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Indian Air Force facts for kids

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is India's air force. It is a very important part of India's armed forces.

Air Force Ensign of India
Ensign of the Indian Air Force

The IAF started on April 1, 1932. Back then, it was called the Royal Indian Air Force. It was part of the British Empire's military. After India became independent in 1950, the word 'Royal' was removed.

Since 1950, the IAF has taken part in five wars. It also helps with United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. These missions help keep peace in different countries.

The Indian Air Force has about 170,000 people working for it. It also has around 1,700 aircraft. This makes it the fourth largest air force in the world. The motto of the Indian Air Force is nabhah sprsham diptam. This means 'touch the sky with glory'. This motto comes from an ancient Indian scripture called the Bhagavad Gita.

History of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force began on April 1, 1932. It was first known as the Royal Indian Air Force. This was because India was then part of the British Empire. The IAF played a role in World War II. Many brave pilots and airmen served during this time.

After India gained its independence in 1947, the country became a republic. In 1950, the word 'Royal' was removed from the name. It became simply the Indian Air Force. This marked a new chapter for the IAF.

Role and Missions

The Indian Air Force has many important jobs. Its main role is to protect India's skies. It also supports ground forces during conflicts.

Protecting the Nation

The IAF defends India from air attacks. It uses fighter jets and other aircraft for this purpose. They patrol the borders and keep watch. This helps keep the country safe.

Helping in Wars

The IAF has been involved in five wars since 1950. These include conflicts with neighboring countries. During these wars, the IAF performs air strikes. They also provide air support to soldiers on the ground.

Peacekeeping Missions

Beyond wars, the IAF also helps with global peace. It regularly joins United Nations peacekeeping missions. In these missions, IAF aircraft and personnel help in different ways. They might transport supplies or people. They also help maintain peace in troubled regions.

Aircraft and Personnel

The Indian Air Force uses many types of aircraft. These include fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. Each type has a special job.

Types of Aircraft

Fighter jets like the Dassault Rafale and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 are used for combat. Transport planes, such as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, carry troops and supplies. Helicopters like the Boeing AH-64 Apache are used for attacks and rescue missions. The IAF also has its own HAL Tejas, which is an Indian-made fighter jet.

Skilled Personnel

The IAF has about 170,000 people. These include pilots, engineers, and ground staff. They all work together to keep the air force running. Special forces like the Garud Commandos are also part of the IAF. They are highly trained for difficult missions.

Motto and Spirit

The motto of the Indian Air Force is nabhah sprsham diptam. This phrase is in Sanskrit. It means 'touch the sky with glory'. This motto inspires all IAF personnel. It reminds them to always aim high and perform their duties with honor.

The motto comes from a very old and respected Indian text. It encourages courage, excellence, and dedication. These values are very important to the Indian Air Force.

Images for kids

  • IAF Roundels
    Evolution of the IAF roundel over the years:
    1. 1933–1942
    2. 1942–1945
    3. 1947–1950
    4. 1950 – present
  • Indian Air Force flag at India Gate

    Indian Air Force flag at India Gate, New Delhi

  • IAF Wapiti K1260

    A Westland Wapiti, one of the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force

  • Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection CI75

    World War II photo: Arjan Singh (middle) as Flight Lieutenant. He went on to become Marshal of the Air Force

  • Dakotas in Poonch 1947

    Refugees awaiting evacuation by IAF Dakota on Poonch airstrip, December 1947

  • Consolidated-Vultee B-24 Liberator heavy bomber over the Deccan plateau in the early 1950s

    An IAF Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber over the Deccan plateau in the early 1950s

  • IAF Hf24 flying in formation

    HAL HF-24 Maruts flying in formation. These were the first indigenous fighter jet to enter service with the IAF

  • PAF hangar at Dacca airfield after an air attack by the IAF, Dec 71

    PAF hangar at Dacca airfield after an IAF air attack, December 1971

  • The IAF strikes the enemy's rail communication in West Pakistan, Dec 71

    IAF attacking enemy rail facilities in West Pakistan, December 1971

  • Mig21 pair during 1971 war

    A pair of MiG-21s during the 1971 war

  • Indian Air Force Antonov An-32

    IAF An-32s were used to airdrop humanitarian supplies in Operation Poomalai

  • VayuBhawanDelhi

    Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi

  • Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force (cropped)

    Garud Commandos

  • Hindustan Dhruv (3871115090)

    Sarang display team

  • IAF Uniform

    IAF officers in uniform

  • Indian Air Force-02-01

    French CCE and British DPM variant camouflage which is used by IAF

  • Indian Air Force Soldier guarding India Gate

    An IAF servicemember with uniform, shoulder rank patch and INSAS rifle standing guard at the India Gate memorial in New Delhi

  • Air Force station Sarsawa

    Airmen marching during Air Force Day celebration

  • Indian Air Force Rafale fighter

    Indian Air Force Rafale

  • HAL Tejas (LA-5020) of SQ18 Flying Bullets during Air Force Day 2021

    HAL Tejas

  • DRDO AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145

    An AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145

  • RK-3452 Indian Air Force

    An Ilyushin Il-78MKI at RIAT 2007

  • IAF-C-17

    Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

  • IAFBaeHawk

    IAF BAE Hawk Mk 132

  • Akash MK-1S missile test on 27 May 2019 - 1

    Akash missile

  • AMCA render by Satwik Sadhukhan

    HAL AMCA, 5th generation aircraft

  • HALTEDBFAeroindia2021

    HAL TEDBF, a twin engine based multirole combat aircraft

  • HAL LCA MK2

    HAL Tejas Mk2, a single seater, multirole combat aircraft

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fuerza Aérea India para niños

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