The Indian air force formerly Royal Indian Air Force developed from the aviation section of the Indian Army, which was formed in 1927. The Indian Air Force was established in its own right in 1932. The first flight was formed in 1933. It first saw action in 1937 on the Northwest Frontier. By 1939, five coastal defence flights had been formed and three squadrons equipped with Hawker Audaxes were operational by 1941. By the end of World War II in 1945, eight squadrons had been formed, but thousands of Indians had served in units and stations of the UK's Royal Air Force.

Initially RIAF didn't had much of aircrafts to its inventory, main one being the waptis and then tempests.  During the I and II world war, RIAF took active part in these war, In early 30's Britain was the one and only superpower in the world. Though RIAF was established in INDIA, it's fleet had some of the most advance aircrafts of that time.

In 1945, India's air force had 1,200 officers, including 500 pilots, and 26,000 airmen. At the time of independence, the air force inherited 6/2 squadrons. It was initially commanded by an air marshal from the UK. The air force expanded to 15 squadrons in 1952.

After the end of the second world war India emerged as a newly independent country, which was not in either of the blocs. RIAF was changed IAF and Air Marshal Mukherjee took over (see pic).

In the 50's there was saying in INDIA "Hindu-Chini Bhai Bhai" (Hindus and Chineese are like brothers), as both India and China had almost same history and were always good neighbours. But unfortunately China didn't wanted this trend to go on, as they invaded India in 1962. At that time India was not expecting a aggresive act from one of it's oldest friends.  During this conflict IAF didn't actively took part in combat but was responsible for dropping supplies. Both US and Russia forced China to withdraw. If the war had gone on for more days India might had lost it. One of the achivements by IAF was the landing of an Packet Aircraft at Chushul Valley by Indian Pilots, moreover this was the first and last time.

On three occasions since independence, India has gone to war with Pakistan--in 1947 and 1948, in 1965, and in 1971. During these conflicts India had won very easily.

Besides these wars, in rcent years India has undertaken many operations like OP Pawan, OP Cactus: Maldives, OP Meghdoot, OP Rhino, OP Safed Sagar: Kargil and various other UN peace keeping missions.

Click an  below for an larger image