The Indian Air Force is one of the most formidable air forces in the world. Ever since its inception in 1933, the Indian Air Force has proved its mettle in various wartime and peacetime missions. With special focus on developing indigenous capabilities, India is further trying to turn the IAF into a modern, agile and powerful force in the world.

The Tejas is the second supersonic Light Combat Aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

India is building the 5th generation Sukhoi PAK FA in collaboration with Russia.

The IAF got its first woman Air Marshal in the form of Padmavathy Bandopadhyay.

She was the Director General Medical Services (Air) at the Air Headquarters.

 Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the only IAF officer to have been honoured with the Param Vir Chakra.

He was awarded posthumously for his act of conspicuous gallantry in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

The Air Force has over 60 air bases spread all over India.

These are grouped into 7 commands.

With 16 air bases, the Western Air Command is the largest Air Command.

The smallest is the Central Air Command with 7 bases.

 Yes, the IAF has a base in a foreign country!

IAF has a base in Farkhor, Tajikistan. Its only base outside India.

 At 22,000 ft (or 6,706 m), Siachen Glacier AFS is the highest Air Force Station of the IAF.

 The indigenously built HAL Light Combat Helicopter will be in service by December 2015.

It is faster and more agile than most other contemporary Combat Helicopters.

The Indian Air Force actually never directly engaged the Pakistani Air Force in 1947 war.

But was instrumental in transport of troops of Indian Army and air support.