Hindu Editorial Analysis : 5-May-2023

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Established in 1932 during World War II, it initially supported the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in its war against Japan. Over the years, the IAF has emerged as one of the world’s largest and most formidable air forces. This essay explores the history, operations, challenges, and future prospects of the IAF.

Historical Background:
  • In 1945, King George VI bestowed the prefix “Royal” in recognition of the IAF’s accomplishments, which was later abolished after India became a republic in 1950.
  • The President of India serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
  • The Indian Air Force is headquartered in New Delhi.
  • The motto of the IAF, “Touch the sky with Glory,” is derived from the Bhagavad Gita.
Operations of the IAF:
  • The IAF has been involved in several significant military operations:
    • Operation Meghdoot: Aimed to regain control of the heights commanding the Siachen glacier.
    • Operation Vijay (1961)
    • The Second Kashmir War (1965)
    • The Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
    • Operation Poomalai (1987)
    • Operation Cactus (1988)
    • The Kargil War (1999)
    • The Balakot airstrike
    • The India-Pakistan standoff of 2019
The Impact of Kandahar:
  • In 1999, the Kandahar incident involved the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight IC-814.
  • The hijackers forced the plane to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, resulting in the release of dreaded terrorists.
  • India faced challenges in rescuing the hijacked plane due to various reasons:
    • The presence of Pakistan, making it impossible to overfly their territory.
    • The inability of IAF aircraft to carry out a risky mission while avoiding Pakistani airspace.
Noteworthy Missions:
  • The IAF has also conducted notable missions known to the public:
    • Evacuation of Indian Embassy personnel from Herat, Afghanistan, in April 2020.
    • The IAF’s Garud commandos provided security during the evacuation.
Tackling Challenges:
  • The IAF has overcome challenges in various missions by employing advanced technology and strategies.
  • Onboard aircraft instrumentation, such as synthetic runway generation on the head-up display, electro-optical night vision capability, and night vision goggles, have proved instrumental in addressing operational difficulties.
The Indian Air Force (IAF): Editorial Analysis
Courtesy:The Wonk
The Way Forward:
  • The concept of “strategic corporals” emphasizes the strategic impact of enlisted personnel’s actions.
  • The IAF should prioritize maintaining the ethos and training of special operations crews to ensure their effectiveness.
  • The C-130J special ops squadrons, known as the “Veiled Vipers” and the “Raiding Raptors,” embody the IAF’s specialized capabilities.
  • The IAF’s doctrine must adapt to ongoing advancements and outline new methods to meet mid-century challenges.
  • Doctrine should drive technology to enhance the IAF’s operational effectiveness.
Why In News

In a remarkable display of operational excellence, the Indian Air Force (IAF) orchestrated the evacuation of 121 Indians from Wadi Seidna, located north of Khartoum in Sudan. Leveraging the capabilities of the IAF’s C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, the mission was executed swiftly and effectively, ensuring the safe return of fellow countrymen in the dead of night.

MCQs about The Indian Air Force (IAF)
  1. What is the motto of the Indian Air Force (IAF)?
    A. Touch the sky with Glory
    B. Serve and Protect
    C. Strength in the Skies
    D. Wings of Honor
    Correct Answer: A. Touch the sky with Glory
    Explanation: The motto of the Indian Air Force is “Touch the sky with Glory.” It signifies the IAF’s aspiration to reach new heights of excellence and honor.
  2. Which operation aimed to regain control of the heights commanding the Siachen glacier?
    A. Operation Meghdoot
    B. Operation Vijay
    C. Operation Cactus
    D. Operation Poomalai
    Correct Answer: A. Operation Meghdoot
    Explanation: Operation Meghdoot was the military operation conducted by the Indian Air Force to regain control of the heights commanding the Siachen glacier. The operation aimed to secure this strategic region and prevent any unauthorized incursions.
  3. What was the significance of the Kandahar incident in 1999?
    A. It led to the release of dreaded terrorists.
    B. It resulted in the successful rescue of hijacked passengers.
    C. It marked the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan.
    D. It exposed the vulnerability of the Indian Air Force.
    Correct Answer: A. It led to the release of dreaded terrorists.
    Explanation: The Kandahar incident in 1999 involved the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, which eventually led to the release of dreaded terrorists. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force in rescuing the hijacked plane due to geopolitical complexities.

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