10 Interesting Facts About Indian Air Force

10 Interesting Facts About Indian Air Force: This article will explore 10 interesting and lesser-known facts about the Indian Air Force. These facts highlight its amazing achievements, unique features, and the incredible stories of bravery and dedication that shape its history. From groundbreaking achievements in aviation to extraordinary missions, these facts will give you a deeper understanding of the IAF's important role in national security and its contributions to global aviation. Read on to discover some fascinating aspects of the Indian Air Force that showcase its exceptional journey and accomplishments.

Interesting Facts About Indian Air Force

10 Interesting Facts About Indian Air Force

1. The World's Fourth Largest Air Force The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world in terms of personnel and aircraft. It operates over 1,700 aircraft and employs around 140,000 personnel.
2. Women in Combat Roles The IAF was the first among the Indian Armed Forces to induct women into combat roles. In 2016, the first batch of female fighter pilots, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh, were commissioned into the IAF.
3. The Highest Airstrip in the World The IAF operates the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip, located in Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control with China. At an elevation of 16,614 feet, it is the highest airstrip in the world.
4. Operation Safed Sagar During the Kargil War in 1999, the IAF launched Operation Safed Sagar, which was the first large-scale use of air power in Jammu and Kashmir since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The operation was crucial in pushing back infiltrators and securing key positions.
5. The Su-30MKI's Unique Capability The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, one of the mainstay fighters of the IAF, has a unique capability – it can perform the Pugachev's Cobra maneuver. This involves the aircraft pulling up abruptly and then dropping back, which is useful in dogfights.
6. IAF’s Contribution to Space Exploration Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, an IAF officer, became the first Indian to travel in space. He flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in 1984 and remains the only Indian citizen to have been in space.
7. Netra – The Airborne Early Warning and Control System The IAF operates the Netra AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control System) aircraft, which is an indigenously developed system by DRDO. It significantly enhances the IAF's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
8. Operation Rahat In 2013, the IAF carried out one of the largest and most successful humanitarian missions, Operation Rahat, during the Uttarakhand floods. The IAF rescued over 20,000 people and transported over 3,82,400 kg of relief material using 45 helicopters.
9. The Only Air Force to Have Used the Il-76 for Combat Airlift The IAF is the only air force in the world to have used the Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft for combat airlift operations. These operations have been critical in strategic airlift missions, including transporting troops and equipment during conflicts.
10. The Garud Commando Force The IAF has its own elite special forces unit known as the Garud Commando Force. Established in 2004, the Garuds are trained in counter-terrorism, rescue missions, and other specialized operations, playing a vital role in enhancing the IAF's operational capabilities.

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