The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. It is the world’s fourth largest air force. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict.
The Indian Air Force is one of the strongest air forces in the world. IAF was founded on October 8, 1932. Right now, it is the fourth largest air force in the world. The IAF has also proved its capabilities and powers in various wartime and peacetime missions. India is trying to make IAF world’s most powerful, and modern air force in the world.
Let us have a look at 12 interesting facts about Indian Air Force :
1. Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon Only Officer Who Received Param Vir Chakra
Flying officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the only member of the Indian Air Force who received the highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. Nobody in the Indian Air Force has since been awarded this honour.
2. Once IAF operated about 224 squadrons
According to the latest available information and data, the IAF has a 1,473 strong aircraft fleet, which includes helicopters, trainers, and transport aircraft.
3. First Woman Air Marshal in the IAF
Padmavathy Bandopadhyay was the first woman air marshal in the Indian Air Force. She was the Director General Medical Services (Air) at the Air Headquarters.
4. Arjan Singh Is The Only Marshal of the Indian Air Force
Marshal of the Indian Air Force is an honourary rank which is the highest achievable rank. Arjan Singh is the only officer from the IAF who have achieved this rank.
5. IAF Has Over 60 Air Bases in India
The Indian Air Force has more than 60 air bases spread all over India, which are grouped into 7 commands.
6. Western Air Command Is The Largest Air Command
Out of all commands in India, Western Air Command is the largest air command in India, with 16 air bases.
7. IAF Was Not An Independent from the Indian Army
Before the independence, the Indian Air Force was controlled by the Indian Army. Due to the efforts of the 1st Commander-in-Chief of Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst, functioned as an independent service organization.
8. Indian Air Force in Tajikistan
It is one of the most interesting facts about India. The Indian Air Force maintains its base in Farkhor, Tajikistan, the first base outside India.
9. Highest Air Force Station of the IAF
Siachen Glacier is the highest air force station of the Indian Air Force. The station is located at the height of 22,000 ft (6,706 m). It is also one of the highest air force stations in the world.
10. Crucial Role of IAF in 1947 War With Pakistan
The Indian Air Force has played a crucial role in 1947 war with Pakistan. The IAF transported a lot of Indian Army soldiers to fight against the Pakistani Forces on the matter of Kashmir.
11. It Was Royal Indian Air Force from 1945 to 1950
The Indian Air Force was referred to as Royal Indian Air Force from 1945 to 1950. The word ‘Royal’ was dropped when India became a republic.
12. India is building the 5th generation Sukhoi PAK FA in collaboration with Russia.
When completed, it will be the most lethal fighter jet in the world alongside the US F-22. It is expected to start flying around 2015.
12 Interesting Facts About Indian Air Force
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