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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
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