Indian Air Force Through the Decades: Evolution of India’s Air Power

The Indian Air Force (then the Royal Indian Air Force) took its first steps under colonial rule—slow, steady, and yet full of promises.

On 1 April 1933, the IAF’s very first flight took to the skies. The unit was built with just six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers). Its initial fleet consisted of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes, stationed at Drigh Road, Karachi. This formed the nucleus of No. 1 (Army Co-operation) Squadron—marking the modest yet historic beginning of Indian military aviation.

Four and a half years after its first flight, “A” Flight saw action for the first time in 1937. By 1938, the IAF’s first squadron had reached full strength before the outbreak of World War II.

The outbreak of the Second World War transformed the IAF. By the end of the war, its personnel strength had risen to nearly 28,500, including 1,600 officers. Even while flying ageing and often obsolete aircraft, IAF airmen displayed courage, skill, and resilience. The Service earned 22 Distinguished Flying Crosses and the prefix "Royal" on its title.

On 15 August 1947, with the independence of India and the division of its armed forces, the RIAF was split. Several units stood down, transferring equipment to the newly formed Royal Pakistan Air Force. Over the next 15 months of conflict, the RIAF continuously reorganised and modernised, establishing Air Headquarters in New Delhi to oversee its operations.

From the early biplanes to advanced fighters like Hawker Hurricane, Tempests, and Spitfires, India’s fleet power steadily evolved in the pre-Independence years and worked with frontline fighter aircrafts of the era.

After Independence, IAF dropped its “Royal” prefix, marking the beginning of a new era in 1950. At that time, the IAF was still relatively modest, comprising six fighter squadrons equipped with Spitfires, Vampires, and Tempests, operating from Kanpur, Poona, Ambala, and Palam. By 1951, night-fighting capabilities were strengthened with the Vampire NF Mk. 54, highlighting the force’s gradual technological advancement.

The increasing security concerns with China further shaped the IAF’s strategic planning. In August 1962, India signed protocols with the Soviet Union for the procurement of MiG-21 fighters and surface-to-air missiles, which later became the backbone of the Indian Air Force. With over 800–1,000 aircraft eventually produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India had the largest MiG‑21 fleet in the world.

Between 1965 and 1971, IAF underwent a transformative period marked by modernisation, strategic expansion, and hard-earned operational experience. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the IAF scored its first air-to-air kill when Sqn Ldr Trevor Keelor shot down a Pakistani F-86F Sabre in the Chhamb sector, flying his lightweight Gnat fighter.

Such events highlighted the IAF’s potential, but it was during the December 1971 conflict that the force truly demonstrated its supremacy. Despite pre-emptive strikes by Pakistan on forward air bases, the IAF quickly gained the initiative, dominating the skies on both eastern and western fronts. The conflict also showcased unprecedented coordination among India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, contributing to the rapid success of operations leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

This era also emphasised the critical importance of advanced equipment and a well-trained personnel base. The MiG-21FL began equipping multiple squadrons, replacing older aircraft like the Vampire, while the Gnat, proven in 1965, returned to production.

Also, strategic initiatives during this period included the launch of the Air Defence Ground Environment System (ADGES) in 1971 to strengthen surveillance and readiness, and the inauguration of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, providing a robust training infrastructure for the next generation of air warriors.

Also read: 60 Years Since 1965: Tracing the Timeline of the Indo-Pak War That Shaped South Asia

The Kargil conflict of 1999 marked another defining moment for the IAF, testing its capabilities in one of the most challenging terrains in the world. The operation was triggered when infiltrators occupied strategic heights along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir. The IAF was called upon to provide air support to ground troops, demonstrate air superiority, and execute precision strikes in high-altitude conditions.

During Operation Safed Sagar, the IAF proved their ability to conduct high-altitude precision bombing, a challenge compounded by thin air, steep mountains, and adverse weather conditions. The IAF also coordinated closely with the Indian Army, maintaining continuous air surveillance and providing rapid-response support for advancing troops.

Today, Kargil remains a symbol of the IAF’s operational excellence and its ability to project power in the most demanding environments, ensuring that India’s airspace and strategic interests are always protected.

Today, IAF stands as one of the most capable air forces in Asia, with a fleet of modern fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance platforms. Over the decades, the IAF has not only expanded in numbers but also in technological sophistication, embracing multi-role combat aircraft, precision-guided munitions, and advanced avionics to maintain a strategic edge.

Since 2016, the IAF has focused on developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft, led by the indigenous HAL Tejas, as part of its drive to modernise the force with home-grown technology. This effort was complemented in 2020 by the induction of the French Dassault Rafale, further strengthening frontline capabilities.

Projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) aim to deliver a fully stealth, multi-role fighter designed for network-centric operations and long-term air dominance. Together, these initiatives reflect India’s vision of self-reliance in defence aviation and a commitment to maintaining operational flexibility for decades to come.

In parallel, the IAF continues to strengthen its operational capabilities with exercises and real-world missions. Operation Sindoor, conducted along India’s northern borders, showcases the force’s precision strike, rapid deployment, and interoperability with other services. The operation emphasises both offensive readiness and defensive surveillance, underlining India’s commitment to securing its airspace amid evolving regional challenges.

Also read: Operation Sindoor: 4 Books Tracing India’s Deep Strikes, Air Defence & the Pakistan Conflict

From humble beginnings to a formidable force, the Indian Air Force has grown through decades of resilience, adaptation, and technological progress. Each phase of its journey has strengthened its foundations and sharpened its vision.

Today, with indigenous projects, fifth-generation ambitions, and advanced operations, the IAF stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. Its future promises not only self-reliance in air power but also the ability to meet emerging challenges with confidence, ensuring that India’s skies remain secure while its aspirations take flight.

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