IAF Transformation of the
Published by
IAF Transformation of the
Editor-in-Chief
Jayant Baranwal
Senior Editors
Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey, Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra
Published by
1964 - 2014 50 years
© SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD, 2013
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This book, published by Jayant Baranwal, contains material protected under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957. Any unauthorised reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the publisher.
The photographs used in this book are provided by the Indian Air Force and from SP Guide Publications archives.
Design: SP’s Design Team
Printed at:
Pragati Offset Pvt Ltd
17, Red Hills, Hyderabad – 500004 Andhra Pradesh, India
Price:
Inland Rs 7,995; Foreign (Surface Mail): Stg.£ 440.00; US$ 785.00
Indian Air Force crest: Symbol of source of inspiration and encouragement to touch the sky with glory.
Cover:
AIr chIeF mArshAl NAK BrowNe PVsm AVsm Vm ADc
Foreword
IAF’s ongoing transformation phase draws its sustenance from the calibre, commitment and the single-minded focus of our proud men and women who excel in their daily mission.
IIAF’s ongoing transformation phase draws its sustenance from the calibre, commitment and the single-minded focus of our proud men and women who excel in their daily mission. Operating in some of the most challenging and diverse operational environments of the world, they resolutely strive to uphold all the noble values and ideals that truly symbolise the ‘Air Warrior spirit’. Standing at the threshold of a new beginning and looking back proudly at decades of our glorious past, we salute the pioneering spirit and resolute service of our predecessors. It is indeed this pride in our rich legacy which strengthens our resolve to brave the transformational challenges.
The coffee-table book “Transformation of the IAF” truly encapsulates the rich history of the IAF in all its glory. Its thoughtfully organised sections highlight the long and arduous, but a rather rewarding journey, not only of our aviation assets but also showcases our deep involvement in undertaking various important nation building tasks. A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. The meticulous selection of pictures which adorn the pages of this coffee-table book truly substantiates this thought. I am sure that this pictorial tribute will be cherished by all Air Warriors, past and present. My sincere compliments to SP Guide Publications and the entire editorial team for their commendable efforts in bringing out such a remarkable publication.
Jai Hind!
A Word From Editor-in-Chief
In the last five decades of our association, we have witnessed the Indian Air Force grow from strength to strength, transiting from piston engine aircraft to all-jet fleet. we have shared the pride and joy of the Indian Air Force emerging with flying colours in the several wars that have been thrust upon the nation by our neighbours.
AAs the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates 81 years of existence on October 8 this year, SP Guide Publications takes the opportunity to felicitate this glorious organisation on the special occasion and expresses deep appreciation and gratitude for the dedicated service rendered by the IAF to the nation over the last eight decades. The IAF has always remained in the forefront whether confronting the enemy in war or to bringing succour to the populace devastated by natural calamities or man-made disasters. On our part, we at SP Guide Publications, an organisation that will turn 50 next year, are extremely proud to be associated with the Indian Air Force for the last nearly five decades, right through its adventurous journey.
In the last five decades of our association, we have witnessed the Indian Air Force grow from strength to strength, transiting from piston engine aircraft to an all-jet fleet. We have shared the pride and joy of the IAF emerging with flying colours in the several wars that have been thrust upon the nation by our neighbours.
The Indian Air Force has embarked upon a comprehensive modernisation drive with its combat fleet being re-equipped with fourth- and fifth-generation platforms, complete revamp of the transport and rotary-wing fleet, as well as induction of a variety of force multipliers, modern trainer aircraft and potent air defence systems. But what is of greater significance is the focus on development of human resource which finally makes the difference in any organisation. It is indeed heartwarming to see that this philosophy has been imbibed and is at the heart of the growth story of the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Air Force is at present undergoing a major transformation—upgrading and inducting new aircraft, equipment, missiles, radars, etc. The coffee table book is a picturesque manifestation of the IAF’s efforts to transform into one of the most modern air forces in the world. Illustrated within different chapters on fighters and bombers, transport aircraft, helicopters, trainer aircraft, force multipliers, missiles and radars, exercises, aid to civil administration, human resource and showcase, is the current transformation drive of the IAF. The pictorials in the manuscript speak for itself, portraying the IAF’s vigour and capability.
On the occasion of the 82nd Anniversary of the founding of the Indian Air Force we are proud to present this treatise that reflects the ongoing transformation of this glorious organisation. We gratefully acknowledge the support that we have received from the IAF towards the success of our endeavour.
We at SP Guide Publications are always in support of the Indian Air Force and wish the organisation all the very best in its effort to “Touch the Sky with Glory”.
Jai Hind!
JAyANt BArANwAl PuBlIsher & eDItor-IN-chIeF
mig-29 on an air superiority mission
t ransformation of the iaf fighters & bombers
jaguar dropping bombs in lay-down attaCk mode
the rafale displaying its weapons and array of sensors
the ilYushin il-76 was the first heavY-lift aircraft to enter service in the mid-1980s
an il-76 parked alongside its flight refuelling aircraft il-78
the first iaf boeing c-17 globemaster iii strategic airlift aircraft gets airborne
iaf boeing c-17 globemaster iii strategic airlift aircraft landing
the versatile workhorse of the iaf: Mi-17s operate over varied terrain
t rans F ormation o F the ia F Force multipliers
iAf’s AWAcs AircrAft escorted by su-30mKis
A PAir of su-30mKis receiVing fuel in flight from An iAf il-78 frA
drdo-deVeloPed Airborne eArly WArning And control (AeW&c) AircrAft of the iAf
t rans F ormation o F the ia F Force multipliers
AeW&c AircrAft tAKes to the Air
iaf su-30mKi and usaf f-16 prEparinG for thE mission at thE nEllis airbasE
iaf’s su-30mKis durinG ExErcisE dEsErt EaGlE 2008 in uaE
an iaf commando (Garud) on Guard aboard a mi-17 hElicoptEr durinG ExErcisE iron fist
Garuds slithErinG down a mi-17 durinG ExErcisE iron fist 2013
skydiving at an airbase: former air chief marshal sp tyagi leading from the front
iaf’s nine-aircraft surya kiran aerobatic team was formed in 1996 to serve as the ‘ambassador of the iaf’
