The Indian Air Force is the fourth-largest air force globally, after the US, China, and Russia, with a mission to ensure air superiority, provide close air support, and conduct strategic airlift and disaster relief. Founded as an auxiliary force under British rule, the IAF has grown into a modern, network-centric force, transitioning toward the Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) to incorporate space warfare capabilities.
With 31 combat squadrons against a required 42, the IAF operates a diverse fleet, including Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Dassault Rafale, and the indigenous HAL Tejas.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Aircraft | 1,716–1,850 |
| Combat Aircraft | 606–900 |
| Personnel | ~135,000 |
| Squadrons | 31 (target: 42) |
Notes: The IAF’s fleet includes fighters, transports (e.g., C-130J), and helicopters (e.g., Chinook), with plans for 52 satellites by 2024 for enhanced surveillance.
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Indian Air Force Overview
The Indian Air Force (IAF), established on October 8, 1932, is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces, tasked with securing Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare. Headquartered in New Delhi, the IAF is one of the world's largest air forces, operating advanced aircraft, missile systems, and cutting-edge technology. It plays a critical role in national security, disaster relief, and international peacekeeping, aligning with India’s strategic objectives. Below is an overview of the IAF’s key attributes and capabilities.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | October 8, 1932 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Motto | Nabhaḥ Spr̥śaṁ Dīptam (Touch the Sky with Glory) |
| Chief of Air Staff | Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (as of May 2025) |
| Personnel Strength | Approximately 140,000 active personnel |
| Aircraft Strength | Over 1,700 aircraft (fighters, helicopters, transport, trainers) |
| Key Fighter Aircraft | Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Rafale, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Tejas LCA |
| Transport Aircraft | C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, IL-76 |
| Helicopters | Apache AH-64E, Chinook CH-47F, Mi-17, Dhruv ALH |
| Missile Systems | Akash, Barak-8, S-400 (under delivery), BrahMos |
| Primary Roles | Aerial warfare, air defence, surveillance, disaster relief, strategic airlift |
| Major Operations | Operation Vijay (1961), Indo-Pak Wars (1965, 1971), Kargil War (1999), Balakot Airstrike (2019) |
| Air Bases | 60+ operational bases, including Ambala, Hindon, Sulur, and Tezpur |
| Indigenous Programs | Tejas LCA, AMCA (under development), HAL Dhruv |
| International Collaborations | Russia (Su-30, MiG-29), France (Rafale, Mirage), Israel (Barak-8, UAVs), USA (Apache, Chinook) |
| Budget (2024-25) | ₹56,851 crore (approx. USD 6.8 billion) |
Indian Air Force – IAF History
The IAF’s history spans over nine decades, evolving from a colonial auxiliary to a modern air force. Key milestones include:
- 1932–1947: Established on October 8, 1932, as the Indian Air Force under British rule, with No. 1 Squadron commissioned in 1933 using Westland Wapiti biplanes. By 1945, nine squadrons operated Hurricanes and Spitfires, aiding Allied efforts in World War II.
- 1947–1965: Post-independence, the IAF adopted the prefix “Royal” (dropped in 1950) and grew its fleet with Vampire jets. It played a limited role in the 1947 Indo-Pak War and a significant role in the 1961 Goa liberation, using Canberras.
- 1965–1999: The IAF’s MiG-21s and Hunters were pivotal in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars, with notable air superiority in Bangladesh’s liberation. The 1999 Kargil War saw Mirage 2000 jets deliver precision strikes.
- 2000–2025: Modernization began with Su-30MKI inductions (2002) and Rafale (2016–2020). The 2019 Balakot airstrike showcased Mirage 2000s, while 2025 saw heightened operations post-Pahalgam attack, with Rafale and Su-30MKI drills on the Ganga Expressway.
Notes: The IAF’s only five-star officer, Marshal Arjan Singh, was honored in 2002 for his 1965 leadership. Recent plans to rename as IASF reflect space ambitions.
What is the Motto of Indian Air Force
The IAF’s motto is “Nabhaḥ Sparśaṁ Dīptam”, derived from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11, Verse 24), translating to “Touching the Sky with Glory.” It reflects the IAF’s commitment to excellence, courage, and defending India’s skies. Adopted post-independence, the motto inspires personnel and resonates in public searches, as seen in interest for IAF’s role in 2025 operations.
Indian Air Force Logo
The IAF logo features a winged roundel with the national tricolor (saffron, white, green) and a blue Ashoka Chakra at the center, symbolizing unity and strength. The logo, displayed on aircraft and uniforms, evolved from the RAF’s roundel to reflect Indian identity post-1947.
Indian Air Force Day 2025
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated annually on October 8, marking the IAF’s establishment in 1932. The 93rd IAF Day in 2025 will feature air shows at Hindon Air Base, showcasing Rafale, Tejas, and Su-30MKI jets, alongside aerobatic displays by the Surya Kiran team. Recent celebrations, included demonstrations of the Akash missile and ALFA-S swarm drones, reflecting modernization.
Indian Air Force Structure
The IAF is organized into a hierarchical structure under the Chief of the Air Staff, headquartered in New Delhi. It comprises five operational commands and two functional commands, supported by 47 wings and 19 Forward Base Support Units. The structure ensures efficient operations across India’s vast geography.
| Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | New Delhi, led by Chief of the Air Staff |
| Commands | 7 (5 operational, 2 functional) |
| Wings | 47, managing bases and squadrons |
| Squadrons | 31 combat, ~10 transport/helicopter |
Notes: The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) enhances coordination, as seen in 2025’s Operation Sindoor.
How Many Commands Are There in Indian Air Force
The IAF has seven commands, divided into five operational and two functional commands, overseeing operations and administration:
- Operational Commands:
- Western Air Command (New Delhi): Covers North India, Pakistan border; largest command.
- Eastern Air Command (Shillong): Manages China border, Northeast India.
- Central Air Command (Prayagraj): Central India, supports other commands.
- South Western Air Command (Gandhinagar): Covers Gujarat, Maharashtra.
- Southern Air Command (Thiruvananthapuram): Southern India, maritime roles.
- Functional Commands:
- Training Command (Bengaluru): Oversees pilot and crew training.
- Maintenance Command (Nagpur): Manages aircraft maintenance and logistics.
Notes: Commands ensure regional coverage, with Western and Eastern Commands critical for Pakistan and China borders.
Indian Air Force Chief
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), a four-star Air Chief Marshal, leads the IAF. As of May 2025, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, appointed on September 30, 2024, serves as the CAS. With 38 years of experience, including commanding a MiG-21 squadron and serving as Vice Chief, he oversees modernization and 2025 operations post-Pahalgam attack. The CAS reports to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Ministry of Defence, shaping strategic decisions like the Tejas Mk1A rollout.
Indian Air Force Ranks
The IAF follows a structured rank hierarchy, similar to other air forces but adapted to Indian traditions. Ranks are divided into Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Other Ranks, with unique badges reflecting the IAF logo.
| Category | Ranks |
|---|---|
| Commissioned Officers | Marshal of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal, Air Vice Marshal, Air Commodore, Group Captain, Wing Commander, Squadron Leader, Flight Lieutenant, Flying Officer |
| Junior Commissioned Officers | Warrant Officer, Master Warrant Officer, Junior Warrant Officer |
| Other Ranks | Sergeant, Corporal, Leading Aircraftsman, Aircraftsman |
Notes: The Marshal of the Air Force rank, held only by Arjan Singh, is honorary.
Indian Air Force Major Operations
The IAF has conducted numerous operations, showcasing its combat and humanitarian capabilities. Key operations, ordered chronologically, include:
- 1947–1948 Indo-Pak War: Airlifted troops to Srinagar, using Dakotas.
- 1961 Goa Liberation: Canberra jets supported ground operations.
- 1965 Indo-Pak War: MiG-21s and Hunters countered Pakistani Sabres.
- 1971 Indo-Pak War: Ensured air superiority, aiding Bangladesh’s liberation.
- 1999 Kargil War: Mirage 2000s delivered precision strikes.
- 2019 Balakot Airstrike: Mirage 2000s targeted terror camps in Pakistan.
- 2025 Pahalgam Response (Operation Sindoor): Post-April 2025 attack, Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Mirage 2000 jets conducted drills and strikes, per X posts. Unverified Pakistani claims of downing five IAF jets (three Rafales, one Su-30, one MiG-29) in May 2025 were debunked by India.
- Humanitarian Missions: Supported relief in 1998 Gujarat cyclone, 2004 tsunami, and 2013 North India floods using An-32 and C-17 aircraft.
Indian Air Force Fighter Planes List
» Indian Air Force – Fighter Aircraft
The IAF’s combat fleet forms the backbone of its air defense and strike capabilities:
- Dassault Rafale: A French twin-engine, multirole fighter, 36 Rafales are in service, equipped for air superiority, ground attacks, and nuclear deterrence. Known for its delta-wing design and Meteor missiles, it operates from Ambala and Hasimara.
- HAL Tejas Mk-1: An indigenous single-engine, lightweight multirole fighter, Tejas is designed for air combat and offensive support. Two squadrons (45th and 18th) are operational at Sulur, Tamil Nadu, with 40 Mk-1 aircraft inducted. Tejas Mk-1A deliveries are underway.
- MiG-29: A Russian twin-engine air superiority fighter, upgraded to MiG-29UPG standards, excels in air-to-air combat. Approximately 60 aircraft across three squadrons serve as a secondary defense line, used notably during the Kargil War.
- Mirage 2000: A French multirole fighter, known as ‘Vajra,’ around 50 aircraft are operational. It played key roles in the Kargil War and Balakot airstrike, equipped for air-to-ground strikes and laser-guided bombs.
- Jaguar: A British-French twin-engine ground attack aircraft, nicknamed ‘Shamsher,’ about 120 Jaguars across six squadrons specialize in deep-penetration strikes. Upgrades extend their service until the early 2030s.
- MiG-21 Bison: A Soviet-era single-engine fighter, the MiG-21 is being phased out by 2025. Around 50 remain active as interceptors, with a notable role in the 2019 Balakot skirmish. They are being replaced by Tejas.
» Indian Air Force – Transport Aircraft
The IAF’s transport fleet ensures rapid deployment and logistics support:
- C-17 Globemaster III: A U.S.-made heavy-lift aircraft, 11 C-17s handle troop transport, cargo, and disaster relief, critical for operations like the 2013 North India floods.
- C-130J Super Hercules: A versatile U.S. tactical airlifter, 12 C-130Js support special operations, troop transport, and airdrops, equipped for short-field landings.
- Ilyushin Il-76: A Soviet-era heavy transport, around 17 Il-76s are used for cargo and troop movement, though gradually being replaced by modern platforms.
- Antonov An-32: A Soviet-designed tactical transport, approximately 100 An-32s handle medium-lift roles, vital for high-altitude operations in Ladakh.
» Indian Air Force – Helicopters
Helicopters provide agility for diverse missions:
- HAL Dhruv: An indigenous utility helicopter, over 70 Dhruvs support troop transport, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue.
- HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): A homegrown attack helicopter, around 10 LCHs are operational, designed for high-altitude combat, as demonstrated in Ladakh.
- Boeing Apache AH-64E: A U.S.-made attack helicopter, 22 Apaches are equipped with Hellfire missiles for anti-tank and close air support roles.
- Mil Mi-17V5: A Russian medium-lift helicopter, over 120 Mi-17s handle troop transport, logistics, and disaster relief, critical for operations in remote areas.
- Chinook CH-47F: A U.S. heavy-lift helicopter, 15 Chinooks support artillery transport and high-altitude logistics, enhancing operations in the Himalayas.
» Indian Air Force – Specialized Aircraft
The IAF’s specialized platforms enhance surveillance and support:
- AWACS (IL-76 Phalcon): Three IL-76-based AWACS provide airborne early warning and control, with six more AEW&C Mk-II (Airbus A321) under procurement.
- Embraer-145 AEW&C: Three Netra AEW&C systems offer indigenous surveillance and command capabilities.
- Ilyushin Il-78MKI: Six aerial refueling tankers extend the range of combat aircraft like Rafale and Su-30 MKI, using Israeli fuel-transfer systems.
- UAVs: The IAF operates Israeli Heron and Searcher Mk-II drones for reconnaissance and surveillance, with plans for indigenous armed UAVs like Ghatak.
» Indian Air Force – Trainer Aircraft
Training aircraft ensure pilot readiness:
- BAE Hawk Mk 132: A British advanced jet trainer, around 100 Hawks prepare pilots for frontline fighters.
- Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II: A Swiss basic trainer, approximately 75 PC-7s train rookie pilots.
- HAL Kiran: An indigenous jet trainer, used for intermediate training, though being phased out.
- HAL HTT-40: A new indigenous basic trainer, under induction to replace older platforms.
IAF Future Procurement
The IAF is modernizing with 349 aircraft on order, including 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Tejas Mk-2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
These align with the IAF’s theme of Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant).
Indian Air Force: Strategic Impact and Summary
The Indian Air Force (IAF) boasts a formidable fleet, with Indian fighter jets playing a pivotal role in securing the nation’s skies. The Indian Air Force aircraft inventory, including a diverse Indian Air Force fighter planes list, showcases advanced platforms like the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, and indigenous Tejas.
With around 650-700 active fighter jets, the question of how many fighter jets does India have reflects the IAF’s ongoing modernization. The Indian Air Force fleet, combining combat, transport, and specialized aircraft, underscores India’s growing aerospace strength and self-reliance.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized, “Our diverse fleet, bolstered by indigenous platforms like Tejas and LCH, ensures operational readiness and self-reliance.” The IAF’s aircraft, showcased at events like Aero India 2025, reflect India’s growing aerospace prowess.
Join Indian Air Force
Joining the IAF is a popular aspiration, with 153 Group C vacancies announced in April 2025 (deadline June 15, 2025) and AFCAT 01/2025 for officer roles. Recruitment pathways include:
- Officers: Through AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), NDA (National Defence Academy), or CDS (Combined Defence Services). Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, 20–26 years, physical fitness.
- Airmen: Group X (technical) and Group Y (non-technical) trades, requiring 10+2 education, 17–21 years.
- Civilians: Group C roles (e.g., clerks, cooks) via direct recruitment, as seen in 2025 notices.
Process: Apply via indianairforce.nic.in. AFCAT 01/2025 applications are open, with exams in August 2025. Training occurs at Air Force Academy (Dundigal) for officers and Airmen Training School (Belagavi) for airmen.
Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Indian_military_aircraft
- Wikipedia: Indian Air Force: History, structure, and fleet data. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Air_Force
- Wikipedia: Future of the Indian Air Force: Modernization and AMCA plans. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_the_Indian_Air_Force
- Indian Air Force Official Website: Recruitment, jets, and operations. https://indianairforce.nic.in
- Indian Ministry of Defence: Rafale, Tejas, and squadron updates. https://www.mod.gov.in
- Business Standard: 2025 Pahalgam attack and IAF response. https://www.business-standard.com
