The Indian Air Force has not only conquered the skies, but also our hearts. We couldn't think of a better way to pay a tribute to them than by sharing these amazing IAF facts that will make your chest swell with pride.
1. World class
Our Air Force is the 4th largest in the world, just behind USA, Russia and China. Need proof of how massive it actually is? It has an estimated 1,380 aircraft which includes around 700 fighters, 6 aerial refueling tanker aircraft, 133 transport aircraft, 158 trainer aircraft, 33 attack helicopters, 156 transport helicopters, 155 utility helicopters, about 200 UAVs and 265 Fighter Aircraft. The Air Force employs 127,000 personnel who are among the best trained in the world.
2. The inspirational motto
The Motto of the Indian Air Force “Touch the Sky with Glory” has been taken from Bhagvad Gita. The Sankrit saying comes at a time in the Kurukshetra battle when Lord Krishna's divine form is reaching the sky with glory, evoking fear and loss of self-control in Arjuna’s mind. The Indian Air Force, similarly, aims to overwhelm its adversaries with its sophisticated air power.
3. Operation Rahat
The rescue operation was carried out by the Indian Air Force to evacuate civilians affected by the floods in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in 2013. It was the biggest civilian rescue operation in the world carried out by any Air Force using helicopters. During the operation, the IAF airlifted a total of 19,600 people - flying a total of 2,140 sorties and dropping/landing a total of 3, 82,400 kg of relief material and equipment. The IAF repeated their heroics during the recent J&K floods, saving many lives again.
4. Woman power
Padmavathy Bandopadhyay was the first woman Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force. She had the distinction of being the first woman officer to become an aviation medicine specialist, the first Indian woman to have conducted scientific research at the North Pole and the distinction of being the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. She was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for her meritorious service during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. A tough lady indeed.
5. War time hero
In every major war that India has fought the Air Force has played a crucial role. In the Kargil War, the IAF showed their superb adaptation capabilities in the face of unique operational challenges, which included enemy positions at elevations of 14,000 to 18,000 feet, a visually confusing backdrop of rocks and snow and a restriction against crossing the Line of Control that forms the border with Pakistan.
In World War II, the IAF played a crucial role by stopping the Japanese army in Burma, and carrying out air strikes against Japan in Thailand.
In the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the IAF not only provided assistance to the Army and Navy, but established complete air superiority over the Pakistani forces.
6. Visual delight
Remember the best part about our annual Republic Day parades? Yes, the ending which has stunning fighter jets painting the sky in patriotic colours. The entire spectacle is carried out by IAF’s aerobatics demonstration team Surya Kiran, which represents India at international Aerospace Shows too.
7. Honouring India's pride
The IAF brings honour to India, but also makes a point to confer it on individuals who have made the country proud. Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was granted the rank of Honorary Group captain in the IAF, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, was offered a sortie in a frontline fighter aircraft SU-30MKI and badminton champ Saina Nehwal got the honour of flying the 'Kiran Jet Trainer'. 8. IAF’s Heroes
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the only member of the Indian Air Force to have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. He was awarded for his bravery during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, where he destroyed 2 Pakistani aircrafts, before being shot down in a dogfight. He had single-handedly protected Srinagar air base. His heroics were later captured in a graphic novel published by Bloomsbury.
9. Fire power
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, IAF's frontline fighter jet, stands amongst the most elite and sophisticated fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and USAF's F-Series of fighters.
10. Reaching out to the youth
Did you know the IAF launched a 3D mobile game called 'Guardians of the Skies' to encourage youngsters to join the IAF? Launched across all mobile platforms, this is surely a killer app.
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