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Module - IV The Indian Air Force

Armed Forces Today
Mi-26 is a heavy lift helicopter. The bulk of helicopter fleet are Medium Lift Helicopters
(MI-17/MI-17IV/MI-17V5 and Mi-8s). Medium Lift Helicopters of IAF are operated
for commando assault tasks, ferrying supplies and personnel to remote mountain
helipads, carrying out Search and Rescue Operations and logistic support tasks. The
Chetak/Cheetah helicopter fleet has been the backbone in this as well as in Casualty
Evacuation and Route Transport role in the IAF. Recently Made in India helicopter
Note Dhruv (ALH) has been inducted into the Air Force.

15.3.1 Major Equipment and Aircraft

These comprise of fighters, transports and helicopters.

FIGHTERS:

 SU-30 MKI : Twin seater twin engine multirole fighter of Russian origin. It is
capable of carrying a variety of medium-range guided air-to-air missiles. It has
a max speed of 2500 km/hr (Mach 2.35).

 Mirage-2000 : A single seater air defence and multi-role fighter of French
origin can attain max speed of 2495 km/hr(Mach 2.3). It carries cannons and
close combat missiles on external stations.

 MiG-29 : Twin engine, single seater air superiority fighter aircraft of Russian
origin capable of attaining max. speed of 2445 km per hour (Mach-2.3), carries
a 30 mm cannon alongwith close combat and medium range radar guided missiles.

 MiG-27 : Single engine, single seater tactical strike fighter aircraft of Russian
origin having a max. speed of 1700 km/hr (Mach 1.6), carries cannon and upto
4000 kg of other armament externally

 Jaguar : A twin-engine, single seater deep penetration strike aircraft of Anglo-
French origin which has a max. speed of 1350 km /hr (Mach 1.3). It has guns
and can carry 4750 kg of external stores (bombs/fuel)
 MiG-21 BISON : Single engine, single seater multirole fighter/ground attack
aircraft of Russian origin which forms the back-bone of the IAF. It has a max
speed of 2230 km/hr (Mach 2.1) and carries one 23mm twin barrel cannon
with close combat missiles

 Rafall - This modern air craft will soon be inducted

 Tejas - This is an indegenous air craft which is being inducted as light combat air
craft.

TRANSPORT:

 C-130J: The aircraft is capable of paradrop, heavy drop, casualty evacuation

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MILITARY HISTORY