The Air Force is the crown jewel of a nation’s defence, combining speed, precision, and technological prowess. It shields the skies, ensuring territorial integrity and deterring potential threats with unmatched agility. Beyond combat, its role extends to humanitarian aid, disaster response, and strategic intelligence, showcasing versatility in peace and conflict. As a symbol of strength and innovation, the Air Force amplifies national power, fostering global partnerships through joint exercises and diplomacy. With its ability to project power and respond rapidly, the Air Force is not just a guardian of sovereignty but a linchpin of modern security and influence.
The Indian Air Force was founded in 1932, under British colonial rule, primarily as a support force. After gaining independence in 1947, India faced several regional security challenges, highlighting the need for a strong and modern air force. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the IAF’s lack of contemporary aircraft became apparent as the Chinese air force outmatched India’s resources. This led to significant investment in aircraft procurement and a drive for modernisation, which continued through the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani Wars. The IAF demonstrated effectiveness in these conflicts by securing air superiority, providing close air support for ground operations, and conducting strategic raids on enemy territory. By the 1990s, the IAF had strengthened its fleet, acquiring advanced fighters like the Russian MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. India recently added the French Dassault Rafale and the indigenous HAL Tejas to its roster, further enhancing its operational capability. This ongoing modernisation of its fleet and improvements in training and operational strategies have allowed the IAF to become one of the region’s most potent air forces worldwide.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) embodies strength, innovation, and strategic excellence. Its elite fleet includes the Rafale, known for precision strikes and air dominance, and the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, celebrated for its versatility. The HAL Tejas, an indigenously developed light combat aircraft, symbolises India’s self-reliance under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission, equipped with advanced avionics, fly-by-wire systems, and composite materials.
With ₹36,468 crores allocated for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets and ₹9,000 crores for developing the upgraded Tejas Mk2, the government is accelerating domestic defence production by collaborations with global leaders, like the GE agreement for jet engine technology transfer, further reinforcing India’s defence ecosystem. Projects like the indigenous production of Airbus C-295 transport aircraft in partnership with Tata highlight India’s growing capability to merge global expertise with local manufacturing.
IAF Su-30 MKI, Rafale and IAF Tejas FOC during Exercise Garuda
The defence budget for 2024-25, standing at ₹5.94 lakh crores, reflects a 13% increase, prioritising IAF modernisation and Indigenous innovation. India is crafting a robust defence framework by emphasising self-reliance while integrating cutting-edge global technologies. This balanced approach ensures operational superiority while bolstering domestic manufacturing and fostering global partnerships.
The IAF’s evolving fleet and strategic initiatives represent India’s ambition to secure its skies and emerge as a global defence manufacturing hub. These efforts fortify national security and pave the way for a self-reliant, technologically advanced future in aerospace and defence.
Alexander Seversky’s air power theory emphasises the significance of air superiority, strategic bombing, and force projection as fundamental aspects of modern military doctrine. His work, especially in Victory Through Air Power (1942), argued that control of the skies is paramount for victory in any conflict and that air forces should be able to strike directly at an enemy’s strategic assets, such as industrial centres and transportation hubs.The IAF has integrated several aspects of Seversky’s ideas into its strategic framework. Seversky stressed that achieving air superiority is the prerequisite for victory. Seversky’s advocacy for strategic bombing aligns with the IAF’s modern doctrine, which includes precision strikes on critical infrastructure, such as enemy military installations, weapons caches, and command centres. The IAF’s use of precision-guided munitions, demonstrated in the 2019 Balakot airstrike, reflects this focus on minimising collateral damage while incapacitating key targets. Force projection, or the ability to project military power beyond one’s borders, is another cornerstone of Seversky’s theory.
The United States leads global air dominance with advanced systems like the F-35 Lightning II, hypersonic weapons, and MQ-25 Stingray drones, ensuring unmatched power projection and operational flexibility. Focusing on regional superiority, Russia has developed the Su-57 stealth fighter and S-400/S-500 missile systems, though challenges persist in engine technology and integration. Meanwhile, Israel combines cutting-edge defence with systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling, ensuring precise missile defence and strategic air superiority, enhanced by customised F-35I fighters for regional threats. These nations’ air power strategies reflect their technological prowess and regional security priorities.
IAF during War with Pakistan
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has played a decisive role in the India-Pakistan wars, demonstrating its strategic importance. During the 1947-48 war, the IAF conducted over 800 sorties, airlifting 15,000 troops to Srinagar, crucial for defending Jammu & Kashmir. In the 1965 war, the IAF flew 4,000 sorties, achieving air superiority and aiding ground forces in battles like Asal Uttar despite losing 60 aircraft. The 1971 war saw the IAF execute 4,000 combat and 2,000 transport sorties, neutralising 90% of the Pakistan Air Force in the Eastern sector and expediting Pakistan’s surrender with strategic strikes on Dhaka. During the 1999 Kargil War, the IAF’s Operation Safed Sagar utilised laser-guided bombs at high altitudes, flying 550 missions to dismantle Pakistani positions without crossing the Line of Control. In 2019, the Balakot airstrike showcased the IAF’s precision, with 12 Mirage-2000 jets targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan. Across these conflicts, the IAF’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping India’s defence outcomes and asserting strategic dominance.
China and India
China’s rise as a regional air power in Asia is marked by rapid advancements in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and significant investments in Indigenous capabilities. The PLAAF now operates around 2,400 combat aircraft, including over 1,300 fourth-generation fighters, alongside advancements in ballistic missile defence systems like the HQ-19 and Dong Neng interceptors. Infrastructure upgrades in border regions and advancements in stealth technology further enhance China’s operational reach.
India and China’s growing capabilities raise concerns about an arms competition. China’s defence budget 2024 is approximately $231 billion, significantly higher than India’s $72 billion. China allocates a substantial portion to modernising its military, whereas personnel costs constrain India’s spending. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) benefits from strategic geography, China’s technological and numerical superiority pressures India to accelerate modernisation efforts. Enhanced self-reliance through the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and efficient resource allocation will be crucial for India to bridge this gap
The Indian Air Force has made significant strides in developing a powerful, modern air force capable of defending India’s sovereignty and projecting power regionally. Adopting Seversky’s principles, particularly the emphasis on air superiority, strategic bombing, and force projection, has allowed the IAF to secure a formidable position in the region. However, challenges such as the ageing fleet, dependence on foreign technology, and resource constraints must be addressed to ensure the continued growth and effectiveness of the IAF. By overcoming these limitations, the IAF can continue to evolve and adapt to the changing security landscape, further solidifying its role as a key player in global air power.
