Air force

Search

Indian

Pride
Merits
Contribution
Paradise
Power
Culture

Indian Power

India is seventh largest country of the world. Its in the top most developing country of the world too. Power of India in various sectors is well known today. Leaders and officials from the United States, France, Germany and Russia have spotlighted India’s rise. They all have visited recently as these wealthier nations see India as a trading partner with enormous potential. The economic power, financial power, political power, Indian Army etc. are all not enough to describe it.

By: guest on 18th June, 2010 with 0 comments

The Indian Air Force was established as an auxiliary air force of the RAF with the enactment of the Indian Air Force Act of 1932 on 8 October that year. On 1 April 1933, the IAF commissioned its first squadron, No.1 Squadron, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots. The Indian pilots were led by Flight Lieutenant (later Air Vice Marshal) Cecil Bouchier. Until 1938, No. 1 Squadron remained the only squadron of the IAF, though two more flights were added.

During the Second World War, the Air Force had grown to seven squadrons in 1943 and to nine squadrons in 1945. In recognition of the crucial role played by the IAF, King George VI conferred it the prefix Royal in 1945. Indian National Army youth cadets were trained by Imperial Japanese Army Air Force Academy in 1944.

In 1947, when a conflict broke out over the control of erstwhile principality of Jammu & Kashmir, the Maharaja of the state decided to accede India in order to receive military help. The day after instrument of accession was signed, the RIAF was called upon to mobilise armed troops into the war-zone. This led to the eruption of full scale war between India and Pakistan without a formal declaration. During the war, the RIAF did not engage Pakistan Air Force in air-to-air combat; however, it did provide effective transport and close air support to the Indian troops. When India became a Republic in 1950, the Royal title was dropped to become the Indian Air Force.