Indian Air Force
✈️ Roles & Responsibilities
Air Defence – Protect India’s airspace from threats.
Offensive Operations – Strike enemy targets in case of war.
Reconnaissance & Surveillance – Collect intelligence using aircraft and drones.
Transport & Logistics – Airlift troops, supplies, and equipment during conflicts or disasters.
Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief – Provide aid during natural disasters or emergencies.
Training & Research – Train pilots, engineers, and technical staff; develop indigenous aviation technology.
🛩️ Aircraft & Fleet
The IAF has a diverse fleet of aircraft:
| Type | Examples | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter Jets | Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Rafale, Tejas | Air superiority, multi-role combat |
| Transport | C-17 Globemaster, IL-76, An-32 | Heavy and tactical transport |
| Helicopters | Dhruv, Mi-17, Apache | Transport, attack, reconnaissance |
| Trainer Aircraft | HJT-16 Kiran, Pilatus PC-7 | Pilot training |
| UAVs / Drones | Heron, Searcher | Surveillance, reconnaissance |
Indigenous programs: Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), HAL Dhruv, and future fighter programs.
🏢 Structure
The IAF is divided into commands for operational efficiency:
Western Air Command – Focus on western borders (Pakistan/China).
Eastern Air Command – Eastern borders (China, Myanmar).
Central Air Command – Central India.
Southern Air Command – Southern region and maritime operations.
Training Command – Pilot and technical training.
Maintenance Command – Aircraft maintenance and logistics.
Operational Commands – Specialised units like the Strategic Forces Command.
🎖️ Achievements & Highlights
Wars & Operations:
1947–48: First Kashmir War
1962: Sino-Indian War
1965 & 1971: Wars with Pakistan
1999: Kargil War – precision strikes using Mirage 2000
Various UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian missions
International Exercises: IAF participates in joint exercises like Red Flag (USA), Indra, and Garuda (France).
Space & Advanced Technology: Working on drones, AWACS, missile defence systems, and integrating indigenous aircraft like Tejas.
👩✈️ Career & Recruitment
Flying Branch: Pilots for fighter, transport, and helicopter aircraft.
Ground Duty Branch: Technical and non-technical roles.
NCC Cadets & NDA: Entry through the National Defence Academy or the Air Force Academy.
Women in IAF: Women now serve as fighter pilots, commanders, engineers, and in various leadership roles.
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