Indian Air Force

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Indian Air force

Ensign of the Indian Air Force

Founded October 8, 1932
Country India
170,000 personnel
Size 1,700 aircraft (including 852
combat aircraft)
Part of Indian Armed Forces
Headquarters New Delhi, India
Sanskrit: Nabha Sparsham
Motto Deeptam
"Touch the Sky with Glory"[1]
Navy blue, sky blue and white
Colour
Commanders
Chief of the Air Air Chief Marshal Pradeep
Staff Vasant Naik
Insignia

Crest

Roundel

Fin flash

Aircraft flown
Attack Jaguar IS, MiG-21, MiG-27
Electronic
IAI Phalcon
warfare
Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000H,
Fighter
MiG-29
Helicopter Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-
 8/Mi-17, Mi-26, Mi-25/35
Reconnaissance Gulfstream IV
HPT-32 Deepak,HPT-16 Kiran
Trainer MK II,HJT-36 Sitara and the
BAE Hawk Mk 132.
Il-76 MD, An-32, HS-748,
Transport Boeing 707, Boeing 737 and
C-130.

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 wars 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. 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 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 1,700 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
[hide]

• 1 Mission
• 2 History
• 3 Structure of the IAF
o 3.1 Commands and structure
o 3.2 Bases
o 3.3 Wings
 o 3.4 Squadrons
• 4 IAF personnel
o 4.1 Officers
o 4.2 Airmen
o 4.3 Garud Commando Force
o 4.4 Non Combatants Enrolled and civilians
• 5 Land-Based Air Defence
• 6 Aircraft inventory
o 6.1 Fighter and multi-role combat aircraft
o 6.2 Strike, attack and close support aircraft
o 6.3 Airborne Early Warning aircraft
o 6.4 Transport aircraft
o 6.5 Training aircraft
o 6.6 Helicopters
o 6.7 Unmanned aerial vehicles
• 7 Ongoing expansion
o 7.1 Future aircraft
 7.1.1 Confirmed sales
 7.1.2 Under procurement
 7.1.3 Under development
o 7.2 Aerospace Command
o 7.3 Surface to Air Missile Systems
o 7.4 Surface to Surface Missiles
o 7.5 Air to Surface Missiles
• 8 See also
• 9 Footnotes
• 10 References

• 11 External links

[edit] 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.

[edit] History
Main article: History of the Indian Air Force

One of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

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 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 Flight Lieutenant
(later Air Vice Marshal) Cecil Bouchier.[8] Until 1938, No. 1 Squadron remained the only
squadron of the IAF, though two more flights were added.[8] During the Second World
War, the Air Force had grown to seven 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] Indian National Army youth cadets were trained by Imperial
Japanese Army Air Force Academy in 1944.[10]

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.[11]

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.[12] 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, the 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.[17] 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.[18]
However, instead of providing close air support to the Indian Army,[19] the IAF carried
out independent raids against Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases.[20] These bases were
situated deep inside Pakistani territory, making IAF fighters vulnerable to anti-aircraft
fire.[21] 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.[22]
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.[23] 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.[24]

HAL HF-24 Marut, the first indigenous fighter jet to enter service with the Indian Air
Force.

After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes. In 1966, the Para
Commandos regiment was created.[25] 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.[26] 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,[27] 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 because of the
intensification of the independence movement in erstwhile East Pakistan.[28] 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 four PAF Sabres were shot down by IAF's Folland Gnats.[29] 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. However the plan failed as the IAF had anticipated such a move
and no major losses were suffered.[30] The Indian Air Force was quick to respond to
Pakistani air strikes, following which the PAF carried out mostly defensive sorties.[31]
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.[32] 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.[33] The IAF undertook strategic bombing of West Pakistan by carring out
raids on oil installations in Karachi, the Mangla Dam and a gas plant in Sindh.[34] 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.[35] By the time Pakistani forces surrendered, the
IAF claimed that 94 PAF aircraft, including 54 F-86 Sabres.[36] The IAF had flown over
6,000 sorties[32] on both East and West fronts; including sorties by transport aircraft and
helicopters.[32] 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.[37]

In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the Siachen Glacier in the
contested Kashmir region.[38] IAF's Mi-8, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters airlifted
hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen.[39] 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 opposition,
took control over most of the heights on the glacier.[40]

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.[41] Because of 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.[42] 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.
[43]
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.[44] 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.[45] 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.[46] 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.[47] By July 26, the Indian
forces had successfully liberated Kargil from Pakistani forces and Islamist militants.[48]
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.[49] India claimed that the Atlantic was on a mission
to gather information on IAF air defence,[50] a charge emphatically rejected by Pakistan
which argued that the unarmed aircraft was on a training mission.[51]

Since 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.[52] As new aircraft enter service and numbers recover, the IAF plans to have a fleet
of 42 squadrons.[53]

[edit] 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.[54] The Prime Minister and the National Security Council provide indirect
leadership by shaping government security policy. A Chief of the Air Staff with the rank
of Air Chief Marshal commands Air Headquarters 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.[55] 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.[56]

[edit] Commands and structure

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be challenged and removed. (November 2009)
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 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 Functional Commands

• Central Air Command (CAC), • Training Command (TC),

headquartered at Allahabad, Uttar headquartered at Bangalore,
Pradesh Karnataka
• Eastern Air Command (EAC),
headquartered at Shillong, Meghalaya • Maintenance Command (MC),
• Southern Air Command (SAC), headquartered at Nagpur,
headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram, Maharashtra
Kerala
• South Western Air Command
(SWAC), headquartered at
Gandhinagar, Gujarat

• Western Air Command (WAC),

headquartered at Subroto Park, New
Delhi

[edit] Bases

Main article: List of Indian Air Force bases

USAF F-16 at Kalaikunda AFS during Cope India 2006. IAF Mig 27s can be seen in the
background.

The IAF operates over sixty air bases, with more being built or planned.[57] 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

[edit] 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.[58][59]

[edit] Squadrons

IAF engineers conduct post-flight maintenance on Su-30 MKI fighters following a Red
Flag mission in Nevada.

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. 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:[60]

Flying Branch Technical Branch Ground Branch

• Flying • Engineering • Administration

• Accounts
• Logistics • Education
• Medical & Dental

• Meteorological
[edit] IAF personnel
The IAF has a strength of 170,000 personnel. Its rank structure is based on that of the
Royal Air Force.[2] 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 P.V.Naik, appointed on May 1, 2009,
following the retirement of Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major.[61]

[edit] 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.[62] 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.[63] 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.[64] 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.[65] At the time of application, all applicants must be single.[66] The
IAF selects candidates for officer training from these applicants. After completion of
training, candidate are commissioned as Flying Officers.

Ranks of the Indian Air Force- Officer Ranks

Shoul
der

Sleev
e

Mars
hal of Air Air Grou Squa Flyin
Air Air Wing Flight Pilot
the Chief Vice p dron g
Rank Mars Comm Comm Lieute Office
Air Mars Mars Capta Lead Offic
hal odore ander nant r2
Force hal hal in er er
¹
 • ¹ Honorary/War time rank.
2
• Rank no longer exist.

[edit] Airmen

A Squadron Leader leading the IAF Airmen during a guard of honor ceremony at the
Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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.[67]

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 Centers for their respective
commands.[67]

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.[67]

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.[67]

Ranks of the Indian Air Force - Enlisted Ranks

Junior Commissioned
Enlisted
Officer
Shoulde
r
Ar
m

Sleeve

Master Junior Leading

Warrant Sergean Corpor Aircraftsma
Rank Warrant Warrant Aircraftsma
Officer t al n
Officer Officer n

[edit] Garud Commando Force

Main article: Garud Commando Force

The Garud Commando Force is the Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was
formed in September 2004 and has a strength 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 Air Force bases and installations; search
and rescue during peace and hostilities and disaster relief during calamities.[68] Presently,
the GARUDs are deployed in Congo as part of the UN peace keeping operations.

[edit] 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 employed in administrative and
technical work. More than 250 different designations exist.

[edit] Land-Based Air Defence

An SA-16 Gimlet on display

• Isayev SA-3 Goa:[69][70] 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.[71] As of 2009, no firm SA-3
upgrade program has been signed for.
• SA-8 Gecko[69][70]
• SA-10 Grumble/S-300[72]. Reportedly 6 batteries were purchased in August 1995
• SA-16 Gimlet - MANPAD[73]

[edit] Aircraft inventory

Main article: List of aircraft of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force has a strength of over 1,915 (combat and non-combat) aircraft.[2]
Most are of Soviet/Russian origin. The Air Force also operates some aircraft from Britain
and France. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 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.[74]

[edit] Fighter and multi-role combat aircraft

IAF Su-30 MKI

These aircraft are primarily for air defence and air superiority purposes. However, most
of them have significant strike and close air support capabilities. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI
is the IAF's prime air superiority fighter. The Su-30K variant was first acquired in 1996.
That year, 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.[75] The two-seat, multi-role fighter has a maximum speed
of 2500 km/h (Mach 2.35) and a service ceiling of 20,000 meters. With one mid-air
refueling, it can travel as far as 8000 km, making it a suitable platform to deliver strategic
weapons.[76] .In 2007, the IAF spent US$700 million to upgrade its remaining 10 Su-30Ks
and 8 SU-30MKs to MKI Std variant[77] and signed a contract for the supply of 40
additional MKIs with Russia.[78][79]

The MiG-29 (NATO: Fulcrum) is the IAF's dedicated air superiority fighter.[76] It 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-29s in 1984, becoming the second air
force to do so.[80]. 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
engines.[81]

Indian Air Force Mirage 2000H.

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 cannon, two Matra Super 530D medium-range missiles, two R550 Magic
close combat missiles and various ground attack munitions.[82]

Since 1963, over 450 MiG-21 combat aircraft have served in the IAF.[83][84] 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,[85] and a multi-million dollar deal was awarded
to Israel's Elta for upgrading the avionics of the MiGs.[86] Because of their frequent
crashes, the MiG-21s have been dubbed flying coffins by the media.[87] 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.[88] During the 2005-09 period, 32 MiG
series fighters in service with the IAF crashed, resulting in the death of five pilots.[89]

[edit] Strike, attack and close support aircraft

IAF Jaguar

Squadrons of Jaguar (known as the Shamsher in Indian service) and MiG-27 aircraft
serve as the IAF's primary ground attack force.[76] 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-seat 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 successfully
completed the upgrade programs on the Air Force's MiG-27 ground attack variants.[90]
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.[90] 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.[90] 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.[90]

[edit] Airborne Early Warning aircraft

In 2004, the IAF ordered 3 IAI Phalcon Airborne Early Warning radar system from Israel
Aerospace Industries,[91] which is considered to be the most advanced AEW&C system in
the world.[92] The air force will use 3 newly acquired Ilyushin Il-76 Phalcons as the
platform for this radar. In May 2008, India appears to have ordered an additional three
Phalcon radar-equipped IL-76s from Israel,[93] 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.[93] The first Phalcons arrived in
India on May 25, 2009 and are expected to be commissioned into service by 2010.[94] 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.

[edit] Transport aircraft

Il-78 landing at Lajes, Portugal

The IAF operates 25 Ilyushin Il-76s for military transport duties such as heavy lift 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[95] and are fitted with aerial refueling pods from Israel.[96]
India took delivery of the tankers in 2004.[97]

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.[98]

[edit] Training aircraft

HAL HJT-36 Sitara

The HPT-32 Deepak is IAF's basic flight training aircraft for cadets.[99] Developed during
the late 1970s, it has been in service with the IAF since 1984.[100]

The IAF uses the HAL HJT-16 Kiran mk.I for intermediate flight training of cadets,
while the HJT-16 Kiran mk.II provides Stage II flight training.[101][102] 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 were trained in the UK, and the aircraft is scheduled to replace
the mk.II. HAL is developing the HJT-36 Sitara to replace the Kiran mk.I.

[edit] Helicopters
HAL Dhruv

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 Medium Utility Heavylift Attack

• HAL Dhruv • Mi-8 • Mi-26 • Mi-25/35

• HAL Chetak
• Mi-17
• HAL Cheetah

[edit] 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.[103]
[104]
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.[105] Another
UAV, the HAL Nishant Remote Piloted Vehicle (RPV) has also been developed, with an
endurance of over 3 hours.[106] The UAV can be used to carry out ground attacks and
aerial surveillance.

[edit] Ongoing expansion

[edit] Future aircraft
Production line of Hawk 132 at HAL's facility in Bangalore, India

As of 2008, the Indian Air Force plans to induct 126 multi-role combat aircraft (with an
option for an additional 74 aircraft), 280 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
SEPECAT Jaguar combat aircraft. Additionally, the Indian Air Force has signed
contracts for 66 BAE Hawk Mk.132 trainers (deliveries underway) , 80+40 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 began the upgradation of its MiG-29 fleet in 2007.[107] India
awarded Russia a US$965 million contract to upgrade its multi-role MiG-29 into MiG-
29SMT 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 state-of-the-art avionics.

[edit] Confirmed sales

In early 2008, the IAF signed a deal to acquire 6 C-130J Super Hercules, modified for
special mission roles, for US$1.06 billion.[108] Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver the
planes in 2011.[109][110] 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.[111][112] 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.

[edit] Under procurement

Further information: Indian MRCA Competition

The six competing MRCA aircraft. (L-R): Rafale, Typhoon, F-16C/D, F/A-18E/F, JAS
39 Gripen and MiG-35. (Note: Not an official logo)

Because of delays in inducting the indigenous HAL Tejas,[113] the IAF issued an Request
of Intent (RoI) for the procurement of 126 multi-role combat aircraft to replace around
250 Cold War-era MiG-21 it operates. Contenders for the $10 Billion contract are the
MiG-35 from Mikoyan of Russia, the Rafale from Dassault Aviation of France, the
Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS 39 Gripen from Saab of Sweden, the F-16IN from Lockheed
Martin and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Boeing.[114]

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.[115]

On May 26, 2009, the Indian Ministry of Defense invited bids for 22 combat helicopters
and 15 heavy-lift 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.[116][117] Boeing submitted its initial bid on Oct 23, 2009 offering
the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter and the CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift,
twin-rotor helicopters.[118]

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.[119]

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.[120] 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.[121]

[edit] Under development

HAL Tejas

HAL initiated the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme in 1983 to develop a
replacement aircraft for IAF's ageing MiG-21. After development during the 80s and 90s
the first flight occurred in 2001. The aircraft has since been christened HAL Tejas. The
IAF plans to induct 220 Tejas aircraft. It has ordered 28 limited production aircraft.[122]
These aircraft are expected to enter service in 2010.

In October 2007, India and Russia signed a pact to develop a Fifth Generation Fighter
Aircraft.[123] The Indian version will be a two-seater, air superiority fighter.[124] Another
agreement was signed between India's Hindustan Aeronautics and Russia's United
Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in December 2008 which detailed the joint development and
production the aircraft.[125] Work on the program will start by mid-2009 and the program
is expected to be completed by 2017.[126] During this period, these companies will form a
joint-venture 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.[127]

HAL has also started design work on Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) is a twin-
engined 5th generation stealth multirole fighter. It will complement the HAL Tejas and
the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA in the Indian Air Force. The main purpose of this aircraft is to
replace the aging SEPECAT Jaguar & MiG-27.

In 2004, Defence Research and Development Organisation revived the Airavat Project,
which was India's first attempt in developing an indigenous AEW aircraft.[128] A $210
million deal signed with Brazil's Embraer in 2008 for the supply of three Embraer EMB-
145 regional jets.[129] 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.

HAL has developed HAL HJT-36 Sitara for the IAF which carried out its maiden test
flight in 2003. These aircraft are scheduled to replace the aging HJT-16 Kiran mk.I as
intermediate jet trainer. The company is developing an Light Combat 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]

[edit] Aerospace Command

Main article: Integrated Space Cell

The IAF is setting up an aerospace command. This command will leverage space
technology including satellites. The command will be utilised by all the three services of
the Indian armed forces and also for civilian purposes by ISRO.[132][133] On October 22,
2001, ISRO launched the Technology Experiment Satellite (TES). Its onboard 1-metre
resolution camera was the testbed for Indian space based imagery intelligence.[134] ISRO
launched follow-up military satellite CARTOSAT-2A on 28 April, 2008.[135] It carries a
panchromatic camera (PAN) with a resolution less than 1-metre but lacks night time and
cloudy weather observation capability.[136] ISRO launched a sophisticated radar-imaging
satellite on 20 April 2009 called RISAT-2.[137] It is capable of imaging in all-weather
conditions and has a resolution of one metre.[138] ISRO has denied that the spacecraft is
spy satellite;[139] however, experts believe that the satellite will allow India's security
agencies to monitor military activities and movements of suspected terrorists in
neighboring countries[138] as well as enable the IAF to carry out precise strikes against
targets like terrorist training camps.[140]

[edit] 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.[141]
• 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.[142] 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.[143]. 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.[144] The two
countries signed an additional $4 billion deal for the joint-development of a
medium range surface-to-air missiles.[145] However, the procurement of SPYDER
missiles was delayed because of 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.[146] In August 2008, a $2.5
billion deal was signed by India and Israel to develop an advanced version of the
SPYDER.[147]

Akash missile.
 • 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.[148][149][150]

• 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.[143][151] DRDO and
IAF jointly began a ten day intensive trial of Akash on December 13, 2007 aimed
at making IAF familiar with the system.[152]

IAF currently operates two squadrons of Akash. It is happy with the missile and is in the
process of acquiring more squadrons for deployment in the North East.[153]

[edit] 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.[154][155]

[edit] Air to Surface Missiles

• DRDO- NPO Mashinostroeyenia Brahmos- Air launched version under

Development

Western Air Command (WAC)

Subroto Park, New Delhi

Raised : 05 Sept 1949

Current Location : Subroto Park, New Delhi

List of AOCs-in-C : Click to View

Western Command was raised as No.1 Operational Group on Independence 27 Sep 47. In
1949, It was redesignated as Operations Command. In 1962, with the raising of Central
Air Command, Operations Command was renamed as Western Air Command. WAC is
the most important of the five regional commands. It controls air operations north of
Jaipur, including the capital and Punjab, from Kashmir south to Rajasthan. There is an
Air Operations Group at the Udhampur AFB, formed in 1982, is dedicated to the defence
of Jammu & Kashmir and also includes Ladakh. There is an advanced headquarters
located near the Army's Western Command at Chandigarh.

Western Air Command features several permanent airbases at Adampur, Ambala,

Avantipur, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindan, Leh, Palam, Srinagar and Pathankot with
forward base support units (FBSUs) at Amritsar, Bhatinda, Sirsa and Udhampur. The
WAC features air defence squadrons consisting of the MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-29. The
ground attack squadrons consists of the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27 and Jaguar IS.
Eastern Air Command (EAC)
Shillong. Meghalaya

Raised : 01 Dec 1959

Current Location : Shillong. Meghalaya

EAC was first raised at Rani Kutir in Calcutta. Then it was shifted to Tezpur in 1963. By
the end of 1963, the HQ was shifted to Shillong (Meghalaya). EAC controls air
operations in the eastern sector which includes West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram and the
other eastern states bordering Bangladesh, Burma and Tibet. Eastern Air Command
(EAC) features permanent airbases at Chabua, Gauhati, Bagdogra, Barrackpore,
Hashmira, Jorhat, Kalaikunda and Tezpur with forward airbases at Agartala, Culcutta,
Panagarh and Shillong. EAC features AD squadrons consisting of the MiG-21 and
ground attack squadrons consisting of the MiG-27.

Central Air Command (CAC)

Bamrauli, Allahabad, UP
 Central Air Command (CAC)
Current Location : Bamrauli,
Raised : 19 March 62
Allahabad, UP
List of AOCs-in-C : Click to View

Initially raised at Rani Kutir, near Calcutta, CAC shifted its

headquarters to Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) in 1966. it controls
air operations in all of central India, from Delhi to Bengal. This
command was reduced in size with the establishment of the
Southern Air Command. The CAC features permanent airbases
at Agra, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Gwalior, Nagpur and
Kanpur. Central Air Command features air defence squadrons
consisting of the Mirage 2000 and the MiG-21. It is the main
transport command with aircraft like the IAF's workhorse - the
An-32, the long range heavy lift IL-76MD and the Dornier Do-
228 which are used in the utility role. CAC also has helicopter
squadrons like the Mi-8 Hip & Mi-17 Hip and the heavy lift, Mi-
26 Halo.

South Western Air Command (SWAC)

Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Raised : 23 July 80

Current Location : Gandhinagar, Gujarat

SWAC was converted from the No.1 Ops Group of WAC which was then located at
Jodhpur. In May 1998, it moved its HQ to Gandhinagar. It controls air operations in the
south western air sector, which includes most of Rajasthan, and south through Gujarat to
Saurashtra, and Kutch to Pune. Because SWAC has no sensitive adjacent areas, its task
has been largely air defence, however, it is now reported to have a strike mission profile.
South Western Air Command features permanent airbases at Bhuj, Jaisalmer, Nalia,
Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Barmer and Poona with forward airbases at Ahmedabad, Nal,
Suratgarh and Uttarlai. The SWAC features air defence squadrons consisting of the MiG-
21, MiG-29 and Su-30. The ground attack squadrons consist of the MiG-21 and the MiG-
23. SWAC also has a maritime attack squadron, which consists of the Jaguar IM.
Southern Air Command (SAC)
Trivandrum, Kerala

Southern Air Command (SAC)

Current Location : Trivandrum,
Raised : 19 July 84
Kerala
List of AOCs-in-C : Click to View

With its headquarters located at Akkulam in Trivandrum

(Kerala), it controls air operations in the southern sector which
includes all the southern states, the Bay of Bengal, the
Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshwadeep. Southern Air
Command features permanent airbases at Bidar, Bangalore,
Begumpet, Dundigal, Hakimpet, Tambaram, Port Blair and Car
Nicobar with forward airbases at Madurai and Salur. Some
airbases also have training and support units. SAC features no
combat aircraft squadrons, but could do so in an emergency
like the operations in Maldives in 1987 where Mirage 2000s
from Gwalior AFB in Central Air Command participated.

Training Command (TC)

Bangalore, Karnataka
 Raised : 22 July 49

Current Location : Bangalore, Karnataka

Training Command traces out its lineage from the No.2 Training Group which was set up
immediately after Independence. Training Group was redesignated as Training Command
in 1949. Although its headquarters is located at J C Nagar, Bangalore (Karnataka) most
of the flying and ground training establishments are located in central and southern India.

Maintenance Command (MC)

Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra
 Raised : 26 Jan 55

Current Location : Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra

List of AOCs-in-C : Click to View

MC was raised as Maintenance Group at Chakeri in Kanpur in 1950. in 1955, It was

designated as Maintenance Command. Its current headquarters is located at Vayusena
Nagar in Nagpur (Maharashtra).

Maintenance Command is one of the commands of IAF for maintenance, repair &
overhaul, product support, storage & issue of spares for all variants of aircraft, airborne
equipment and support equipment of IAF. This function is performed through various
Base Repair Depots (BRDs and Equipment Depots (EDs).

MC has about Nine Base Repair Depots taking care of the overhaul and mainenance of
various types of aircraft. The BRDs are augemented by Equipment Depots and Air Stores
Parks.
The Indian Air Force Today

The Indian Air Force (IAF) today, having completed the Platinum Jubilee of dedicated
service to the nation, is a modern, technology-intensive force distinguished by its
commitment to excellence and professionalism. Keeping pace with the demands of
contemporary advancements, the IAF continues to modernise in a phased manner and
today it stands as a credible air power counted amongst the fore-most professional
services in the world.

The primacy of Air Power will be a decisive factor in shaping the outcome of future
conflicts. In line with this dictum, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has developed into a major
'Component of National Power', which can be applied quickly and decisively. The IAF
has reoriented itself to a multi-role capability of platforms and equipment, along with
multi-skill capability of personnel. The rapid economic growth of the country dictates the
need to protect our security interests extending from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of
Malacca.

Over the years the IAF has grown from a tactical force to one with transoceanic reach.
The strategic reach emerges from induction of Force Multipliers like Flight Refuelling
Aircraft (FRA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and credible strategic lift capabilities.
There is emphasis on acquiring best of technology through acquisitions or upgradation,
be it aircraft, systems, precision missiles or net centricity. The main inductions and
acquisitions by Indian Air Force are given in the following paras.

IAF has started upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the last few years in order to
enhance its operational capability and maintain its aircraft as modern weapon platforms,
capable of meeting the present challenges posed by the security scenario in our region. Of
the available fleet, MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar aircraft have already been upgraded and
Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft are planned for upgradation. The Indian Air Force is
considering upgrade of its medium lift helicopters comprising Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-17-
IVs, as also the AN - 32 transport aircraft, with the aim of improving their overall
capability.

The IAF today is in the process of a most comprehensive modernisation plan. Over the
next few years, the force would induct more Su-30 aircraft, the Light Combat Aircraft
(LCA) and the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). There are plans to
augment the helicopter and transport fleets too. The IAF has initiated the process for
acquisition of additional Mi-17 IV helicopters, heavy lift helicopters, Advanced Light
Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopters. For the transport fleet, induction of Boeing
Business Jets (BBJ), Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) and Airborne Warning and Control
Systems (AWACS), Heavy Transport Aircraft (HETAC), C-130J Hercules and Medium
Transport Aircraft (MTA) is also planned. Among trainer aircraft, the Hawk Advanced
Jet Trainer has been inducted and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) would be acquired in
the near future. The IAF is also in the process of acquiring radars in various categories to
meet the Air Defence requirements, accurate and advanced weapons, Network Centric
Warfare systems, etc, to meet its assigned tasks.
The Indian Air Force has seven commands, of which five are operational and two
functional, namely :

• HQ Central Air Command, Allahabad

• HQ Eastern Air Command, Shillong
• HQ Western Air Command, New Delhi
• HQ Southern Air Command, Thiruvananthapuram
• HQ South-Western Air Command, Gandhi Nagar
• HQ Maintenance Command, Nagpur and
• HQ Training Command, Bangalore

Helicopters

The IAF's helicopter fleet has steadily increased in numbers over the past twenty years,
blossoming from a handfull of U.S. types in the '60s to over 500 French, Indian and
Soviet built types. The pride of the force is, undoubtedly, the Mi-26 heavy lift helicopter
which has been operated by No. 126 H.U. with outstanding results in the mountains of
Northern India. The bulk of rotorcraft are Mi-17s and Mi-8s, well over one hundred of
these types serving in Helicopter Units throughout the country, playing a vital logistic
support role. Mi-8s are operated for commando assault tasks, for ferrying supplies and
personnel to remote mountain helipads and jungle clearings, carrying out SAR (Search
and Research Operations) and logistic support tasks in the island territories, employed
with the Indian permanent station in the Antarctica and so on.

The smaller Alouette III, renamed Chetak, is as ubiquitous, being employed for
casevac(Casualty Evacuation), communi- cations and liaison duties with the IAF having
received over 150 examples of this versatile rotorcraft.

In 1986, however, the Government of India formally constituted the Army's Aviation
Corps and most Chetak and Cheetahs operating in AOP Squadrons were transferred from
the Air Force on 1st November 1986. The Air Force continues to fly armed Chetaks in
the anti-tank role as well as for CASEVAC and general duties while the lighter Cheetah
is operated by (FAC) flights.

In May 1984, No. 125 Helicopter Unit was formed with the formidable Mi-25 gunship
helicopter, used to much effect in Sri Lanka. The upgraded Mi 35 has followed in April
1990, with No. 104 HU being reequipped with the type. Future requirements for armed
helicopters are planned to be met by the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
named DHRUV, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

Trainer

The IAF replaced its HT-2 primary trainers with the HPT-32 (Deepak), the new piston
engined trainer being utilised at the Basic Flying Training School at Allahabad since
January 1988 and at Air Force Academy at Dundigal. Flight cadets then proceed to the
Air Force Academy, Dundigal for instruction on the HJT 16 Kiran, first on the Mk. I/IA
and then on the armed Mk II version or the Polish origin Iskra, for tactical flying. After
commissioning, pilots are streamed to various conversion units, depending on their
selection and proficiency. Future fighter pilots are sent to operational conversion units
(now known as the MOFTU or MIG Operational Flying Training Unit) where
operational and tactical flyng is conducted on MIG 21. Thus are born the IAF's leaders
and even future spacemen, like Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, India's first cosmonaut who
participated in a joint space flight with the Soviets in 1984.

SU-30 : Twin seater twin engine multirole fighter of

Russian origin which carries 130 mm GSH gun
alongwith 8000 kg external armament. It is capable of
carrying a variety of medium-range guided air to air
missiles with active or semi-active radar or Infra red
homing close range missiles. It has a max speed of
2500 km/hr (Mach 2.35). SU-30

Mirage-2000 : A single seater air defence and multi-role

fighter of French origin powered by a single engine can
attain max speed of 2495 km/hr(Mach 2.3). It carries
two 30 mm integral cannons and two matra super 530D
medium-range and two R-550 magic II close combat
missiles on external stations.
Mirage-2000

MiG-29 : Twin engine, single seater air superiority

fighter aircraft of Russian origin capable of attaining
max. speed of 2445 km per hour (Mach-2.3). It has a
combat ceiling of 17 km. It carries a 30 mm cannon
alongwith four R-60 close combat and two R-27 R
medium range radar guided missiles.

MiG-29

MiG-27 : Single engine, single seater tactical strike

fighter aircraft of Russian origin having a max. speed of
1700 km/hr (Mach 1.6). It carries one 23 mm six-barrel
rotary integral cannon and can carry upto 4000 kg of
other armament externally.
MiG-27
MiG-23 MF : Single engine, single seater swing wing
air superiority fighter of Russian origin carrying one 23
mm twin barrel gun and two R-23R/T medium range and
two R-60 close combat missiles. It has a max speed of
2446 km/hr (Mach 2.3).

MiG-23 MF

MiG-21 BIS : Single engine, single seater multirole

fighter/ground attack aircraft of Russian origin which
forms the back-bone of the IAF. It has a max speed of
2230 km/hr (Mach 2.1) and carries one 23mm twin
barrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles.
MiG-21 BIS

Jaguar : A twin-engine, single seater deep penetration

strike aircraft of Anglo-French origin which has a max.
speed of 1350 km /hr (Mach 1.3). It has two 30mm
guns and can carry two R-350 Magic CCMs (overwing)
alongwith 4750 kg of external stores (bombs/fuel).
Jaguar

IL-76 : A four engine heavy duty/long haul military

transport aircraft of Russian origin with a max speed of
850 km/hr. It has a twin 23 mm cannon in tail turret and
capacity to carry 225 paratroopers or 40 tonnes freight,
wheeled or tracked armoured vehicles.
IL-76

AN-32 : Twin engine turboprop, medium tactical

transport aircraft of Russian origin with a crew of five
and capacity to carry 39 paratroopers or max load of 6.7
tonnes. It has a max cruise speed of 530 km/hr.
AN-32
AVRO : Twin engine turboprop, military transport and
freighter of British origin having a capacity of 48
paratroopers or 6 tonnes freight and max cruise speed
of 452 km/hr.
AVRO

Dornier : Twin engine turboprop, logistic air support

staff transport aircraft of German origin capable of
carrying 19 passengers or 2057 kg freight. It has a max
speed of 428 km/hr.
Dornier

Boeing 737-200 : Twin engine turbofan, VIP passenger

aircraft of American origin with total seating capacity of
upto 60 passengers. It has a max cruise speed of 943
km/hr.
Boeing 737-200

MI-26 : Twin engine turboshaft, military heavy lift

helicopter of Russian origin with carrying capacity of 70
combat equipped troops or 20,000 kg payload. It has a
max speed of 295 km/hr.
MI-26

MI-25 : Twin engine turboshaft, assault and anti armour

helicopter capable of carrying 8 men assault squad with
four barrel 12.7 mm rotary gun in nose barbette and upto
1500 Kg of external ordnance including Scorpion anti-
tank missiles. It has a max cruise speed of 310 km/hr.
MI-25
MI-17 : Twin engine turboshaft, medium transport
helicopter of Russian origin with a capacity of 24 troops
or 3.3 tonnes of freight. It carries 6 UV-17, 57 mm
rocket pods and has max cruise speed of 240 km/hr.
MI-17

Chetak : Single engine turboshaft, light utility French

helicopter with capacity of 6 passengers or 500 kg load.
The anti-tank version carries 4 AS-11 wire guided
missiles. It has a max speed of 220 km/hr.
Chetak

Cheetah : Single engine turboshaft, FAC/casevac

helicopter of French origin having capacity to carry 3
passengers or 100 kg external sling loads. It has max
cruise speed of 121 km/hr and can climb to 1 km in 4
minutes.
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The origin of the Western Air Command can be traced back to the nascent years of independent
India, when the various formations of the Air Force were organised into two groups. These were the
No 1 Operational Group which controlled all the flying units including the flying training units and the
No2 Training Group responsible for the entire spectrum of training activities (except flying training)
in the IAF.

On 22nd July 1949 the No 1 Operational Group was re-designated as the Operational Command.
The Air Officer Commanding the Operational Command was then of the rank of an Air Commodore.
This was upgraded to the rank of Air Vice Marshal in 1958 and later to the rank of Air Marshal. The
Command assumed its present name of Headquarters Western Air Command on 10th June 1963,
primarily as a consequence of formation of other operational commands and demarcation of specific
areas of responsibility.

Headquarters Western Air Command , located at Subroto Park , New Delhi, has over 200 bases
placed under its command and has been involved in all major operations in India since
independence. Due to its geographical location the Command has always been the hub-centre of all
operational activities during any operation. Some of the major operations handled are Kashmir
Operations 1947-48, Sino-Indian Conflict 1962, Indo-Pak War 1965, Indo-Pak War 1971, Operation
Pawan 1986 (Sri Lanka) and Operation Safed Sagar 1999 (Kargil).

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With the rapid expansion of the Indian Air Force during the fifties, the command and control
structure needed to be reorganised. This reorganisation led to the formation of No 1 Operational
Group at Calcutta on 27 May 1958. This group was responsible for the operations of the IAF in the
eastern as well as the central sector of the country.

The threat perception arising due to the Chinese occupation of Tibet necessitated the formation of a
Command that could effectively oversee the operations of the IAF in the eastern region of the
country. With this primary aim, the No 1 Operational Group was upgraded to Eastern Air Command
on 01 Dec 1959 at Calcutta. During the Indo-China Ccnflict of 1962, practical experience
highlighted the difficulty of Kolkata being the location of Eastern Air Command. In order to have
more effective operational control over the region of the north-east, the Command Headquarters was
shifted to Shillong on 10 Jun 63. Initially, HQ Eastern Air command was housed in the old buildings
located at Nonglyer village at upper Shillong.

As the legend goes, the Nonglyer Village, location of HQ Eastern Air Command, was once inhabited
by Khasi clan of Meghalaya. During the second world war, this was taken over by the Bristishers to
develop a military base. It came under the possession of Indian Army after the Bristishers left in
1947 and was occupied by No 58 Gorkha Regiment. The Regiment moved out for an operation in the
Chinese border in 1962 and did not return to their cherished abode of Upper Shillong. As a result, the
31.33 acre tom-shaded location with helipad was available for the EAC.

In 1980, decision was taken to maintain Shillong as the permanent location of HQs EAC. Thus, Air
Chief Marshal IH Latif, PVSM, the then Chief of the Air Staff laid the foundation stone of the
present three storied building, facing south west, adjacent to the old location, on 13 Oct 1980. The
impressive mansion of Head Quarters EAC was completed in 1991. On 16 January 1991, Air Chief
Marshal SK Mehra, PVSM AVSM VM ADC, the then Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the
building. The building architected by M/S Bengal Trading Syndicate consists of 270 rooms and 4
halls with Central heating system. Even with modesty, it could be claimed that the Head Quarters
EAC building is the most beautiful outfit in all over Air Force today.
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With the rapid expansion of the Indian Air Force during the Fifties, the command and control
structure needed to be reorganized. This re-organisation led to the revival of the No 1 Operational
Group at Calcutta in 1958. This group was responsible for the operations of the IAF in the eastern
as well as the central sector of the country. The areas of responsibility of this Operational Group
were bifurcated and two separate commands were formed. The Central Air Command was formed
at Rani Kuthee, Calcutta in Mar 1962. However with need to increase vigil along the Indo-Nepal and
Indo-Tibetan borders, Calcutta was considered inappropriate location for the Central Air Command
Headquarters and it was relocated at Allahabad in February 1966.

The task assigned to this Command is to patrol the North Central sector of this country from
Himachal border to Sikkim. The area assigned to command stretches from Bareilly/Agra in the North
to Bihta/Darbhanga in the East from Indo-Nepal border in the North to Nagpur in the South.

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WHERE VICTORY IS A BYE WORD

Jai Shree Varte Veeram, meaning victory garlands the gallant, is a bye word to the soul and spirit of one of the
most operational commands of the Indian Air Force, the South Western Air Command.

Originally established as No 1 Operational Group at Jodhpur on 21 Sep 1972, it was subsequently

rechristened as the South Western Air Command on 23 Jul 1980. The operational area, carved out of the
Western Air Command, included most of Rajasthan and the entire Gujarat. he crest of the South Western Air
Command depicts the national emblem on the top as a pendant of a garland of flowers with "Dakshin Paschim
Vayu Kaman" encrypted inside in a semi circle. The centre is adorned by a dagger with wings. At the base,
under the inscription 'Bharatiya Vayu Sena', is a scroll with the command motto "Jai Shree Varte Veeram".

In a major expansion in the mid eighties, the units located at Pune and Mumbai were transferred from Central
Air Command.

Goa area of Southern Air Command was also added to the jurisdiction of this Command. Thus, the entire
south western area of the country came under the air defence umbrella of SWAC. Keeping in view the
increasing operational importance of the command, it was decided by Air HQ to move the Command
Headquarters from Jodhpur to Gandhinagar. The new HQ was inaugurated on 01 May 1998 by the then Chief
Minister of Gujarat, Shri Keshubhai Patel. The grand ceremony held on the occasion included a fly past by
fighters and helicopters, an aerobatics display by SU-30 and Surya Kiran aircraft and a free fall display by the
Akash Ganga para-jumping team.

The old MLAs' Hostel in Sector - 9, Gandhinagar, where the SWAC HQ is situated, has been suitably
renovated. With well equipped offices, properly maintained lawns and roads, and other facilities, it is a
beautiful place to work in. The construction of new buildings and infrastructure work has started at Chiloda. In
year or two HQ SWAC will shift to its new location near Gandhinagar.

Chiloda Project

The IAF has acquired 258 acres of land at Chiloda near Gandhinagar for this project. The Bhoomi Poojan and
Plantation Ceremony was held on 29 Jan 08.

Location

The acquired land is located close to village Chiloda and is approximately 35 KM from Ahmedabad and 7 KM
from the present Command HQ complex in Sector - 9 Gandhinagar.

Air Mshl KD Singh PVSM AVSM ADC AOC-in-C SWAC, IAF & Mrs Neelam Singh President AFWWA (R) at
Bhoomi Poojan and Plantation Ceremony at Chiloda on 29 Jan 08

Project Management

Project management team consisting of Air force & MES officers & staff has been formed for close monitoring
& smooth execution of the works services of OTM accommodation.

Master Plan

When fully developed, the campus would have the entire gamut of facilities required for the functioning of HQ
SWAC. These include:-

 Command HQ building.
 SWAC(U) buildings.
 Officers' Mess and living in accommodation.
 SNCOs' Mess and living in accommodation.
 Airmen Mess and living in accommodation.
 Airmen's institute.
 SMC, SHO and Family Welfare Centre.
 Shopping Complex, Bank and Post Office.
 Sports facilities including swimming pool, gymnasium, squash court, badminton court, and play grounds.
 State of art fully air conditioned auditorium with a seating capacity of 1200.
 War memorial.
 Religious places.
 CE(AF) office complex.
 GE(AF) office complex.
 MES Officers' Mess.
 Facilities for electric and water supply and central sewage treatment plant.
 Parade ground.
 Helipad with mini ATC.
 923 houses in 17 multi storey blocks for air warriors of HQ SWAC and collocated units.
 A nine hole golf course has also been planned in the Chiloda camp.

Work services for the above facilities are in progress and efforts are on to complete the construction by Dec
2010.

South Western Air Command is dedicated to securing the inviolability of the Indian Skies and to ensure the
integrity of airspace above the nation's land and sea territories within its area of responsibility. Since its
inception, SWAC, one of the premier operational commands of the IAF, has ceaselessly operated in peace
and war and has never let down its guard. Indeed, an Air arm can never afford to lessen its pace of
operational activities and readiness, flying by day and night through all seasons. Avionics is developing at an
ever quickening pace bringing into its fold a whole new breed of airmen with their astounding expertise, steely
toughness and undaunted courage. Indeed South Western Air Command lives by its motto 'Jai Shree Varte
Veeram'.

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Introduction

Southern Air Command with its Headquarters at Trivandrum was born on 19 Jul 84 out of the
changed geopolitical situation around Southern peninsula since early eighties Super Power rivalry in
Indian ocean, attempts to destabilise the littoral states and continued ethnic problems in Sri Lanka
compelled the defence planners to look afresh the Defence requirements of peninsular India in order
toe ffectively defend the Island territories and protect our exclusive economic zones extending deep
into the oceans. The need was felt to establish a full fledged Operational Air Command covering the
geopolitical area of peninsular India extending to 18 deg N including the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep islands in the Arabian sea. Accordingly, on 20 Jul 84,
Smt lndira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of inaugurated of Headquarters Southern Air Command
at Trivandrum at "Belhaven Palace", an old palace of Maharaja of Travancore located in the heart of
Thiruvananthapuram city. Initially, the Command exercised control over 5 lodger units. In a short
span of 15 years, the Command has grown and now has 17 lodger units under its jurisdiction.

Historical Background

A paper on formation of SAC was presented to the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on 10 Jul
84 and the sanction was obtained on 19 Jul 84. The Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi inaugurated
the Southern Air Command Headquarters on 20 Jul 84 in the presence of the then Defence Minister
Shri R Venkataraman. The CAS, Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh, first AOC-in-C of SAC, Air
Marshal TJ Desa and a host of other Civilian and service officers were special invites to the solemn
occasion.

With the increase in strength of personnel and operational importance, construction of permanent
accommodation for the Command Headquarters was planned at Akkulam. Accordingly the
construction of permanent Command Headquarters was completed and the Headquarters moved from
Belhaven Palace to Akkulam on 08 Aug 1996.

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The Indian Air Force was born on 08 Oct 32, when the Indian Air Force Bill became an act.
During the first six years of the existence of the IAF, it comprised of one squadron only. In Sep
39, when World War II broke out the IAF had a strength of 16 officers and 144 Hawai Sepoys.
The pilots were trained at Cranwell (UK) and technical personnel were trained at the Aircraft
Depot, Karachi. The technical training continued at the squadron under the supervision British
non-commissioned officers. Specific training centres in India were not established.

With the advent of war and the learning of Japan towards the Axis powers, the latter was
considered as a potential enemy. Therefore, need was felt to make IAF a self supporting force
for the South Eastern Theatre of war. This led to the rapid expansion of the IAF. The target
was fixed to have strength of 10 IAF Squadrons. With this expansion, the requirement of pilots
and technical personnel increased. For the training of technical personnel, a technical training
school was set up at Ambala in 1940.

Since prior to 1939, there was hardly any training carried out in India either of pilots or
ground engineers, there was no organization at Air HQ level for this purpose. However, when it
became impossible to send Indians to UK for training due to war, it was decided to create
training facilities in the country itself.

To cater to meet the expansion of the IAF, a target of 300 pilots and 3000 technical personnel
was fixed. Later on as the demand for ground technicians and non-technical personnel
increased, the target was fixed at 2750 per month. To cope with such a large training
commitment, a Directorate of Training was formed in Air HQ.

On the decision to expand the IAF, a Recruits Training Centre (for discipline, drill, etc.) and a
non-technical training centre was formed at Lahore. No.1 Technical School at Ambala provided
technical training. These training centres provided intensive training courses, designed to make
the trainees fit to shoulder responsibilities as soon as they were posted to the Units after
passing out. This system continued till 1947.

Independence of India and formation of Pakistan, led to the division of assets of the IAF in
undivided India. Available for division were eight squadrons of single engined fighters
(Tempest) and two squadrons of twin engined medium transport ac (Dakota). Two fighter &
one transport squadrons were transferred to Pakistan and six fighters and one transport
squadrons remained with India.

The training establishments were divided on the basis of the international boundary. Training
establishments located within the dominion of India remained with India and those located in
Pakistan went over to Pakistan. Since training was in progress at the time of partition, it was
decided that until such time the current courses were completed joint training would continue.
The joint training ceased by the end of Oct 47, when the trainees and staff joined their opted
country.

On 15 Aug 1947, the Air Force Training Establishments located in India were:

(a) Initial Training Wing, Coimbatore formed on 11 Jul 46.

(b) Elementary Flying Training School, Jodhpur formed on Jul 42.

 (c) Advanced Flying Training School, Ambala formed on Jul 41.

(d) No.1 Ground Training School, Jalahalli formed on Jul 47.

(e) No.2 Ground Training School, Tamabaram formed on Feb 47

No.2 (Indian) Group RAF located at Bangalore with Air Cmde Adams as AOC was responsible
for training of the Air Force recruits and the ground training institutions as on the day of
independent India. Both the flying training schools, however, remained under the direct control
of Air HQ. On 15 Sep 1947, No.2(Indian) Group RAF was renamed as No.2(Training) Group
RAF and Air Cmde Narendra took over as AOC on 03 Oct 47.

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OUR MOTTO" ALWAYS FLYING IN THE SKY"

TO ENABLE IAF TO " TOUCHING THE SKY WITH GLORY"

Genesis

Maintenance Command, as most old timers would know, was formed at Kanpur on 26
January 1955, with Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh MBE PVSM as its first Air Officer
Commanding-in-Chief.

Kanpur was the hub-centre of maintenance activities even before independence. The
only Base Repair Depot (BRD) of the Indian Air Force existed at Kanpur, along with a
Repair and Manufacturing Depot (RMD). A unit called Aircraft Manufacturing Depot
(AMD) was subsequently added to undertake manufacture of the AVRO aircraft. In the
perspective of industrial revolution in India, when the role of IAF was more clearly
defined, the AMD was transferred to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This division of HAL is today
known as Transport Aircraft Division, or HAL(TAD), and is based at Chakeri, Kanpur.

IAF, however, was poised to expand in times to come and Kanpur alone could not absorb the futuristic
industrial activities. Nagpur was eventually selected as the new site for setting up Maintenance Command
Headquarters, knowing well that its satellite work-centres were destined to populate every nook and corner of
the Indian territory.

The second AOC-in-C of Maintenance Command, Air Vice Marshal O P Mehra PVSM, who later became
Chief of the Air Staff and subsequently occupied the distinguished offices of Governor of Maharashtra and
Rajasthan, shared some of his experiences of establishing Maintenance Command Headquarters at Nagpur.
He admitted that he was overwhelmed with the teething problems of setting up the headquarters at Nagpur. At
times, he wondered why this proposition was at all accepted. The story that came out was that the then
Defence Minister, Shri YB Chavan, was very keen that one Air Force Command Headquarters should be
established in Maharashtra, and this dictated the choice of place. The Government of Maharashtra had then
promised that the old secretariat building of the erstwhile Central Provinces and Berar Government would be
made available for the purpose, and that the huge amount of land alongside it could be used for other
facilities.

Since, Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh was not keen to move to Nagpur, and since he had a lot of say in the
affairs of Maintenance Command, the process of moving Maintenance Command Headquarters to Nagpur
was somehow delayed till he was due to retire. And then, Air Chief Marshal (Retd) OP Mehra recalls - “One
fine morning, I was summoned to Air Headquarters by then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal AM Engineer
DFC. He started the conversation by saying that I must have been aware that AVM Harjinder Singh was due
to retire and that was I ready to accept this challenging appointment? Elated at the thought that I was picked
up to walk into the shoes of the legendary figure, I considered the challenge worth accepting. Telephonic
approval of Defence Minister was obtained and orders were handed over to me to be AOC-in-C of
Maintenance Command with immediate effect. I proceeded to Nagpur in the IAF aircraft given to me by the Air
Chief, without realising as to what was in store for me.” Nonetheless, founder father of Maintenance
Command Headquarters at Nagpur had been born.

Setting up of Maintenance Command Headquarters was not exactly a bed of roses since the entire process
was delayed and lot of loose ends had to be tied up. About his reception at Nagpur as the new AOC-in-C, Air
Chief Marshal (Retd) OP Mehra once again goes down the memory lane and recalls - “Taking over as AOC-
in-C was a ceremonial occasion and a matter of pride for me. I was looking forward to a Guard of Honour on
reaching Nagpur. When the doors of aircraft were opened at the tarmac, the Guard of Honour that was
presented consisted of the then Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer (SAASO), Air Commodore
Aggarwal, two officers, one of whom was the OC unit and the other who was earmarked to be my ADC, and
half a dozen airmen. It was bit of a disappointment but then I guess whatever had to be was to be.”

He continues - “Air Commodore Aggarwal then drove me to the headquarters which was just a dilapidated
building, rented temporarily to house the headquarters. On further queries, I was told that there was no
specific place earmarked for my office. I had to share the same table with SAASO for some time till they
cleared a storeroom of size 10ft x 10ft for me. The manpower was split between Nagpur and Kanpur. For
residential accommodation, single officers did not have any Officers’ Mess, married officers and airmen were
fending for themselves, and living-in airmen had been put up in a tented accommodation outside the Sitabuldi
Fort occupied by the Army. I went to Air Headquarters and told the CAS that it was impossible for me, or for
anybody else, to function under these conditions. We then went together to the Defence Minister. He
sympathised with me but said that I had no option. He, however, assured me to provide all help.”

With that, the quest started for land and Mr Wankhade, the then Finance Minister of Maharashtra, was
deputed to come to Nagpur to facilitate the process. He is understood to have directed the Commissioner that
Maintenance Command Headquarters of the IAF was to be located in Nagpur and that same was to be
housed wherever AVM Mehra wanted. AVM OP Mehra than carried out a reconnaissance of the area and
then, on the local map, drew a circle around Seminary Hills. No questions were raised and the planning
started. For his residence, the new AOC-in-C selected a house which happened to be used by the Chief
Minister during the assembly session at Nagpur. Air Chief Marshal (Retd) OP Mehra says – “This time round, I
was not so lucky, and Shri YB Chavan told me that the old man (Chief Minister) could not be deprived of the
privilege and that I should select another house. Eventually, I chose another house which was equally
magnificent and still proudly stands out in Civil Lines as Air Command House.”

For the headquarters building, a team of engineers was formed and, on 01 April 1964, Air Vice Marshal OP
Mehra PVSM, the second AOC-in-C of Maintenance Command, IAF, dug the first pod of earth at the site
where the Maintenance Command Headquarters building now stands in all its splendor. The entire project
was executed in a time bound manner. The barracks, dining facilities, medical facilities and the administrative
unit came up by 19 January 1965, the date which AVM Mehra had targeted . The headquarters building finally
came up on 15 August 1965. The same, however, could not be formally inaugurated by any dignitary due to
the Indo-Pak war, and it still remains that way even today. Nonetheless, a well planned campus now stands
as Vayusena Nagar, thanks to determination of AVM OP Mehra.

The retired Chief of Air Staff concludes his memoirs thus – “The dedication of the technicians shown during
the Indo-Pak war still remains the hallmark of the tenacity and versatility of IAF technicians, well emulated
over the years and now an attribute of an air warrior donning the technician’s overall. The extensions granted
to aircraft after essential checks in those days later became Technical Staff Instructions, a guideline for
engineers, which are being followed even now during war and war like situations.”

BRD CREST

Phoenix was a legendary bird that lived in Arabia. According to tradition, it consumed
itself by fire every 500 years, and a new, young phoenix sprang from its ashes. In the
mythology of ancient Egypt, the phoenix represented the Sun, which dies at night and is
reborn in the morning. Early Christian tradition adopted the phoenix as a symbol of both
immortality and resurrection. The ancient concept of the Phoenix is, in many ways, the
essence of the mythological treatment of themes of renewal and rebirth, particularly
considering the emphasis on fire, metaphorically the spark of life and, practically essential
for existence.

In May 1978, Air Mshl D Subia PVSM VrC, AOC-in-C, MC used this philosophy to give
the Base Repair Depots a uniform UNIT CREST and MOTTO. The genuinely unique crest
depicts the mythical bird PHOENIX rising out of the flames with a gear wheel encircling its
head. The motto inscribed on the insignia is KAYA KALPA which indicates rejuvenation of the body and
explains the role of the Base Repair Depots where aircraft, aero engines and other technical equipment,
having completed certain life, are overhauled and sent out with a new lease of life. 1 BRD, the mother BRD,
however, has been allowed to retain its original motto of SAHAYATA SEVA.

Evolution & Expansion

Maintenance Units

Technical activities undertaken by Maintenance Command units are effected today in Base Repair Depots
(BRDs), Air Defence Ground Environment Systems (ADGES) Maintenance Support Establishment (AMSE) /
Regional ADGES Maintenance Establishments (RAMEs) and numerous other smaller units. The present
structure of Maintenance Command, however, had its modest beginning in post-independence Kanpur.

To support air operations in the Far East during World War II, No. 322 Maintenance Unit was formed in 1940
in the 21 TATA hangars at Chakeri, Kanpur. The functions of the unit included arming of bomber and fighter
aircraft like Liberator, Lancaster, Hurricane, Tempest and Dakota. The unit was further expanded to include
aircraft storage and servicing activities, while the logistics support and aeroengine storage functions operated
at Armapur Estate, 25 km away from Chakeri. In August 1945, after Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces
and hostilities came to an end, this No. 322 Maintenance Unit was disbanded and Royal Air Force Station,
Kanpur came into formal existence.
On 15 August 1947, the historic day of India’s independence, Wing Commander Ranjan Dutta DFC took over
the command of Air Force Station,Kanpur from the Royal Air Force. Simultaneously, on this very day, No. 1
Aircraft Repair Depot for servicing and No. 10 Aircraft Storage Unit for storage activities were formed at
Chakeri, Kanpur. Group Captain DAR Nanda became the first Commanding Officer of both these units. On 09
August 1948, the two units were merged to form No. 1 Base Repair Depot and Group Captain Harjinder Singh
MBE PVSM being the first Commanding Officer of this new unit. Nostalgic moments included induction of
India’s (space) first jet aircraft, the Vampire, in 1954 and the Depot effecting its major servicing in that very
year. Flying Officer Gian Singh still remains a much-remembered name who used to regularly ferry in the
Vampire aircraft for servicing at Hangar No. 6 of the Depot.

Over the years, 1 BRD repaired and serviced a variety of aircraft, such as the Tempest, Spitfire, Prentice,
Auster, Harvard, Mystere, Toofani, Otter, Bell Helicopter, Vampire, Hunter and Avro aircraft, and also
overhauled Martin, Griffen, Nene, Verdon, Goblin MK-34-35, Avon 203-207 and AL-7F-1 aeroengines.
Reclaiming 50 Liberators from junkyard became the first feather in the Depot’s cap. The Depot proved its
expertise once again when a written-off Spitfire aircraft was retrieved from salvage dump and made airworthy
by Pilot Officer Roy Chowdhury in 1950. In fact, Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh MBE PVSM was the first
engineering officer to fly that fighter aircraft. With this kind of work being effected, it is natural that this BRD is
still known as The Mother BRD. The Depot, for a long time, also had storage flights of MiG-21 and Mirage-
2000 aircraft. Today, this BRD is engaged in a dedicated task of major servicing of AN-32 transport aircraft
and storage of HPT-32 aircraft and MI-17 helicopter. For its contribution to the IAF, 1 BRD is being awarded
President’s Colours on 01 November 2004.

IAF was destined to grow big, and as the Government of India concentrated on having more formidable
Armed Forces, Maintenance Command for the IAF was formalised. 26 January 1955 was then chosen as the
day to commence IAF’s Maintenance Command with its Headquarters at Chakeri, Kanpur. On 27 June 1959,
the Transport Aircraft Wing at Kanpur took to the task of licence manufacturing of Avro HS-748 aircraft. This
part of the station, christened Aircraft Manufacturing Depot, later separated as a new entity that we know as
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Transport Aircraft Division). Maintenance Command moved its headquarters
from Kanpur to Nagpur on 13 June 1963.

Overhaul requirement of transport and helicopter fleet of the IAF necessitated setting up of No. 3 Base Repair
Depot at Chandigarh on 20 August 1962. Group Captain TMJ Kirpalani, the Depot’s first Commanding Officer,
set up the requisite facilities with Russian collaboration, and commenced the first of the overhauls of the IL-14
transport aircraft and the MI-4 helicopters. With induction of new helicopters in IAF, the Depot graduated to
overhaul of MI-8 and MI-17 helicopters. In fact, the Depot has today become the knowledge base for all
Russian helicopters, and has undertaken number of tasks like life-extension of MI-25 helicopters, repair of MI-
26 helicopters and upgrade of MI-35 helicopters.

3 BRD is also a unique Base Repair Depot which undertakes overhaul of helicopters as well as aero-engines.
At present, it overhauls TV-2 engines of MI-8 and TV-3 engines of MI-17 helicopters. Overhaul of AI-20M
engines of AN-12 aircraft was also established at this Depot. It is a testimony to the ingenuity of technical
personnel of 3 BRD that the depot has graduated to overhaul of AI-20D engines of AN-32 aircraft on their own
without any Transfer-of-Technology from the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Over the seventeen years of its existence, No. 1 Base Repair Depot had expanded its facilities to service and
overhaul a variety of aircraft and aero-engines. With this increased scope of work, aereo-engine related
activities were delinked from this Depot and in 1964, No. 4 Base Repair Depot came into existence, at
Chakeri, Kanpur itself, as a dedicated aeroengine overhaul agency for IAF’s fighter aircraft. Group Captain AS
Srivastava was this Depot’s first Commanding Officer. The Depot has since graduated from Nene, Verdon and
AL-7F-1 aerongines to Viper 22-8 aeroengine of Kiran aircraft, R-29 aeroengine of the MiG-23 and the MiG-27
aircraft, and state-of-the-art M53-P2 aeroengine of the Mirage-2000 aircraft. 4 BRD today boasts of having
repaired and overhauled over 6000 aeroengines of all types, including over a 1000 each of Viper 22-8 and the
R-29 aeroengines.

Maintenance Command was set up to provide maintenance support to operating bases both by undertaking
overhaul and repair of aircraft, aeroengines, ground equipment, radars and missiles and warehousing of
stores required during peace and war. These works are undertaken by Base Repair Depots (BRDs),
Equipment Depots (EDs) and Air Storage Parks (ASPs). These units have the most modern and state of the
art equipment to undertake repair and overhaul of various weapon systems.The stores are also well preserved
under a controlled environment to accrue the most of storage life. This equipment is maintained by highly
skilled technicians and officers.

From its very modest beginning, this command has grown both physically and in stature and has a presence
across the length and breadth of the country through its depots. Today its highly skilled community of
engineers and logisticians , ensure that all maintenance related activities of the IAF are handled effectively
and efficiently.