Indian Air Force

The primary objective of Indian Air Force (IAF) is to defend the nation and its air space against the Air threats in coordination with Army, Navy and other security agencies. It also assists civil administration during natural calamities and internal disturbances. The force has seen great transformation since independence, first being its evolution from Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) to the present day Indian Air Force having latest acquisitions, maintenance and monitoring systems. This book highlights in brief the glorious history of the Indian Air Force from its tiny formation to one of the mightiest Air Forces of the world, along with the courage, valour, leadership and dedication of its personnel in various wars India faced with its neighbouring countries, right from the Second World War onwards. It describes the details of aircraft and helicopters used by IAF in World War-II, Kashmir Operation 1947-48, Chinese Invasion in 1962, Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 & 1971, Liberation of Bangladesh 1971, Kargil War 1999 and Current Fighter Fleet along with their photographs and salient features. The book is rich in information as it presents micro details of all the recipients of gallantry awards `Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and `Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) with their photographs as well as sectors of event; all the Chiefs of the Air Staff with photographs and important contributions made. All Indian recipients of Victoria Cross are listed, all Honours and Awards with description of each medal and ribbon are provided. At the end, the role of IAF during peace time is also presented. The book is a valuable addition to the very limited literature on air power in India and would be useful to all those concerned with national security in one way or the other.