Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (?????? ???? ???? : Bharatiya Vayu Sena) is the air-arm of the Military of India and has the prime responsibility of conducting air-based warfare and securing Indian airspace. It was established on October 8, 1932 as the Royal Indian Air Force. The prefix Royal was dropped after India became a Republic in 1950. It is the fourth largest airforce in the world and operates 1100+ combat and 1500+ non-combat aircraft.

IAF air staff

With its headquarters in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force has a strength of 170,000 personnel and 1129 combat aircraft (2005 figure).

Related Topics:
New Delhi - 2005

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The administrative branch of the IAF is divided into 3 main branches:

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• Flying Branch
• Administration
• Logistics and Training

and 5 sub-branches:

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• Accounts Branch
• Technical Branch
• Education Branch
• Meteorological Branch
• Medical & Dental Branch

Rank structure

The head of the Indian Air Force is known as the Chief of Air Staff (currently Air Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi). The highest rank in the IAF is Marshal of the Air Force, who is appointed by the President of India only in exceptional circumstances. Arjun Singh is the only officer to be conferred this rank (See Field Marshal (India)). Several other high ranking officers assist the CAS.

Related Topics:
Chief of Air Staff - Air Chief Marshal - President of India - Field Marshal (India) - CAS

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Officer

The various ranks of personnel within the Indian Air Force are listed below in descending order:

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• Marshal of the Air Force (A ceremonial rank, and applicable only when a state of national emergency is declared)
• Air Chief Marshal (Chief of Air Staff and equivalent to General and Admiral)
• Air Marshal (equivalent to Lt. General in the Army)
• Air Vice Marshal (equivalent to Major General in the Army)
• Air Commodore (equivalent to Brigadier in the Army)
• Group Captain (equivalent to Colonel in the Army)
• Wing Commander
• Squadron Leader
• Flight Lieutenant
• Flying Officer

Airmen

During its formation, the rank structure of airmen was based on the British model. Over the years the rank structure has seen significant changes.

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• Master Warrant Officer
• Warrant Officer
• Junior Warrant Officer
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Aircraftsman