Critical Analysis of our Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) formerly
known as the Royal Indian Air Force(RIAF)
came into being after India achieved in
1947 from the British rule. The Royal prefix was dropped in 1950 when India
became a republic. Since 1950 till today this unit of the Indian Armed Forces
has never looked back, and has and continues to march forward towards
sophistication and state of the art technology.
Since independence IAF had been in four wars with Pakistan and one with China. India
might have lost war with China due to improper military planning, but it had
only grown stronger since then. Machines may have been old at that time but the
valor and determination of these sons
and daughters of the motherland have never faded, had never shaken and never
will. With 5 Operational Commands and 2 Functional Commands the Indian Air
Force stands tall among the strongest Air forces of the world.
With motto “Touch the Sky with Glory” the IAF currently holds 25 squadrons out of the original 42
planned. The top commanders of the IAF had taken the fast depleting rate of the
Squadrons due to old fighter aircraft's decommissioning very seriously and as a
result India successfully struck up the
Rafale aircraft deal with France. With the 4th generation
fighter aircraft, Rafale to join IAF in 2016 IAF is all set to boost up the
squadrons and increase its might. In this era of modern warfare, The Indian Air
Force has not limited itself to just 4th generation fighter planes,
the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft(FGFA)
program in collaboration with Russia will provide India with Sukhoi PAK-FA
which will enable the IAF to prove its mettle when time need be.
Structure
of IAF:
Commands
The IAF currently holds its various commands
in various parts of the country. The commands are divided into two categories, The Operational Commands and the Functional
Commands. The Operational commands
namely:
- Central Air Command
- Eastern Air Command
- Western Air Command
- Southern Air Command
- South Western Air Command
Are used to carry out military
operations within its area of operation.
Whereas the Training commands :
- Training Command
- Maintenance Command
Aim at maintaining Combat Readiness.
Within each operational command is a number of air groups, each air group is
commanded by rank of Air Vice - Marshal. Also within each air group are several
bases or stations, each of which is commanded by Air Commodore or Group
Captain.
Wings
Between the Commands and Squadrons is an
intermediate formation unit called Wing.
Each wing comprises of 2 to 3 IAF squadrons and helicopter units along with Forwards Base Support Units. Wings are
commanded by Group Captain.
Squadrons
Squadrons are units which are linked to
static locations. They carry out the primary task of the IAF, the Fighter
Squadrons are commanded by the Officers of Rank Wing Commander whereas the
Transport and Helicopter Units are commanded by Officers of Rank Group Captain.
Flights
Flights are sub divisions of squadrons commanded by Squadron Leader.
Flights are sub divisions of squadrons commanded by Squadron Leader.
These were some of the basic info on our Indian Air force. In the next part of this series we will look at the branches of Indian Air force and the latest developments. If you like our article do share it with your friends and follow us or subscribe for email notification here at the right side , so that you do not miss on any update. Till then keep reading!!!
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About the Author:
Shekhar Tanwar is a computer science engineer who is working with a renowned MNC and is a die heart defense aspirant. Guitar is his passion and he is very firm believer of physical fitness. This article is a way to help defense aspirants to present his critical views on the topic, on the forum so that collective exchange of thoughts can take place.
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