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Module - IV The Indian Air Force

Armed Forces Today
MISSION OF THE INDIAN AIRFORCE
 The Primary objective of IAF is to defend the nation and its airspace against Air
threats in coordination with Army and Navy.

 The secondary purpose is to assist civil power during natural calamities and
internal disturbances.
Note  The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops in the battlefield
and also provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities.

 IAF also provides strategic air lift or secondary Airlift for the Indian Army.
 The IAF also operates the Integrated Space Cell together with the other two
branches of the Indian Armed Forces, the Department of Space and the Indian
Space Research Organization (ISRO).

 Rescue of civilians during natural disasters
 Evacuation of Indian nationals from foreign countries in case of instability or
other problems
 VVIP transport for official visits abroad.

15.1.1 Aid to Civil Authorities

The Transport Squadrons and helicopter units play a significant role during peacetime.
They always provide help when needed. Some of the tasks they will perform are as
follows:-

 Flood relief and casualty evacuation etc.

 Flood relief operations to airlift relief materials and passengers.
 Helicopter units render services for casualty evacuation during calamities.
 Cyclone relief and earthquake relief.

15.2 Organizational Structure

Command Structure

Commands
The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands.
An Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal heads each
Command. The purpose of an operational command is to conduct military
operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility. Aside from the Training
Command at Bangalore, the primary flight training is done at the Air Force
Academy, Dundigul (located in Hyderabad), followed by operational training at
various other schools.

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MILITARY HISTORY