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The Indian Air Force Module - IV
Armed Forces Today
15.3 Ranks of the Indian Airforce
Note
Fig. 15.2: Ranks of the Indian Air Force - Officer Ranks
Fig. 15.3: Ranks of the Indian Air Force - enlisted ranks
Honorary Officers: Sachin Tendulkar was the first sportsperson and the first civilian
without an aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain
by the Indian Air Force.
15.3 Different Air Crafts and Weapon Systems
The Indian Air Force Today
The Indian Air Force (IAF) today is a modern, technology-intensive force. The IAF
has become a multi-role capable force. Over the years it has grown from a tactical
force to one with transoceanic reach. It means our Air Force can go to any part of the
world on a mission. It has been used recently for airlifting Indians from Iraq and Yemen.
The strategic reach is because it has many big aircrafts such as the C17 Globemaster,
mid-air Flight Refuelling Aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
Helicopters
The IAF's helicopter fleet has steadily increased in numbers over the past few years,
from a handful in the 60s to over 500 French, Indian and Soviet built helicopters. The
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MILITARY HISTORY 25