The Indian Air Force is one of the largest in the world. With a manpower of over 190,000 and almost 3,700 flying personnel this fine force is widely admired for its high professional standards and the quality of its equipment.
THE IAF has more than 1130 combat aircraft,another 350 plus combat capable training aircraft and some 120 armed helicopters.
For air defence/strike/attack the IAF is equipped with some 20 squadrons of MiG 21, MiG 23, MiG 29 Fulcrum,, Su 30K and Mirage 2000 H aircraft. The strike/attack inventory is equally impressive with another 20 squadrons of Anglo-French Jaguars,MiG 27 ML, MiG 23 dm and MiG 21m/MF.
The transport fleet is also a large one and includes HAH Do-228, HAL Hs-748, ,IL-76MD or Gajraj and four squadrons of An-32 Sutlej aircraft. Trainers include the likes of the Canberra, HAL Kiran, Bae Hs 748 whilst VIP aircraft inventory encompasses the well proven Boeing 737-200, HAL Hs 748 and two excellent helicopter types ,viz, the French SA 365n Dauphine and the Russian Mi 8 Hip.
India is justly famed for its survey capability and the Indian Air Force flies a number of aircraft for survey purposes including the An 32 Sutlej and the Learjet. Reconnaissance is yet another capability possessed by the IAF and this vital function is carried out by Canberra and MiG 25 aircraft.
The IAF has a large fleet of helicopters both as attack helicopters and for troop and equipment transportation and the fleet includes Mil Mi35, Mi25, Mil Mi 8, Mi17 and Mil Mi 26 helicopters.Some observers feel that given the IAF?s huge resposibilities,more attack helicopters of the Appache type are needed.
A characteristic of the IAF equipment is its diverse range. Many aircraft are produced locally by the likes of HAL, some are Russian in origin, a number are derived from France and Britain and several types were obtained from manufacturers in the US.
Like their counterparts in the US Air Force, the French Air Force and the British RAF, Indian pilots are very well trained and their annual flying hours are in the range of 220-280 hours annually. There have been reports that the IAF is facing a shortage of pilots but that problem is certainly not unique to this air force.
The IAF has demonstrated its capabilities in combat and is rated very highly by analysts, not only because it is one of the largest and best equipped air forces but because of the quality of the personnel that serve India with pride and professionalism.
Perhaps the two slight weak aspects were the lack of modern attack helicopters and in flight refueling capability;the latter is a great force multiplier. What with the commissioning of the IL-78 aircraft and the Mi 26 helicopters, they are a formidable force indeed.
