The Indian Air Force (IAF; Devanāgarī: भारतीय वायु सेना, Bhartiya Vāyu Senā) is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the Indian Empireand the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during 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 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 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.
With strength of approximately 170,000 personnel and 1,600+ aircraft, the Indian Air Force is the world's fourth largest air force after the United States Air Force, Russian Air Force and China's People's Liberation Army Air Force.[4][5] In recent years, the IAF has undertaken an ambitious expansion and modernisation program to replace its aging Soviet-era fighter jets.
| Indian Air Force | |
|---|---|
 Ensign of the Indian Air Force | |
| Active | 8 October 1932 – present |
| Country | India |
| Size | 170,000 active personnel 1,600+ aircraft[1] |
| Part of | Ministry of Defence Indian Armed Forces |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Motto | नभःस्पृशं दीप्तम् Sanskrit: Nabhaḥ-Spṛśaṃ Dīptam "Touch the Sky with Glory"[2] |
| Colour | Navy blue, Sky blue & White |
| Anniversaries | Air Force Day: 8th October[3] |
| Engagements | |
| Website | indianairforce.nic.in |
| Commanders | |
| Chief of the Air Staff | ACM Pradeep Vasant Naik |
| Vice Chief | Air Marshal N. A. K. Browne |
| Insignia | |
| Crest |  |
| Roundel |  |
| Fin flash |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | Jaguar, MiG-27, Harpy |
| Electronic warfare | A-50E/I |
| Fighter | Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, Mirage 2000,MiG-29, MiG-21 |
| 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 |
| Transport | Il-76, An-32, HS 748, Do 228,Boeing 737, ERJ 135, Il-78 MKI |
Mission
The IAF's mission is defined by the Armed Forces Act of 1947, Constitution of India and the Air Force Act of 1950,[7] 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. | ” |
Thus, the IAF has the primary objective of safeguarding Indian territory and national interests from all threats in conjunction with the other branches of the armed forces by defending Indian airspace. The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops in the battlefield and also provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The IAF also operates the Integrated Space Cell together with the other two branches of the Indian Armed Forces, the civilian Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) to utilize more effectively the country's space-based assets for military purposes and to look into threats to these assets.[8][9]
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.[10] The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the Gujarat cyclone in 1998 and the Tsunami in 2004.[10] The IAF also provides assistance to other countries during relief activities such as Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka
History
Main article: History of the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force was established in British India as an auxiliary air force[11] of the Royal Air Force with the enactment of the Indian Air Force Act 1932 on 8 October that year[12][13] and adopted the Royal Air Force uniforms , badges, brevets and insignia.[14] On 1 April 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 Flight Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal) Cecil Bouchier.[15] Until 1938, No. 1 Squadron remained the only squadron of the IAF, though two more flights were added.[15]
During World War II, the red blob was removed from the IAF roundel to eliminate confusion with the Japanese Red Sun Emblem.[14] The Air Force grew to seven squadrons in 1943 and to nine squadrons in 1945.[15] 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.[13][16] During the war, many youth 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.[17] 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)
After gaining independence from the British Empire in 1947, British India was partitioned into the new states of the Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. Along the lines of the geographical partition, the assets of the air force were divided between the new countries. India's air force retained the name of the Royal Indian Air Force, but three of the ten operational squadrons and facilities, located within the borders of Pakistan, were transferred to the Royal Pakistan Air Force.[18] The RIAF Roundel was changed to an interim 'Chakra' roundel derived from the Ashoka Chakra.[14]
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.[19] The day after instrument of accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to transport troops into the war-zone.[19] This led to the eruption of full scale war between India and Pakistan, though there was no formal declaration of war.[20] 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.[21]
When India became a republic in 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped from the Indian Air Force.[13] At the same time, the current IAF roundel was adapted.
Kargil War (1999)
On 11 May 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 with the use of helicopters.[55] The IAF strike was code named Operation Safed Sagar.[55] The first strikes were launched on the 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships.[56] The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with MiG-21s and later MiG-29s providing fighter cover.[57] The IAF also deployed its radars and the MiG-29 fighters in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border.[58] Srinagar Airportwas at this time closed to civilian air-traffic and dedicated to the Indian Air Force.[56]
On 27 May, the first fatalities were suffered when a MiG-21 and a MiG-27 jets were lost over Batalik Sector to enemy action and mechanical failure, respectively.[59][60]The following day, a Mi-17 was lost- with the loss of all four of the crew- when it was hit by three stingers while on an offensive sortie.[52] These losses forced the Indian Air Force to reassess its strategy. The helicopters were immediately withdrawn from offensive roles as a measure against the man-portable missiles in possession of the infiltrators. On 30 May, the Indian Air Force called into operation the Mirage 2000 which was deemed the best aircraft capable of optimum performance under the conditions of high-altitude seen in the zone of conflict. Mirage 2000s not only had better defence equipment 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.[61] The Mirages successfully targeted enemy camps and logistic bases in Kargil and within days, their supply lines were severely disrupted.[62] Mirage 2000s were used for strikes on Muntho Dhalo[52] and the heavily defended Tiger Hilland paved the way for their early recapture.[52] At the height of the conflict, the IAF was conducting over forty sorties daily over the Kargil region.[61] By 26 July, the Indian forces had successfully liberated Kargil from Pakistani forces.[63]
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.[64]India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission to gather information on IAF air defence,[65] a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.[66]
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 during this period because of the retirement of older aircraft. Still, India maintains the fourth largest air force in the world.
Structure
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The President of India is the Supreme Commander of all Indian armed forces and by virtue of that fact is the notional Commander-in-chief of the Air Force. Chief of the Air Staff with the rank of Air Chief Marshal is the Commander of the Indian Air Force. 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.[67] In January 2002, thegovernment 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.[68]
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 maintaincombat 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.[69]
Operational Commands
| Functional Commands
|
Bases
Main article: List of Indian Air Force bases
The IAF operates over sixty air bases, with more being built or planned.[70] 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.[71]
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]
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.
Within this formation structure, IAF has several service branches for day-to-day operations. They are:[75]
Flying Branch
| Technical Branch
| Ground Branch
|
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 utilize more effectively the country's space-based assets for military purposes and to look into threats to these assets.[8][9] 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 11 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,[78] the RISAT-2 which is capable of imaging in all-weather conditions and has a resolution of one metre,[79] the CARTOSAT-2, CARTOSAT-2A[80] (a dedicated military satellite)[81] and CARTOSAT-2B[82] 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.[83] 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[83]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").[84] Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is based at the Indian Air Force Station at Bidar.[83] 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.[85] Meanwhile, IAF has begun the process of converting Surya Kirans to BAE Hawks. It will take will 2–3 years for the team to completely shift to Hawks.[85]
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.[86] The team flies four HAL Dhruvs[87] painted in red and white with a peacock figure at the 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 IAF has a strength of 170,000 personnel. Its rank structure is based on that of the Royal Air Force.[4] 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, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, assumed command of the IAF on 31 May 2009, following the retirement of his predecessor.[88] The current Vice Chief of the Air Staff is Air Marshal N A K Browne and is second in command of the IAF.[89]
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.[90] 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.[91] 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.[92] 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.[93] At the time of application, all applicants must be single.[94] The IAF selects candidates for officer training from these applicants. After completion of training, a candidate is commissioned as a Flying Officer.[95]
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 |
| |||||||||||
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.[96] The recruitment of personnel below officer rank is conducted through All India Selection Tests and Recruitment Rallies. All India Selection Tests are conducted among 14 Airmen Selection Centres (ASCs) located 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 Centres for their respective commands.[96] Candidates initially take a written test at the time of application. Those passing the written test undergo a physical fitness test, an interview conducted in English, and medical examination. Candidates for training are selected from individuals passing the battery of tests, on the basis of their performance. Upon completion of training, an individual becomes an Airman.[96] 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.[96]
| 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.[97]
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.[98][99]
Training and education
The Indian Armed Forces has set up numerous military academies across India for training its personnel. Military schools, Sainik Schools, and the Rashtriya Indian Military College were founded to broaden the recruitment base of the Defence Forces. The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces jointly operate several institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), National Defence College (NDC) and the College of Defence Management (CDM) for training its officers. The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) at Pune is responsible for providing the entire pool of medical staff to the Armed Forces by giving them in service training.
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 Dundigul. The Pilot Training Establishment at Allahabad, the Air Force Administrative College at Coimbatore, the School of Aviation Medicine at Bangalore, the Air Force Technical Training College at Jalahalli and the Paratrooper’s Training School at Agra are some of the other training establishments of the IAF.
Aircraft inventory
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.[100]
Fighter and multi-role combat aircraft
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The fighter aircraft in the IAF inventory are the primary means to achieve and maintain air supremacy over the battle field. These aircraft are designed for air-to-air combat in order to achieve their goals.
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[101] of which 142 are in service as of January 2011.[102]
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 69 MiG-29s, all of which are currently being upgraded to the MiG-29UPG standard.[103]
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.[104]
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 serves as an Interceptor aircraft in the IAF. The IAF currently operates about 200 MiG-21s, 121 of which have been upgraded to MiG-21 Bison standard.[105] While the MiG-21 Bison is likely to be in service till 2017, the remaining aircraft are expected to be phased out by 2013. The MiG-21s are planned to be replaced by the indigenously built HAL Tejas.[106][107]
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.[108] The IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars[109] and over 100 MiG-27s.[110]
Airborne early warning aircraft
These aircraft are designed to detect and distinguish hostile aircraft. The system can be used to direct fighters and strike aircraft to their targets and warn them of hostile enemy aircraft in the area.
The IAF currently operates the Beriev A-50EI Mainstay AEW&C. A total of 3 such systems are currently in service, with possible orders for 2 more.[111]
Tanker aircraft
These aircraft are used for aerial refueling which allows IAF aircraft to remain airborne for longer periods, hence enhancing their effective range. Aerial refueling also allows aircraft to take-off with greater payload (by carrying less fuel during take-off). The IAF currently operates 6 Ilyushin Il-78MKIs for aerial refueling roles.[112][113] A Request for Proposal for 6 additional tanker aircraft was issued in September 2010. The EADS A330 MMRT and the Il-78 are still in the competition after Boeing withdrew the KC-767.[114]
Transport aircraft
Transport aircraft are typically used to deliver troops, weapons, supplies and other military equipment to the IAF field of operations. The IAF currently operate different types of transport aircraft for different roles.
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.[115] The IAF currently operates 17 Il-76s.[116] The Il-76s are to be replaced by C-17 Globemaster IIIs.[117][118]
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.[119] The IAF currently operates 105 An-32s, all of which are being upgraded.[119]
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.[120] TheDornier Do 228 serves as light transport aircraft in the IAF.[121] The IAF also operates Boeing 737s[122] and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft[123] as VIP Transports.The Indian air force has inducted one C130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from US recently.[124] The IAF operates aircraft for the President of India as well as the Prime Minister of India under the call sign Air India One.[125]
Training aircraft
Training aircraft are used to develop piloting and nagivational skills in pilots and air crew.
The HAL HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.[126] The HPT-32 was grounded in July 2009 following a crash that killed two senior flight instructors,[127] but was revived in May 2010[127] 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.[127] The HPT-32 is to be phased out soon.[127]
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.[128][129] The HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 is also operated by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF.[130] The Kiran is to be replaced by the HAL HJT-36 Sitara.[131]
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.[85] A total of 106 BAE Hawk trainers have been ordered by the IAF of which 39 have entered service as of July 2010.[132]
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.
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.[133] 4 Dhruvs are also operated by the Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team.[87]
The HAL Chetak is a light utility helicopter and is used primarily for training, rescue and light transport roles in the IAF.[134] The HAL Chetak is scheduled to be replaced by HAL's Advanced Light Helicopter.[134]
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.[135]
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.[136][137] 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.[138]
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.[139]
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.[140]
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[141] and IAI Heron[142] for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. The IAI Harpy serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack radar systems.[143] The IAF also operates the DRDO Lakshya which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training.[144]
Land-based air defence
Surface-to-air missile systems
The IAF currently operates the S-125 Pechora[145][146] and the 9K33 Osa[97][146] 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.[147]
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.[148]
Anti-ballistic missile systems
The S-300 SAM[149] 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.[150]
Future
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 upgradation 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.
Upgrades
The IAF is currently upgrading its 69 MiG-29s (to the UPG standard)[103] and 105 An-32s.[119] IAF's HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers are 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.[127] There are also plans to upgrade its 51 Mirage 2000Hs to the Mirage-2000-5 Mk 2 variant[152] and 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems[153] and the capability of carrying the air launched version of the BrahMos cruise missile.
Under procurement
The IAF has placed orders for 48 indigenous HAL Tejas aircraft,[156] 72 HAL HJT-36 Sitara Trainers[85] and 65 HAL Light Combat Helicopters,[157] The IAF has also ordered 10 C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters,[158] 6 C-130J Super Hercules modified for special mission roles, under which 1 was inducted recently [159] [160] 139 Mi-17V-5 helicopters,[138] [161] 12 VVIP-configured AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters,[162] and IAI Harop UCAVs.[143][163] The IAF has also ordered 18 Israeli SPYDERSurface to Air Missiles (SAMs).[164]
The IAF is to acquire 126 fighters through the Indian MRCA competition in which the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche-3 and Dassault Rafale will compete to win the order.[165]Grob G-120TP, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Korean Aerospace Industries KT-1, Finmeccanica M-311, Hawker Beechcraft T-6 Texan and Pilatus PC-7 are competing for a tender to equip the IAF with 181 basic trainer aircraft.[166] The Air Force Chief said on March 11, 2011 that the deal could be signed before July 2011.[167] The IAF is also conducting trials for 22 attack helicopters (for which the competitors are the AH-64D Apache Longbow and Mi-28) and 15 heavy lift helicopters (for which the competitors are the CH-47 Chinook and Mi-26).[168] The IAF has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for 16 C-27J Spartan medium military transport aircraft,[169] The IAF also submitted a request for information to international suppliers for a stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)[170] 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,[106][107] Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft(AMCA),[171] DRDO AEW&CS (revived from the Airavat Project),[172] NAL Saras,[173] HAL HJT-36 Sitara,[174] HAL HTT-40, HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH),[175] HAL Light Observation Helicopter (LOH),[176] DRDO Rustom[177] and AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) UCAV.[178] DRDO has developed the Akash missile system for the IAF[179][180] and is developing the Maitri SAM with MBDA.[181] DRDO is also developing the Prithvi II ballistic missile.[182] HAL has undertaken the joint development of the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft)[183] (a derivative project of the PAK FA) and the UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA)[184] with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). DRDO has entered in a joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop the Barak II SAM.[185] 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 capableNirbhay cruise missile
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