Tribute to Indian Airforce

Pic:Internet

Tribute to the Guardians of Sky Indian Airforce.

Indian Airforce was started in 1932 on October 8 as an Auxiliary force for the Royal Air Force with Westland Wapiti.

The first campaign by Indian Airforce happened during Waziristan campaign where Airforce did Reconnaissance mission.

Many princely states with aviation enthusiast rulers like Jodhpur and Patiala established flying clubs that served as another starting point.

HAL started as Hindustan Aircraft Company was established in Bengaluru by Walchand Hirachand and Princely State of Mysore Colonial Government became stakeholder in 1941 and took over management in 1942.

During World war Airforce was expanded significantly. Many runways were built around India for the combined operation of Indian Airforce,RAF and USAAF. Indian Airforce participated in Bombing campaign in the South East Asian Theatre.

Thus for recognition of the service Royal Prefix was added in 1945.

After Independence the assets were divided based on the Partition Plan.Initiai insignia was Ashoka Chakra roundel. Later today’s roundel and fin were adapted in 1950.

Immediately after Independence the Pakistani Army invaded Jammu and Kashmir Indian Airforce did Airlifting mission and cover support for the campaigns.

In 1950 after India became Republic the Royal Prefix was removed.

Indian Airforce inducted Jet Engine aircrafts later on.

Airforce participated in both Congo campaign under UN also in Goa Liberation(1961).

Airforce participated in defensive role in 1962 war because of restraint by then political leadership. In 1965 Airforce used Folland Gnat to destroy F86 Sabres thus regarded as Sabre slayer.

In the meantime MiG 21 was inducted and HAL HF 24 first indigenous Indian Aircraft was inducted into service. In 1971 war Indian Airforce achieved complete air superiority over Pakistan which led to creation of Bangladesh.

Later Indian Airforce did operation Meghdoot in 1984 at siachen campaign also conducted Operation Poomalai humanitarian mission. Operation Cactus was done in 1988 a coordinated operation by Army,Airforce and Navy.

During Kargil war Indian Airforce did Operation Safed Sagar reconnaissance and driving off invaders with close air support. When GPS of strategic use were denied Indian Airforce used better strategy to attack the Intruders who invaded by crossing LOC. Thus coordinating with Army.

In 2019 Balakot Strike and 2025 Operation Sindoor both where Indian airforce played a key role.

Indian Airforce’s Brave Pilot Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was awarded with PVC posthumously for his action in 1971. Many air warriors were awarded with gallantry medals for their operational excellence.

Indian Airforce’s Aircraft including Canberra,MiG21 the work horse of IAF till it’s retirement and Dassault Mirage 2000 along with MiG 27 to that of Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI,Tejas thus forces evolved with time.With induction of Helicopters and other modern equipments forces got modernized with Time.

Indian Airforce have Garud Commando for its base protection and operations.

Indian Airforce is part of Defense Space Agency too.

Their motto Nabhaḥ Spr̥śaṁ Dīptam meaning touch the sky with Glory was from Bhagvad Gita.

Thus let’s remember the force which started with Westland Wapiti and evolved to become Fourth largest Airforce on it’s day of establishment.

-Tribute by Srikaanth Sridhar