 serves as a heavy lift helicopter in the IAF. It can also be used to transport troops or as a flying ambulance. The IAF currently operates 4 Mi-26s.[149]
The Mil Mi-35 serves primarily as an attack helicopter in the IAF. The Mil Mi-35 can also act as a low-capacity troop transport. The IAF currently operates 2 squadrons (No.104 Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators) of Mi-25/35s.[150]
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
The primary role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is to provide aerial surveillance and reconnaissance. UAVs can also be used as unmanned combat aircraft or pilotless target aircraft.The IAF currently uses the IAI Searcher II[151] and IAI Heron[152] for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The IAI Harpy serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack radar systems.[153] The IAF also operates the DRDO Lakshya which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training.[154]
Land-based air defence
Surface-to-air missile systems
The IAF currently operates the S-125 Pechora[155] and the 9K33 Osa[98] as Surface-to-air missile systems. The IAF is also currently inducting the Akash medium range surface-to-air missile system. A total of 8 squadrons has been ordered so far.[156]
Ballistic missiles
The IAF currently operates the Prithvi-II short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). The Prithvi-II is an IAF-specific variant of the Prithvi ballistic missile.[157]Anti-ballistic missile systems
The S-300 SAM[158] serves as an Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM) system in the IAF. The S-300 is also able to detect, track, and destroy incoming cruise missiles and low-flying aircraft.[159]Future
Main article: Future of the Indian Air Force
The number of aircraft in the IAF has been decreasing from the late
1990s due to retirement of older aircraft and several crashes. To deal
with the depletion of force levels, the IAF has started to modernise its
fleet. This includes both upgrade of existing aircraft, equipment and
infrastructure as well as induction of new aircraft and equipment, both
indigenous and imported. As new aircraft enter service and numbers
recover, the IAF plans to have a fleet of 42 squadrons.[160]Upgrades
Under procurement
The IAF has placed orders for 48 indigenous HAL Tejas aircraft,[165] 72 HAL HJT-36 Sitara trainers[86] and 65 HAL Light Combat Helicopters,[166] and will order 22 AH-64D Apache Longbow heavy attack helicopters,[167] 10 C-17 Globemaster III strategic air-lifters,[168] 139 Mi-17V-5 helicopters,[148][169] 12 VVIP-configured AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters,[170] IAI Harop UCAVs[153][171] and 126 Dassault Rafale multirole fighters at a cost of USD 20 billion as part of the MRCA competition.[172][173] The IAF has also ordered 18 Israeli SPYDER Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs).[174]
Pilatus PC-7 is selected for a tender to equip the IAF with 75 basic trainer aircraft.[175] The IAF is planning to procure 15 heavy lift helicopters for which the CH-47 Chinook and Mi-26 are being considered.[176] A Request for Proposal for 6 additional tanker aircraft was issued, for which the EADS A330 MMRT and the Il-78 are the competing aircraft.[177] The IAF has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for 16 C-27J Spartan medium military transport aircraft.[178] A new Request For Information has been issued to replace Hawker Siddeley HS 748 for $ 2.4 billion.[179] The IAF also submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)[180] and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) will float a tender for 125 light helicopters.
Under development
Indian defence companies such as HAL and DRDO are developing several aircraft for the IAF such as the HAL Tejas,[110][111] Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),[181] DRDO AEW&CS (revived from the Airavat Project),[182] NAL Saras,[183] HAL HJT-36 Sitara,[184] HAL HTT-40, HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH),[185] HAL Light Observation Helicopter (LOH),[186] DRDO Rustom[187] and AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) UCAV.[188] DRDO has developed the Akash missile system for the IAF[189][190] and is developing the Maitri SAM with MBDA.[191] DRDO is also developing the Prithvi II ballistic missile.[192]
HAL has undertaken the joint development of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft)[193] (a derivative project of the Sukhoi PAK FA) and the UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA)[194] with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). DRDO has entered in a joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop the Barak 8 SAM.[195] DRDO is developing the air launched version of the Brahmos cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia. DRDO is also developing the nuclear capable Nirbhay cruise missile.[196]
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