Basic Structure of Indian Air Force: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for safeguarding Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during conflicts. The organizational structure of Indian Airforce ensures operational efficiency, strategic flexibility, and rapid response capabilities. This article provides a detailed overview of the basic structure of the Indian Air Force, highlighting its command hierarchy, key formations, and various units.
Command Name | Headquarters | Responsibility |
---|---|---|
Western Air Command | New Delhi | Northern and Western India |
Eastern Air Command | Shillong | Eastern India |
Central Air Command | Prayagraj | Central India |
Southern Air Command | Thiruvananthapuram | Southern India |
South Western Air Command | Gandhinagar | Western and Southwestern India |
Command Name | Headquarters | Responsibility |
---|---|---|
Training Command | Bangalore | Training and education of IAF personnel |
Maintenance Command | Nagpur | Maintenance and logistics support |
Rank | Insignia Description | Role |
---|---|---|
Air Chief Marshal | Four stars and a crossed baton and sword with an eagle | Chief of the Air Staff, overall command of the IAF |
Air Marshal | Three stars and a crossed baton and sword with an eagle | Senior commands and strategic planning |
Air Vice Marshal | Two stars and a crossed baton and sword with an eagle | Commands Air Force stations and groups |
Air Commodore | One star and a crossed baton and sword with an eagle | Commands wings and stations |
Group Captain | National emblem and a striped shoulder board | Commands squadrons and airbases |
Wing Commander | National emblem and two stripes on shoulder board | Commands wings and squadrons |
Squadron Leader | National emblem and one stripe on shoulder board | Commands flights within squadrons |
Flight Lieutenant | Two stripes on shoulder board | Leads smaller units or assists higher command |
Flying Officer | One stripe on shoulder board | Entry-level officer, commands junior personnel |
Rank | Insignia Description | Role |
---|---|---|
Master Warrant Officer | Wreath around three chevrons and an eagle | Senior enlisted advisor and experienced technician |
Warrant Officer | Three chevrons and an eagle | Leads large groups of airmen and provides technical expertise |
Junior Warrant Officer | Three chevrons | Assists Warrant Officers and supervises airmen |
Sergeant | Three stripes | Supervises and trains junior airmen |
Corporal | Two stripes | Assists Sergeants in managing airmen |
Leading Aircraftman | One stripe | Experienced airman, performs specialized tasks |
Aircraftman | No insignia | Entry-level airman, performs basic duties |
Position | Responsibility |
---|---|
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) | Overall command of the IAF, strategic decisions, policy |
Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) | Assists CAS, oversees daily operations |
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) | Assists VCAS, focuses on specific areas like operations, training, or maintenance |
Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) | Head various branches like Operations, Maintenance, Administration, and Training |
Squadron Type | Role |
---|---|
Fighter Squadrons | Air superiority, ground attack, interception |
Transport Squadrons | Airlift, logistics, paratrooper deployment |
Helicopter Squadrons | Search and rescue, air assault, medical evacuation |
Institution Name | Location | Role |
---|---|---|
Air Force Academy | Dundigal | Officer training |
Flying Training School | Various locations | Pilot training |
Air Force Technical College | Bangalore | Technical training for ground crew |
Airmen Training School | Belgaum | Training for airmen |
Unit Name | Location | Role |
---|---|---|
Base Repair Depots (BRDs) | Various locations | Overhaul and repair of aircraft and components |
Equipment Depots | Various locations | Storage and supply of spare parts and equipment |
Aircraft Type | Role |
---|---|
Sukhoi Su-30MKI | Multirole fighter |
Dassault Rafale | Multirole fighter |
Mirage 2000 | Multirole fighter |
MiG-29 | Air superiority fighter |
C-17 Globemaster III | Heavy transport |
Ilyushin Il-76 | Heavy transport |
Antonov An-32 | Medium transport |
HAL Tejas | Light combat aircraft |
HAL Dhruv | Utility helicopter |