INDIAN AIR FORCE

The air arm of the Indian armed forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly the fourth largest air force in the world in terms of air assets and personnel. Established on October 8, 1932, the IAF was previously the Royal Indian Air Force. The prefix Royal was dropped after India's independence and the transition to a Republic in 1950.

The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the IAF that is led by the Chief of Air Staff, the highest-ranking officer of the force with the rank of Air Chief Marshal, a four-star general. On January 26, 2002, the President of India conferred the rank of Marshal of Air Force, a five-star officer, to Arjan Singh - the first and the only five-star officer of the IAF.

The Indian Air Force has participated in four operations - Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Poomalai in Sri Lanka besides numerous international and humanitarian assistance operations. One of the most lethal and modern air forces in the world, the IAF operates Russian, US, French, and Indian aircraft. With Dassault Rafale as the latest induction in its fighter fleet, the IAF also operates Sukhoi-30 MKI, and LCA Tejas among other older aircraft.

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