A seven-year-old curiously stared at a screen where three planes were releasing tricolours into the sky. That was my first introduction to these warriors of the sky, leading to wanting to wear those smart uniforms one day while protecting the sky. Those childhood words unfortunately faded, as did multiple other career dreams that lasted until I learnt about something new. However, one good thing that came out of this interest was my fascination with understanding the history of the Indian Air Force.
Today, the IAF is one of the most formidable aerial combat forces in the world. When did it all start, and what milestones has it hit over the years? The Indian Air Force started as a small group during colonial times and has grown into a major global air power. This story shows how it has built strength, modernised, and adapted its strategies over time.
The beginning
On October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force was formally created as a British Empire auxiliary air force. In honour of its World War II service, King George VI gave it the title of Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) at first. No. 1 Squadron, the first squadron, was established in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1933. The RIAF’s primary function in its early years was to support the British command. However, the IAF started to show its potential during World War II. It was instrumental in the Burma Campaign, giving Allied forces vital air support in their fight against the Japanese. During this time, more advanced aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane were also introduced.
The IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) showcase breathtaking manoeuvres in their iconic red-and-white Hawk Mk-132 jets, over a large number of visitors attending on the fourth day of AERO INDIA 2025 – Airshow at IAF Yelahanka Air Force Station, opened for the Public, in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN
Significant alterations were made to the RIAF’s composition and operations following India’s independence in 1947. With the partition, the RIAF was divided between India and the newly created Pakistan, and its first major challenge came soon after during the First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948) over Jammu and Kashmir. Though the IAF did not engage in direct aerial combat, it provided vital support in airlifting troops and supplies to the front lines. On 26 January 1950, when India became a republic, the word “Royal” was dropped, and the force was officially renamed the Indian Air Force.
Major air rescues!
Indo-China War of 1962
The 1962 war with China exposed shortcomings in India’s defence preparedness. It triggered a reassessment of India’s defence strategy and led to major expansions and modernisation of the IAF.
Second Indo-Pak War of 1965
The IAF played a significant role in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, providing close air support and launching deep strikes into Pakistani territory. It flew over 3,000 sorties during the war and significantly hampered Pakistani advances. Despite facing the technologically advanced F-86 Sabres of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the IAF’s Gnats and Hunters held their own and gained the reputation of being “Sabre Slayers”.
Third Indo-Pak War of 1971
The 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, marked one of the finest hours of the Indian Air Force. Operation Cactus Lily in the west and Operation Meghna in the east demonstrated the IAF’s ability to conduct simultaneous, large-scale operations across two fronts. Within a few days, the IAF had established air superiority over East Pakistan, enabling the rapid movement of Indian forces and significantly contributing to the swift victory.
Kargil War of 1999
During the Kargil War, the IAF conducted Operation Safed Sagar, providing vital air support in the high-altitude conflict. Though operating in extremely difficult conditions, the IAF used precision bombing with Mirage 2000s to destroy enemy bunkers and logistical bases. This was the first time the IAF used laser-guided bombs in combat, marking a significant leap in technological warfare capabilities.
Balakot air strikes of 2019
One of the most significant recent operations by the IAF was the Balakot air strikes in February 2019. In response to the Pulwama terrorist attack, the IAF carried out air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp deep inside Pakistani territory. It marked a major doctrinal shift, demonstrating India’s willingness to carry out pre-emptive strikes and use air power as a strategic deterrent.
Gender equality in the air
The IAF has been a pioneer among the Indian armed forces in integrating women. While women had served in various administrative and medical roles since the 1990s, 2015 marked a landmark decision when the Indian government allowed women to join the fighter stream. In 2016, three women – Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh, and Avani Chaturvedi – became India’s first female fighter pilots, breaking gender barriers in one of the most male-dominated fields.
Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh, and Avani Chaturvedi
| Photo Credit:
Wikimedia Commons
Where will you be trained?
If you are a graduate/postgraduate joining the IAF as an officer cadre, your initial training as a cadet will be at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
If you have completed your 10+2 schooling, joining the IAF in the officer cadre, your initial training as a cadet will be at the National Defence Academy (NDA), followed by training at the Air Force Academy.
If you are joining the IAF as an airman, your training as a cadet will be at Airmen Training School (ATS) Belagavi.
Candidates shortlisted for the Indian Air Force after the initial selection procedure go through a rigorous three-year training regimen at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, followed by specialised training at one of the training establishments. Then, they are commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers and posted as officers at any of the Air Force Stations.
How to get into the Air Force?
There are several entry routes into the Indian Air Force, such as the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE), the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), and the National Defence Academy (NDA) entry.
1. The National Defence Academy allows entry into the Air Force right after completing the 12th standard. It involves a written test, followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical evaluation, and training.
2. AFCAT or Air Force Common Admission Test, is a primary entry point for various branches of the Air Force, including the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (both Technical and Non-Technical). Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree (or be in their final year), and this route involves a written exam, followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview and a medical examination.
3. CDSE or the Combined Defence Services Examination is another route for becoming an officer, conducted by the UPSC. It is open to both male and female candidates, with a permanent service commission offered to male candidates and involves a written test, SSB interview, and medical examination.
4. There are multiple other paths to joining the Air Force, including through the NCC Special Entry, where the Indian Air Force offers a special entry route for NCC cadets. The IAF also allows entry for medical graduates through a special entry route (MET). Please check the official website of the Indian Air Force for more details in case you are interested.
Eligibility Criteria
Age: Various age criteria for various positions
Nationality: Indian
Educational Qualifications: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Branches: The entry through NDA is open for the Flying branch, Ground duty (tech) and Ground duty (non-tech).
Degree: All cadets of the Flying branch and Ground duty (tech) would be offered a BTech in NDA, and cadets of Ground duty (non-tech) would be offered a BSc degree.