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Between 1955 and 1971, the IAF upgraded its fleet.

It was also the time for wars in the


neighbourhood, especially with Pakistan. The IAF also participated in U.N. peacekeeping
missions.
Between 1972 and 1990, the IAF introduced a number of aircraft types. It was also when
Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian cosmonaut to venture into space as
part of an Indo-Soviet space programme.
Significant changes
From 1990 to the present time, the IAF has seen its most significant changes. Women were
inducted into the force, there were a number of peacekeeping missions, an around-the-world
microlight flight to mark the IAFs 75th year, and when Operation Safed Sagar was
undertaken. Here, the IAF gave air support to ground forces during the Kargil operation. In
another move, the IAF began to upgrade its weapons systems and also induct western built
aircraft into its fleet of largely Russian built fighters. In addition, there were missions with
the air forces of friendly countries like the U.S., the U.K., France, Singapore and Oman. It
also announced plans to induct the next generation of fighter aircraft.
This year started off with some of its most important missions. First, the IAF demonstrated
its fire power and capabilities in the day-night exercise Iron Fist in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Its leading Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter was the star of the show.
Memories preserved
President Dr. Rajendra Prasad presented the Presidents colours to the IAF on the occasion of
its 21st birthday in New Delhi on April 1, 1954. About 1,500 officers and airmen,
representing every IAF unit in India, were drawn up for the colours presentation parade.
The IAF is the second service to be presented the Presidents colours. The Indian Navy
received them earlier.
The IAFs motto Touch the sky with Glory is from the Bhagavad Gita, where it aims to
fight enemies by using air power to defend the nation.
The other side
It was a time too when we saw the IAF display its humanitarian side, living up to its slogan
People first, Mission Always. In June, Uttarakhand bore the brunt of natures fury as flash
floods and landslips caused enormous damage. Called Operation Rahat, the IAF formed an
air bridge using its helicopter and transport fleet. Its Russian helicopters and advanced
Dhruv light helicopters (ALH) were supported by the newly inducted American-built
Super Hercules C130J aircraft in transporting people to safety and in bringing fuel and
relief material. This was done in coordination with the Indian Army, the Border Roads
Organisation, the National Disaster Response Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and
other paramilitary forces. In South India too, in July, the IAF air-dropped relief and food
material in flood-affected Karimnagar. In August, as the Cauvery surged to life with
monsoon flood waters, in a dramatic rescue, the IAF sent in its ALHs. And again in the same
month, it created a record when it landed its Super Hercules aircraft at Daulat Beg Oldie,
one of the worlds highest air fields.

The IAF evolved into a modern fighting force through the dedication and hard work of its
Indian pioneers and their achievements in theatres of war.
Early years World War I
As World War I gathered momentum, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) commenced recruiting
Indians as front line combat pilots.
Resistance from the RAF to have Indian commissioned officers in the Royal Air Force, or
allow the formation of an Indian Air Force on the lines of the Indian Army continued till as
late as 1932.
First squadron and WW II
. Severe pilot shortages led to the recruitment of Indians holding a civil pilot's license as part
of the Indian Air Force Volunteer Reserve Force (IAFVR).
Burma campaign
From the gloomy days of early 1942, to the time when Assam was being threatened in 1943
by the Japanese advance across the Chindwin River and the stirring campaign of Slims XIV
Army that turned defeat into victory for the Allies in 1944, the IAF truly came of age
during the Burma Campaign. Its heroic exploits at Kohima and Imphal have gone down in
aviation history as among the most effective counter-attacking aerial campaigns under siege
conditions.

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