When the Indian Air Force was established in the 19th century, there were only 4 planes and 3 pilots?

New Delhi, July 7, 2020, Monday

The strength of the Indian Air Force has increased as the Raphael aircraft is coming to India from France. The role of the Air Force has been very important in all the wars that took place in independent India. France's Mirage-2000 and Russia's MiG and Sukhoi have been the main strengths of the Indian Air Force.

It has been 88 years since the Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932 by the British Government to help the Royal British Air Force, known for its prowess and heroism. Surprisingly, when the first squadron of the Indian Air Force was formed on April 1, 1933, there were only five pilots in four aircraft. The five pilots included Harishchandra Sarkar, Subroto Mukherjee, Bhupendrasinh, Azad Baksh and Amarjit Singh. However, Subroto Mukherjee later became the first Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. Became.

The Indian Air Force was the first to attack a Japanese military base in Arakan to counter Japan's growing dominance in Burma. The Indian Air Force also stepped up pressure on Japan by launching attacks on Japanese airports in northern Thailand. The inclusion of warplanes such as Hawker Hurricane and Westland Licender in addition to West Land Vapiti during World War II increased the strength of the Indian Air Force.

The British also linked the Indian Air Force with the British Royal Air Force in European military operations. Initially the Indian Air Force also handled ground duty and supply related work. During World War II, the red flag of the Indian Air Force was removed by the British, resembling the sign of the rising sun of Japan. After the partition of India and Pakistan in the 19th century, Pakistan was made a separate Royal Pakistan Air Force.

When Pakistan invaded Kashmir on October 30, Indian troops landed with the help of the Air Force and saved Kashmir. After independence, the Air Force played a key role in the Indo-China War in 181, the Indo-Pakistani War in 18 and 191.

Apart from this, whether it is Operation Meghdoot to capture the 19th Sia Chin Glacier or the 13th Kargil War Air Force personnel have protected the country even in adverse circumstances. Today, India has one of the world's strongest air forces with a staff of 15,000 troops. Aircraft like Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mirage, MiG-2, MiG-21 and Tejas are the pride of the Indian Air Force.