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Armed Forces Module - II

Structure and
• Search and Rescue (SAR) of boats and personnel in distress Role of the Forces
• Hydrographic surveys mapping out coastal and ocean territory for other

countries too.

4.3

1. The main role of the Indian Air Force is to secure Indian air space and protect it
Note
from intruders. The Air Force is also tasked to undertake air warfare during
conflicts. They also play a vital role in deploying troops to remote areas and
assisting in logistics. They provide air support to the other arms namely Navy
and Army in their operations too.
From a humanitarian point of view, rescue of civilians in times of crises and
disaster is also a principal role of the Indian Air Force. Air lifting or evacuating
Indian nationals from other countries in times of civil war or other instability is
also performed by the IAF.

President, Vice President or Prime Minister, Defence Minister the one provided
transport facilities by Indian Air Force.
2. The Indian Air Force has Five Operational Commands.

3. Three Flights make a Squadron. There are 18 aircraft in a fighting squadron
headed by a Commanding Officer who will be of the rank of a Wing Commander.
However a Transport Squadron may be headed by a Group Captain.

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MILITARY STUDIES 39