Indian Air Force

Motto: Nabha Sparsham Deeptam Touch the Sky with Glory Head Quarters New Delhi History and Traditions History of the Indian Air Force Air Force Day: October 08 Aircraft Aircraft of the IAF Personnel Marshal of the Indian Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force ranks and insignia

The history of the Indian Air Force began with its establishment in 1932 and continues up to the present day. The Indian Air Force (भारतीय वायु सेना : Bharatiya Vayu Sena) is the air-arm of the Armed Forces of India and has the prime responsibility of conducting air-based warfare and securing Indian airspace. ... Image File history File links Ensign_of_the_Indian_Air_Force. ... The crest of the indian air firce This is a copyrighted and/or trademarked logo. ... A motto (from Italian) is a phrase or a short list of words meant formally to describe the general motivation or intention of an entity, social group, or organization. ... New Delhi   (Hindi: , Punjabi: , Urdu: ‎) is an urban area within the metropolis of Delhi, and the capital city of the Republic of India, as well as the seat of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. ... October 8 is the 281st day of the year (282nd in leap years). ... The Indian Air Force, often abbreviated as the IAF, is the worlds fourth largest air force and operates more than 700 combat and 1500 non-combat aircrafts. ... Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC was born on April 15, 1919 in Lyalpur, and educated at Montogmery (then a part of undivided India, and, now in Pakistan). ... The head of the Indian Air Force is known as The Chief of the Air Staff (currently Air Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi). ... Components Indian Army Indian Air Force Indian Navy Indian Coast Guard Paramilitary Forces Strategic Nuclear Command History Military History of India British Indian Army Indian National Army Related Info Aircraft of the Indian Air Force Air Force ranks and insignia of India Army ranks and insignia of India List of... The Indian Air Force (भारतीय वायु सेना : Bharatiya Vayu Sena) is the air-arm of the Armed Forces of India and has the prime responsibility of conducting air-based warfare and securing Indian airspace. ...

Formation and early pilots

The Indian Air Force (IAF) was established with the passing of the Indian Air Force act on October 8, 1932. Accordingly, IAF's No.1 Squadron came into being on April 1, 1933. Initially, the IAF consisted of five Indian pilots, one RAF Commanding officer and four Westland Wapiti biplanes. October 8 is the 281st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (282nd in leap years). ... 1932 (MCMXXXII) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link will take you to a full 1932 calendar). ... April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 274 days remaining. ... Year 1933 (MCMXXXIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air force branch of the British Armed Forces. ... Westland Aircraft was a British aircraft manufacturer located in Yeovil in Somerset, formed just before the start of World War II. During the war the company produced a number of generally unsuccessful designs, but their Lysander would serve as an important liaison aircraft with the RAF. After the war the...

The first five pilots commissioned into the IAF were Harish Chandra Sircar, Subroto Mukerjee, Bhupendra Singh, Aizad Baksh Awan and Amarjeet Singh. A sixth officer, S N Tandon had to revert to ground duties as he was too short. All of them were commissioned as Pilot Officers in 1932 from RAF Cranwell. Subroto Mukerjee later went on to become the IAF's first Chief of the Air Staff. Subsequent batches inducted before World War II included Aspy Engineer, K K Majumdar, Narendra, Daljit Singh, Henry Runganadhan, R H D Singh, Baba Mehar Singh, S N Goyal, Prithpal Singh and Arjan Singh. A Pilot Officers sleeve/shoulder insignia Pilot Officer (Plt Off in the RAF; PLTOFF in the RAAF and RNZAF, P/O in the former RCAF) is the lowest substantive commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries, ranking only above Acting... 1932 (MCMXXXII) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link will take you to a full 1932 calendar). ... Subroto Mukerjee as a Group Captain at the end of the Second World War. ... The head of the Indian Air Force is known as The Chief of the Air Staff (currently Air Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi). ... Combatants Allied Powers: United Kingdom France Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Axis Powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Charles de Gaulle Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33... Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC was born on April 15, 1919 in Lyalpur, and educated at Montogmery (then a part of undivided India, and, now in Pakistan). ...

World War II (1939-1945)

During World War II, the IAF played an instrumental role in blocking the advance of the Japanese army in Burma, where its first air strike was on the Japanese military base in Arakan. It also carried out strike missions against the Japanese airbases at Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. During the war, the IAF went through a phase of steady expansion. New aircraft, including the U.S. built Vultee Vengeance and the British Hawker Hurricane and Westland Lysander, were added to its fleet. Combatants Allied Powers: United Kingdom France Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Axis Powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Charles de Gaulle Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33... The ensign of Imperial Japanese Navy was a prominent symbol of Imperial Japan. ... Rakhine State (formerly Arakan) is a state of Myanmar. ... Mae Hong Son is a town in north west Thailand, capital of the Mae Hong Son Province. ... A street scene in Chiang Mai, showing (centre right), a gate of the old city wall. ... Nakhon Chiang Rai, showing the ancient city walls and more recent gates : Pratu Nang Ing (ประตูนางอิง) Pratu Chiang Mai (ประตูเชียงใหม่) Pratu Wai (ประตูหวาย) Pratu Pa Daeng (ประตูป่าแดัง) Pratu Pi (ประตูผี) Pratu Kha Tam (ประตูขะต๊ำ) Pratu Tha Nak (ประตูท่านาค) Pratu Tha Sai (ประตูท่าทราย) Pratu Tho (ประตูท่อ) Pratu Yang Soeng (ประตูยางเสิ้ง) Pratu Jao Chai (ประตูเจ้าชาย) Pratu Sri (ประตูสรี) Nakhon Chiang Rai (Thai เชียงราย; locally also... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... The Vultee A-31 Vengeance was a dive-bomber built originally in the late 1930s as the Vultee Model 72 (V-72) by the Vultee Corporation. ... The Hawker Hurricane is a fighter design from the 1930s which was used extensively by the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain. ... Westland Lysander III (SD). ...

In recognition of the services rendered by the IAF, King George VI conferred the prefix "Royal" in 1945. Thereafter the IAF was referred to as Royal Indian Air Force. In 1950, When India became a republic, the prefix was dropped and it reverted back to Indian Air Force. George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George Windsor) (14 December 1895 - 6 February 1952) became the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Emperor of India, upon the unexpected abdication of his brother, Edward VIII. He reigned from 11 December 1936 until his death. ... In linguistics, a prefix is a type of affix that precedes the morphemes to which it can attach. ... History Formation and early pilots The Indian Air Force (IAF) was established the passing of the Indian Air Force act on October 8, 1932. ...

Further information: India during World War II

The Indian National Congress led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was opposed to Fascism, Nazism and colonialism. ...

First Kashmir War 1947

Main article: Indo-Pakistani War of 1947

In a bid to gain control of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pathan tribesmen, poured into Kashmir on October 20, 1947 aided by the Pakistani Army. Incapable of withstanding the armed assault in his province, the Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, asked India for help. The Government of India made its assistance conditional upon Kashmir's accession to India. The Instrument of accession was signed on October 26, 1947 and the next day Indian troops were airlifted into Srinagar. The agreement was later ratified by the British. Combatants India Pakistan Commanders General K M Cariappa, Lt Gen S M Shrinagesh, Maj Gen K S Thimayya, Maj Gen Kalwant Singh Maj Gen Akbar Khan Casualties 2,000 killed[1](Indian army) 684 KIA(State Forces)[2] [3] 3,152 wounded [1] 1,500 killed[4] (Pakistan army) The... Jammu and Kashmir   (IPA: , Kashmiri:ज्वम त॒ कॅशीर جۄم تٕہ کٔشِیر, Hindi:जम्मू और कश्मीर, Urdu:جموں Ùˆ کشمیر) (often abbreviated as Kashmir), is the northern-most state of India, lying mostly in the Himalayan mountains. ... Kashmir (or Cashmere) may refer to: Kashmir region, the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent India, Kashmir conflict, the territorial dispute between India, Pakistan, and the China over the Kashmir region. ... October 20 is the 293rd day of the year (294th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 72 days remaining. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ... Hari Singh was the last maharaja of the kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir. ... The Government of India (Hindi: Bharat Sarkar), officially referred to as the Union Government, and commonly as Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of a federal union of 28 states and 7 union territories, collectively called the Republic of India. ... Various princely states existed in India during the period of the British Raj. ... October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 66 days remaining. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ... Srinagar (Hindi: श्रीनगर, Urdu: سرینگر, Kashmiri: سِرېنَگَر सिरीनगर) , is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, and is situated in the valley of Kashmir. ... Ratification is the process of adopting an international treaty, or a constitution or other nationally binding document (such as an amendment to a constitution) by the agreement of multiple subnational entities. ...

Taking off from Safdarjang, then known as Willingdon Airfield, the IAF landed Indian troops at Srinagar airfield at 09:30 hours IST on October 27. This was the most instrumental action of the war as the troops saved the city from the invaders. Apart from the airlifting operations and supplying essential commodities to the ground troops, the Indian Air Force had no other major role to play in the conflict. On December 31, 1948, both nations agreed to a UN mediated cease-fire proposal marking the end of hostilities. A Line of Control has since separated Indian-held Kashmir from Pakistani-held Kashmir. New Delhi   (Hindi: , Punjabi: , Urdu: ‎) is an urban area within the metropolis of Delhi, and the capital city of the Republic of India, as well as the seat of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. ... Srinagar (Hindi: श्रीनगर, Urdu: سرینگر, Kashmiri: سِرېنَگَر सिरीनगर) , is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, and is situated in the valley of Kashmir. ... Indian Standard Time (IST) is the time zone for India. ... October 27 is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 65 days remaining. ... December 31 is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1948 calendar). ... This article is about the United Nations, for other uses of UN see UN (disambiguation) Official languages English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic Secretary-General Kofi Annan (since 1997) Established October 24, 1945 Member states 191 Headquarters New York City, NY, USA Official site http://www. ...

Congo Operation 1961

Main article: Congo Crisis

Belgium's 75-year colonial rule of the Congo ended abruptly on June 30, 1960. Unable to control the deteriorating situation in its former African colony, Belgium asked for UN assistance. In India, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was quick to respond to the initial appeal for help and sent IAF Canberra aircraft as a part of the UN-led mission in Congo. Combatants Congo  UN troops Katanga  Belgium Mercenaries The Congo Crisis (1960-1965) was a period of turmoil in the First Republic of the Congo that began with national independence from Belgium and ended with the seizing of power by Joseph Mobutu. ... June 30 is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 184 days remaining. ... 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1960 calendar). ... This article is about the United Nations, for other uses of UN see UN (disambiguation) Official languages English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic Secretary-General Kofi Annan (since 1997) Established October 24, 1945 Member states 191 Headquarters New York City, NY, USA Official site http://www. ... Jawaharlal Nehru (Hindi: , IPA: ) (November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964) was a senior political leader of the Indian National Congress, was a pivotal figure during the Indian independence movement and served as the first Prime Minister of the Republic of India. ... The English Electric Canberra was a first-generation jet bomber manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. ...

Indo-China Conflict 1962

Main article: Sino-Indian War

In 1962, in the spate a number of increasingly violent border clashes, China launched a sudden assault on Indian military ground positions in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The IAF was called to counter-attack the Chinese raid and to supply troops fighting near the Sino-Indian border. However, the military and civilian leadership failed to organise and co-ordinate the air assaults efficiently – one of the primary reasons for the Indian defeat in the conflict. Without essential air support, the Indian Army faced overwhelming odds in their fight against well trained Chinese troops. The Indian leadership grounded the IAF for the majority of the war fearing that if the IAF attacked Chinese forces, the PLAAF would retaliate on Indian cities. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Arunachal Pradesh   (Hindi: Aruṇācal PradeÅ›, Chinese: 藏南 Zangnan) is a state of India. ... Jammu and Kashmir   (IPA: , Kashmiri:ज्वम त॒ कॅशीर جۄم تٕہ کٔشِیر, Hindi:जम्मू और कश्मीर, Urdu:جموں Ùˆ کشمیر) (often abbreviated as Kashmir), is the northern-most state of India, lying mostly in the Himalayan mountains. ... The Indian Army is the largest branch of the Armed Forces of India and has the primary responsibility of conducting land-based military operations. ...

Soon after, the Indian government, learning from its mistakes, began a vigorous campaign to expand the IAF. An emergency flying scheme was started in Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, Nagpur, Patiala and Adampur and more than 1,000 cadets received primary flying training by 1964. The IAF's strength was increased from 28,000 officers and men in 1961 to 100,000 officers and men by 1964. By 1965, the IAF had also added newly bought Antonov An-12B and C-119G transport aircraft to its fleet. 1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ... 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1961 calendar). ... 1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ... The Antonov An-12 (NATO reporting name: Cub) is a four-engined turboprop transport aircraft. ... The Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar was a U.S. military transport aircraft developed from the World War II Fairchild C-82 Packet, designed to carry cargo, personnel, litter patients, and mechanized equipment, and to drop cargo and troops by parachute. ...

Second Kashmir War 1965

Main article: Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

A. Indian air force Gnat which was captured by Pakistan Air Force on 3 September 1965 now on display at Pakistan Air Force Museum, Karachi.

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 tested the strength of the Indian Air Force to its full limit. While the Indian air force was successful in bombarding Pakistani air-fields and ammunition depots and providing crucial air cover to the Indian army, its operations against the Pakistani Air Force were met with stiff resistance. Combatants India Pakistan Commanders Gen J N Chaudhuri, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh Field Marshal Ayub Khan, Gen Musa Khan Casualties 3,264 killed[1] 8,623 wounded[1] (From July to ceasefire) 3,800[2] - 6,917 killed[3] (17 day period alone) 4,000 - 7,000 killed/ captured[4... Image File history File links Indian_GNAT_at_PAF_Museum_Karachi. ... Image File history File links Indian_GNAT_at_PAF_Museum_Karachi. ... For German Naval Acoustic Torpedo see G7es torpedo, for the light jet aircraft see Folland Gnat and for the UAV see GNAT-750. ... Military manpower Military age 16 years of age Availability 39,028,014 (2005) Males ages 16-49 Reaching military age males: 1,969,055 (2005) Active troops 620,000 (Ranked 7th) Military expenditures Dollar figure $3. ...

On September 1, 1965, war had erupted between the Republic of India and Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The first missions were flown against the Pakistani armour thrust at Chhamb. Indian Air Force's Number 45 squadron quickly responded to the urgent call for air strikes against the Pakistani army and IAF Vampire FB Mk 52s were successful in staggering the Pakistani invasion. The Vampires were followed in quick succession by Mysteres of No. 3 and 31 squadrons from Pathankot. While the Pakistani invasion was blunted, one IAF Vampire was shot down by ground fire and three Vampires were lost over Chhamb in dog-fight with F-86 Sabres of the PAF. September 1 is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). ... The de Havilland Vampire, or DH.100, was the second jet-engined aircraft commissioned into the Royal Air Force during World War II (the first being the Gloster Meteor), although it did not see combat in that conflict. ... Pathankot is a small city in the state of Punjab. ... The North American F-86 Sabre was a subsonic combat aircraft developed for the US Air Force. ...

The appearance of the Sabres necessitated a move by the IAF to send the Folland Gnat fighters to the forward base of Pathankot. This move by the IAF succeeded. On September 3, an IAF Gnat, flown by Squadron Leader Trevor Joseph Keelor of the No. 23 Squadron, shot down a PAF F-86 Sabre, marking the first IAF air combat victory since the Burma Campaign. The very next day, another F-86 Sabre was shot down by a IAF Gnat. The Folland Gnat was an exceptionally small swept-wing subsonic jet trainer and light fighter aircraft originally developed for the British Royal Air Force. ... The Burma Campaign was a campaign in the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II. It was fought primarily between Commonwealth, Chinese and American forces against the Empire of Japan. ...

On September 6, the Indian Army crossed the Indo-Pakistan border near Lahore to relieve pressure off the Chamb-Jaurian sector. On the evening of the same day, the PAF responded with attacks on two Indian airfields. The attack on Pathankot was successful and the IAF lost nearly 10 aircraft on the ground. However, the attack on Halwara was relatively less successful. IAF shot down two PAF Sabres but lost IAF Hunters. The Indian pilots ejected and survived while both PAF pilots were killed. Lahore (Urdu: لاہور) is the capital of the province of Punjab, and the second most populated city in Pakistan, also known as the Gardens of the Mughals or City of Gardens, after the significant rich heritage of the Mughal Empire. ...

On September 7, the IAF mounted over 33 sorties against the PAF airfield complex at Sargodha. PAF lost about 6 aircraft that day. But losses on the Indian side were heavy too. Two Dassault Mystère and three Hunters were shot down in two separate events. In another event, an IAF Mysteres successfully engaged a PAF F-104 Starfighter and shot it down. The pilot of the Mysteres, Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppaya Devayya, was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest gallantry award, for his heroics during the air combat. Sargodha (Urdu: سرگودھا) is located in Punjab, Pakistan. ... The Dassault Mystère was a French fighter aircraft. ... The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a high-performance supersonic interceptor aircraft, capable of high speeds and climb rates. ... The Maha Vir Chakra medal The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. ...

On the same day, PAF attacked IAF airfields in the region bordering erstwhile-East Pakistan. The raid on Kalaikunda was successful once again and the IAF lost 8 aircraft in two raids. However, two of the attacking PAF Sabres were shot down by IAF Hunters. One Indian pilot, Flight Lt. Alfred Tyrone Cooke, engaged four Sabres singlehandedly and shot down one confirmed and claimed another as probable. This second probable Sabre flew back to Dhaka, but was declared a 'write-off' by the PAF. East Pakistan was a former province of Pakistan which existed between 1955 and 1971. ... Dhaka (previously Dacca; Bangla: ঢাকা Đhaka; IPA: ) is the capital of Bangladesh and the Dhaka District. ...

The war tapered off after September 8 and there were occasional clashes between the IAF and the PAF. During the conflict IAF English Electric Canberra raided several Pakistani bases including Sargodha and Chaklala. On September 14, Canberras undertook the deepest strike yet on the Pakistani bases of Peshawar and Kohat. The English Electric Canberra was a first-generation jet bomber manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. ... Sargodha (Urdu: سرگودھا) is located in Punjab, Pakistan. ... Chaklala airbase of Pakistan Air Force is located in Islamabad, Pakistan. ... Peshāwar (Pashto: پښور; Urdu:پشاور) literally means City on the Frontier in Persian and is known as Pakhawar in Pashto. ... Kohat (Urdu: کوہاٹ) is a town in central North West Frontier Province in Pakistan. ...

At one stage, the IAF was operating 200 air missions simultaneously. IAF Gnats of No. 23 and 9 squadrons played a significant role in major air battles and helped to turn the tide after an initial Pakistani thrust. In addition to counter air sorties, the Indian Air Force also launched massive offences on the invading army. Gnats may be: the plural of Gnat GNATS the GNU bug tracking system This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ...

The IAF also flew deep into Pakistani territory to target Pakistan's airfields and missile launch centres. On these missions, sporadic air-combats occurred between IAF and PAF fighters. One Gnat was shot down on September 12, followed by a Sabre on September 14. One Hunter and one Sabre were shot down in an air combat on September 16, and three Sabres were downed by Gnats on September 18 and 19th. The last air combat of the war happened on September 20, when two IAF Hunters were shot down in exchange for one PAF Sabre. On the same day a F-104 intercepted a Canberra bomber on its way back from Sargodha and shot it down. On September 21, IAF Canberras carried out a deep strike daylight sortie into Pakistan and destroyed the PAF Radar at Badin using rockets. The Ceasefire was declared on the night of Sept 22.

The IAF had logged more than 4073 combat sorties^[1] with its fleet of 276 aircraft actually employed for the war, compared to the PAF's 2279 total sorties.

Bangladesh Liberation War 1971

Main article: Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

IAF C-119 aircraft dropping Indian Paratroopers near Tangail, about 150 km from Dhaka, 11 December 1971.

After the 1965 War, the Indian Air Force went through an intense phase of modernisation and consolidation. With newly acquired HF-24, MiG-21 and Sukhoi Su-7BM aircraft, the IAF was able to measure up to the most powerful air forces in the world. Combatants India Pakistan Commanders Sam Manekshaw J.S. Aurora A. A. K. Niazi Strength 500,000+ troops[] 400,000+ troops[] Casualties 3,843 killed[1] 9,851 wounded[1] c. ... Image File history File links Tangail_Airdrop. ... Image File history File links Tangail_Airdrop. ... The C-119 was a U.S. military transport aircraft developed from the World War II Fairchild C-82 Packet, designed to carry cargo, personnel, litter patients, and mechanized equipment, and to drop cargo and troops by parachute. ... 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). ... HAL HF-24 Marut The Hindustan Aeronautics HF-24 Marut (Sanskrit: storm deity) was an Indian fighter-bomber aircraft of the 1960s. ... Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (NATO reporting name Fishbed) is a fighter aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. ... Sukhoi (Сухой) is a major Russian military fighter aircraft manufacturer. ... The Sukhoi Su-7 (NATO designation Fitter) was a swept wing, turbojet-powered fighter-bomber used by the Soviet Union and its allies. ...

The professional standards, capability and flexibility were soon put to test in December 1971 when India and Pakistan went to war over (then) East Pakistan. At the time, the IAF was under the command of Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal. On November 22, 10 days before the start of a full-scale war, four PAF F-86 Sabre jets attacked Indian and Mukti Bahini positions near the Indo-Bangla border in the Battle of Garibpur. In what became the first ever Dogfight over East Pakistan skies (present day Bangladesh), three of the 4 PAF Sabres were shot down by IAF Gnats, and hostilities commenced. December 3 saw the formal declaration of war following massive, but failed preemptive strikes by the Pakistan Air Force against Indian Air Force installations in the west. The PAF targets were against Indian bases in Srinagar, Ambala, Sirsa, Halwara and Jodhpur on the lines of Operation Focus. But the plan failed miserably as Indians had anticipated such a move and no major losses were suffered. The Indian response over Pakistan skies however produced severe blows to the PAF. 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1971 calendar). ... East Pakistan was a former province of Pakistan which existed between 1955 and 1971. ... November 22 is the 326th day (327th on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Military manpower Military age 16 years of age Availability 39,028,014 (2005) Males ages 16-49 Reaching military age males: 1,969,055 (2005) Active troops 620,000 (Ranked 7th) Military expenditures Dollar figure $3. ... The North American F-86 Sabre was a subsonic combat aircraft developed for the US Air Force. ... Liberation War commemoration poster Mukti Bahini (Bangla: মুক্তি বাহিনী) (Liberation Army), was a guerrilla force which fought against the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. ... Commanders Lt. ... A dogfight or dog fight is a common term used to describe close-range aerial combat between military aircraft. ... A HAL Ajeet fighter . ... December 3 is the 337th (in leap years the 338th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Pakistan Air Force Indian Air Force Strength •36 Aircrafts in first two waves. ... Military manpower Military age 16 years of age Availability 39,028,014 (2005) Males ages 16-49 Reaching military age males: 1,969,055 (2005) Active troops 620,000 (Ranked 7th) Military expenditures Dollar figure $3. ... Operation Focus (Hebrew: Mivtza Moked) was the opening pre-emptive airstrike by Israel at the start of the Six-Day War of 1967. ...

Within the first two weeks, the IAF had carried out more than 4,000 sorties in East Pakistan and provided successful air cover for the advancing Indian army in East Pakistan. IAF also assisted the Indian Navy in sinking several Pakistani naval vessels in the Bay of Bengal. In the west, the airforce demolished scores of tanks and armoured vehicles in a single battle - the Battle of Longewala. The IAF pursued strategic bombing by destroying oil installations in Karachi, the Mangla Dam and gas plant in Sindh. As the IAF achieved complete air superiority over the eastern wing of Pakistan within a few days,^[2] the ordnance factories, runways, and other vital areas in East Pakistan were severely crippled. In the end, the IAF played a pivotal role in the victory for the Allied Forces leading to the liberation of Bangladesh. In addition to the overall strategic victory, the IAF had also claimed 94 ^[3] Pakistani aircraft destroyed, with some 45 of own aircraft admitted lost. The IAF had however, flown over 7000 combat sorties on both East and West fronts and its overall sortie rate numbered over 15000. Comparatively the PAF was flowing fewer sorties by the day fearing loss of planes. Towards the end of the war, IAF's transport planes dropped leaflets over Dhaka urging the Pak forces to surrender; East Pakistani sources note that as the leaflets floated down, the morale of the Pakistani troops sunk.^[4] The Crest of the Indian Air Force. ... The Indian Army is the largest branch of the Armed Forces of India and has the primary responsibility of conducting land-based military operations. ... East Pakistan was a former province of Pakistan which existed between 1955 and 1971. ... The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. ... A map showing the location of the Bay of Bengal. ... Combatants Indian Army and later Indian Air Force Pakistan Army Commanders Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri Brigadier Tariq Mir Strength 120 troops 2 Recoilless Guns 2000+ troops 65 Tanks 5 Field guns 3 Anti-aircraft guns 138 Military vehicles Casualties 2 men, 1 jeep mounted recoiless gun 200 soldiers. ... The remains of German town of Wesel after intensive Allied area bombing in 1945 (destruction rate 98 % of all buildings) // Strategic bombing is a military strategy used in a total war style campaign that attempts to destroy the economic ability of a nation-state to wage war. ... Karachi (Urdu: كراچى, Sindhi: ڪراچي) is the capital of the province of Sindh, and the most populated city in Pakistan, sometimes known as the City of Lights and the City of Quaid (شہرِ قائد), after Muhammad Ali Jinnah the founder of Pakistan. ... The Mangla Dam in Pakistan is the twelfth largest dam in the world. ... Air superiority is the dominance in the air power of one side air forces of another side during a military campaign. ...

See also: Operation Chengiz Khan, East Pakistan Air Operations, 1971, Helibridge over Meghna, Tangail Airdrop, and Battle of Hilli

Combatants Pakistan Air Force Indian Air Force Strength •36 Aircrafts in first two waves. ... The Crest of the Indian Air Force. ... Meghna Heli Bridge was an operation mounted on 9 December 1971 by the Indian Air Force to Airlift troops of IV Corps of the Indian Army from Brahmanbaria to Raipura and Narsingdi over the River Meghna during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, bypassing the strong Pakistani defenses at Ashuganj... The Tangail airdrop was an operation mounted on 11 December 1971 by the 2nd Parachute Battalion of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. ... Combatants Indian Armed Forces Military of Pakistan Commanders Major Lachhman Singh Major Niyazi Strength  ?  ? Casualties  ?  ? Battle of Hilli or the Battle of Bogra was a major battle fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and Bangladesh Liberation War. ...

Operation Meghdoot 1984

Main article: Operation Meghdoot

Operation Meghdoot was the name given to the preemptive strike launched by the Indian Military to capture most of the Siachen Glacier, in the disputed Kashmir region. Launched on April 13, 1984, this military operation was unique as it was the first assault launched in the world's highest battlefield. The military action was quite successful as Indian troops managed to gain two-thirds of the glacier with the rest remaining under Pakistani control. Combatants India Pakistan Operation Meghdoot was the name given to the preemptive attack launched by the Indian Military to capture most of the Siachen Glacier, in the disputed Kashmir region, precipating the Siachen Conflict. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Preventative war. ... The Siachen Glacier is marked in orange The Siachen Glacier is located in the East Karakoram/Himalaya, at approximately . ... Kashmir (or Cashmere) may refer to: Kashmir region, the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent India, Kashmir conflict, the territorial dispute between India, Pakistan, and the China over the Kashmir region. ... April 13 is the 103rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (104th in leap years). ... 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Planning, calculating, or the giving or receiving of information. ... Battlefield may refer to: the location of a battle, the Battlefield televised documentary series, shown on the Discovery Channel, which explores battles of World War 2, the Battlefield Vietnam televised documentary series, shown on the Military Channel, which gives detail explanations of Vietnam War, (1945-1975), battles. ... A glacier is a large, long-lasting river of ice that is formed on land and moves in response to gravity and undergoes internal deformation. ...

Operation Cactus 1988

Main article: Operation Cactus

Operation Cactus:^[5] In November 1988, the People's Liberation Front of Tamileelam (PLOTE) comprising about 200 Tamil secessionists invaded Maldives. At the request of the President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Indian Armed Forces with assistance of R&AW launched a military campaign to restore government rule in Maldieves. On the night of November 3, 1988, the Indian Air Force airlifted a parachute battalion group from Agra and flew them non-stop over 2,000 kilometres (1,240 mi) to Maldives. The Indian paratroopers landed at Hulule and secured the airfield and restored the Government rule at Malé within hours. The brief, bloodless operation, labelled Operation Cactus, also involved the Indian Navy. An Indian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft that was used to paradrop Indian troops in Male. ... PLOTE stands for Peoples Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam. ... Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (Dhivehi: Þ‰Þ¦Þ‡ÞªÞ‰Þ«Þ‚Þª އަބްދުލް ÞŽÞ¦Þ‡Þ°Þ”Þ«Þ‰Þ°) (born December 29, 1937), has been the president of the Republic of Maldives since November 11, 1978, having succeeded Ibrahim Nasir. ... The Cabinet Secretariat Research and Analysis Wing (often abbreviated as R.A.W. or R&AW) is Indias premier external intelligence body. ... November 3 is the 307th day of the year (308th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 58 days remaining. ... Agra   (Hindi: , Urdu: ‎), (IPA: ) is a medevial city on the banks of the Yamuna River in India. ... Hulhule (ހުޅުލެ) is an island in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. ... Malé (Dhivehi: މާލެ), (pronounced: Maa-lay) population 81,647 (2004), is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. ... The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. ...

Kargil 1999

Main article: Operation Safed Sagar

A footage of IAF's successful strike mission on Tiger Hill.

During the Kargil War with Pakistan, the Indian Air Force is said to have proved the decisive force in accelerating the end of the conflict. It successfully provided considerable air-cover for Indian troops fighting against Pakistani soldiers and also carried out air assaults against enemy forces in Kashmir. Most notable were the IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft, which carried out surgical operations to assist ground troops in securing the strategically crucial Tiger Hill from its Pakistani captors. The IAF also carried out several operations to provide essential supplies to the ground troops. During the conflict, one IAF MiG-27 and an IAF MiG-21 were claimed shot down by Pakistani air defence missiles However the Indian Air Force had stated that the MiG-27 had an engine flameout in the initial stages of attacking the mountain top targets with its cannon. This is confirmed by an Unofficial Pakistan Air Force Website - PAF Combat.com, maintained by a serving Air Commodore of the PAF. The MiG-21M was on a search operation to find the MiG-27s crash site, when it was shot down. Later, an Mi-17 helicopter was shot down by a shoulder-held missile with the loss of all its crew. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Image File history File links Tiger_Hill. ... Image File history File links Tiger_Hill. ... Combatants India Pakistan, Kashmiri secessionists Strength 30,000 5,000 Casualties Indian Official Figures: 527 killed,[1][2][3] 1,363 wounded[4] 1 POW Pakistani Estimates: 357–4,000+ killed[5][6] (Pakistan troops) 665+ soldiers wounded[5] 8 POWs. ... A Mirage 2000 of the Indian Air Force The Mirage 2000 is a French-built multi-role fighter manufactured by Dassault Aviation. ... The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 (NATO reporting name Flogger) is a ground attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union and later licence-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur (Valiant). It is based on the MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimized... Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (NATO reporting name Fishbed) is a fighter aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. ... Military manpower Military age 16 years of age Availability 39,028,014 (2005) Males ages 16-49 Reaching military age males: 1,969,055 (2005) Active troops 620,000 (Ranked 7th) Military expenditures Dollar figure $3. ... The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 (NATO reporting name Flogger) is a ground attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union and later licence-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur (Valiant). It is based on the MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimized...

Atlantique Incident

On August 10, 1999, a Pakistan Navy French-built naval Breguet Atlantic was flying over the Rann of Kutch area and was shot down by two IAF MiG-21 jets killing all 16 aboard. (See Atlantique Incident) August 10 is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... Pakistan Navy jack Military manpower Military age 16 years of age Availability 39,028,014 (2005) Males ages 16-49 Reaching military age males: 1,969,055 (2005) Active troops 620,000 (Ranked 7th) Military expenditures Dollar figure $3. ... The Breguet Atlantic (Breguet 1150 Atlantique) is a Long-distance Reconnaissance airplane, primarily designed for use over open Sea. ... Rann of Kutch on the Top Left. ... Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (NATO reporting name Fishbed) is a fighter aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. ... The Atlantique Incident was a major event in which a Pakistan Navy plane was shot down by the Indian Air Force citing border violation. ...

References

1. ^ IAF Combat Kills, 1965 war
2. ^ Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born Dec. 20, 1971 TIME
3. ^ IAF Combat Kills, 1971 war
4. ^ Air aspect of the Liberation War 1971 by Air Cdre Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury (Retd)
5. ^ http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1990s/Cactus.html