Did you know the History of the Indian Air Force is so glorious

The Indian Air Force has been holding the reins in the sky ever since it came into being on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary force under British Raj. Over the time, it evolved itself with modern technologies and brave personnel and has become the forth-strongest Air Force in the world. It is estimated that the Force has1820 aircrafts in service. The success of an army is measured by the achievements it has had. The flock of Indian birds has accomplished numerous missions in the sky such as Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Pawan, Operation Poomalai, Kargil War and so forth. Apart from battlefields, the force provides assistance in natural disaster relief campaigns. This article will take you back into the glorious history and achievements thereof. 

THE FORMATIONS

In 1932, The British set up an auxiliary air force of the Royal Air Force, which later became Indian Air Force in 1950. The first ac flight was introduced into the Force on 1 April 1933. Initially it possessed six trained officers and 19 air soldiers, which later rose to 662 in 1938. During partition of India In 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force split up into two: one owned by Dominion of India and the other came into possession of Dominion of Pakistan. Some three operational squadrons located within Pakistan were transferred to the Royal Pakistan Air Force. 3 years later in 1950 the prefix ‘Royal’ was removed from Indian Air Force. 

THE ROLE IN THE WORLD WAR-II

The RIAF played an instrumental role for the British against the Japanese in the World War-ii. The Air Force fought air war against Japan in Burma (now Myanmar) to check the Japanese army to move forward. Indian force launched its first ever air strike on Japanese military base in Arakan. With this success, the Force advanced to Thailand and carried our many strikes on the Japanese Army. The RIAF expanded during the War, many American and British aircrafts were added to its fleet to enhance the power. 

AFTER THE INDEPENDENCE 

The Force engaged in several wars with two neighbuoring countries: Pakistan and China. Breaking many international rules, Pakistan attacked the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir soon after it separated from India. Pakistan saw the state as a weak kingdom and thought it could annex the land without hurdles. The Maharaja of Kashmir decided to seek Indian help. This led to a full scale conflict between the two nations. The Air Force did not fight direct war with Pakistan, however, it helped Indian troops by transporting equipments. 

THE DECADE OF 1960s

In the course of six years in 1960s, Indian Air Force fought as many as three wars. In 1960-61, the force helped Indian government to liberate the Portuguese colony of Goa. This operation came to be known as Operation Vijay. A year after in 1962, it fought a war with China over land dispute and with Pakistan in 1965. 

The Force has progressed dramatically and acquired many deadly aircrafts such as Mirage 2000, Rafale, Mig 21, Su 30 and Su 27. India recently acquired its indigenous aircraft Tejas. Prime Minister Modi turned down the IAF’s proposal to buy foreign Air fighters. Modi wants to invest this fund in his ‘Make-in-India’ policy to encourage domestic manufacturing industries. This move is being welcomed by every section of Indian society as an indication of bright future of India.

Source >>