INDIAN NAVY

The history of the Indian Navy can be traced back to 1612 when Captain Best encountered and defeated the Portuguese. This encounter, as also the trouble caused by the pirates, forced the British East India Company to maintain a small fleet at Swally, near Surat(Gujarat). The First Squadron of fighting ships arrived on 5 September 1612, forming what was then called the Honourable East India Company's Marine. It was responsible for the protection of the East India Company's trade in the Gulf of Cambay and the river mouths of the Tapti and Narmada. The officers and the men of this force went on to play an important role in surveying the Arabian, Persian and Indian coastlines. Although Bombay had been ceded to the British in 1662, they physically took possession of the island on 8 February 1665, only to pass it on to the East India Company on 27 September 1668./ As a consequence, the Honourable East India Company's Marine also became responsible for the protection of trade off Bombay. By 1686, with British commerce having shifted predominantly to Bombay, the name of this force was changed to Bombay Marine. This force rendered unique service, fighting not only the Portuguese, Dutch and French, but also interlopers and pirates of various nationalities. The Bombay Marine was involved in combat against the Marathas and the Sidis and participated in the Burma War in 1824. In 1830, the Bombay Marine was renamed Her Majesty's Indian Navy. With the capture of Aden by the British and the institution of the Indus Flotilla, the Navy's commitments grew manifold, and its deployment in the China War in 1840 bears adequate testimony to its proficiency. Whilst the Navy's strength continued to grow, it underwent numerous changes of nomenclature over the next few decades. It was renamed the Bombay Marine from 1863 to 1877, after which it became Her Majesty's Indian Marine. At this time, the Marine had two divisions, the Eastern Division based at Calcutta under the Superintendent, Bay of Bengal, and the Western Division at Bombay under the Superintendent, Arabian Sea. In recognition of the services rendered during various campaigns, its title was changed to Royal Indian Marine in 1892, by which time it consisted of over 50 vessels. The Royal Indian Marine went into action with a fleet of minesweepers, patrol vessels and troop carriers during the First World War when mines were detected off Bombay and Aden, and was utilised mainly for patrolling, ferrying troops and carrying war stores to Iraq, Egypt and East Africa. The first Indian to be granted a commission was Sub Lieutenant D.N Mukherji who joined the Royal Indian Marine as an engineer officer in 1928. In 1934, the Royal Indian Marine was re-organised into the Royal Indian Navy, and was presented the King's Colour in 1935 in recognition of its services. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Royal Indian Navy consisted of eight warships. By the end of the war, its strength had risen to 117 combat vessels and 30,000 personnel who had seen action in various theatres of operations. On India attaining Independence, the Royal Indian Navy consisted of 32 ageing vessels suitable only for coastal patrol, along with 11,000 officers and men. The senior officers were drawn from the Royal Navy, with R Adm ITS Hall, CIE, being the first Post-independence Commander-in-Chief. The prefix 'Royal' was dropped on 26 January 1950 with India being constituted as a Republic. The first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy was Adm Sir Edward Parry, KCB, who handed over to Adm Sir Mark Pizey, KBE, CB, DSO in 1951. Adm Pizey also became the first Chief of the Naval Staff in 1955, and was succeeded by V Adm SH Carlill, CB, DSO. On 22 April 1958 V Adm RD Katari assumed office as the first Indian Chief of the Naval Staff.

AIR FORCE MEDALS FOR WARRIORS

PARAM VIR CHAKRA

Instituted on 26 Jan 1950, to recognize the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, made of bronze, one and three eighth inches in diameter and on obverse, four replicas of "Indra's Vajra" with the State Emblem (including the motto), embossed in the centre. On its reverse, it shall have embossed Param Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English. The fitting will be swivel mounting.

Ribbon: Plain purple coloured ribbon.

Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery shall be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the "Indra's Vajra" in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-

1. Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

2. Matrons, Sisters, Nurses and the staff of the Nursing Services and other Services pertaining to Hospitals and Nursing and Civilians of either sex serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.

Monetary Allowance: Rs. 1500/- and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.01.1996.

MAHAVIR CHAKRA

Instituted on 26 Jan 1950 to recognise the act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, and is embossed on the obverse a five pointed heraldic star with the points of the star just touching the rim. Medal shall be one and three eighth inches in diameter. The State emblem (including motto) is embossed in the centre-piece which is dorned. The star is polished and the centre piece is in gold gilt. On the reverse it will have embossed Maha Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English. The fitting is swivel mounting.

Ribbon: The ribbon is of a half-white and half-orange colour.

Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-

1. Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

2. Matrons, Sisters, Nurses and the staff of the Nursing Services and other Services pertaining to Hospitals and Nursing and Civilians of either sex serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 1200/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.

ASHOKA CHAKRA

Instituted on 04 Jan 1952 and renamed on 27 Jan 1967 to recognize the most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, one and three eighth inches in diameter with rims on both sides and will be of gold-gilt. On the obverse, it shall have embossed a replica of Ashoka's Chakra in the centre surrounded by a lotus wreath. On its reverse shall be embossed the words "Ashoka Chakra" both in Hindi and English, the two versions being separated by two lotus flowers.

Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into two equal segments by an orange vertical line.

Bar: If a recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as would have made him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of gallantry shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended and, for every subsequent act of gallantry, an additional Bar shall be added. For every such Bar, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-

1. Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

2. Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.

3. Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.

Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 1400/- and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.

KIRTI CHAKRA

The Kirti Chakra award for gallantry was first instituted on 04 Jan1952 as Ashoka Chakra class -II. It was redesingated as Kirti Chakra on 27 Jan 1967.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, one and three eight inches in diameter. On the obverse of the medal shall be embossed a replica of Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. On its reverse shall be embossed the words ¡§KIRTI CHAKRA¡¨ both in Hindi and in English the versions being separated by two lotus flowers.

Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into three equal parts by two orange vertical lines.

Bar: If a recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as would have made him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-

1. Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

2. Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.

3. Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 1050/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.

VIR CHAKRA

Instituted on 26 Jan 1950 and awarded for acts of Gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, and is embossed on the obverse a five pointed heraldic star with the points of the star just touching the rim. The State Emblem (including motto) is embossed in the centre-piece which is domed. The star is polished and the centre piece is in gold gilt. On the reverse it will have embossed Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English wording. The fitting is swivel mounting.

Ribbon: The ribbon is of half blue and half orange in colour.

Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. Any such Bar or Bars may also be awarded posthumously. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-

1. Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

2. Matrons, Sisters, Nurses and the staff of the Nursing Services and other Services pertaining to Hospitals and Nursing and Civilians of either sex serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land or at sea or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 850/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original awards with effect from 01.02.1999.

SHAURYA CHAKRA

Instituted on 4 Jan 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-III and renamed on 27 Jan 1967 as Shaurya Chakra and awarded for gallantry, otherwise than in the face of the enemy.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape and of bronze, one and three-eighth inches in diameter. On the obverse of the medal shall have embossed a replica of Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. On its reverse shall be embossed the words "SHAURYA CHAKRA" both in Hindi and English, the two versions being separated by two lotus flowers.

Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into four equal parts by three vertical lines.

Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of gallantry will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-

1. Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Forces.

2. Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.

3. Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.

Conditions of Eligibility:The Chakra is awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.

Monetary Allowance: Rs. 750/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.

SARVOTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jun 1980 to recognize the distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war/conflict/hostilities.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fittings. The medal shall be of gold gilt. The medal shall have on its obverse the State Emblem and the inscriptions "SARVOTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL" (in English). On its reverse, it shall have a five pointed star.

Ribbon: Golden colour with one red vertical stripe in the centre dividing it into two equal parts.

Bar: If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended. For every such Bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the medal: -

1. All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including those of Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces when embodied.

2. Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war/ conflict/ hostilities. The medal may be awarded posthumously.

UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jun 1980 to recognize the distinguished service of an exceptional order during war/conflict/hostilities.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fittings and is made of gold gilt. The medal have on its obverse the State Emblem and the inscriptions “UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL” (in English). On its reverse, it has a five pointed star.

Ribbon: Golden colour with two red vertical stripes dividing it into three equal parts.

Bar:If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended. For every such Bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the medal :-

(a) All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including those of Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces when embodied.

(b) Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order during war/ conflict/ hostilities. The medal may be awarded posthumously.

YUDDH SEVA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jun 1980 to recognise distinguished service of a high order during war/conflict/hostilities.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fittings. The medal is made of gold gilt. The medal shall have on its obverse the State Emblem and the inscriptions "YUDH SEVA MEDAL" (in English). On its reverse, it shall have a five-pointed star.

Ribbon: Gold colour with three red vertical stripes dividing it into four equal parts.

Bar: If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended. For every such Bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the award of the Medal:-

(a) All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (when embodied) and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

(b) Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility. The award is given for distinguished service of a high order during war/conflict/hostilities. The medal may be awarded posthumously.

PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jan 1960 as VSM Class-I to recognise the distinguished service of the most exceptional order. It was renamed on 27.01.1967 as PVSM.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Round in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fittings. It is made of gold gilt. On its obverse is embossed a five-pointed star and on its reverse is the State Emblem and the inscription embossed along the upper rim.

Ribbon: The ribbon is of gold colour with one dark blue stripe down the centre dividing it into two equal parts.

Bar: If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended. For every such bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern by the Govt shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the medal :-

(a) All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (when embodied) and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

(b) Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jan 1960 as VSM Class-II for distinguished Service of an exceptional order. It was renamed on 27.01.1967 as AVSM.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fitting. The medal is made of standard silver. On its obverse is embossed a five-pointed star and on its reverse is the State Emblem and the inscription embossed along the upper rim.

Ribbon: The ribbon is of gold colour with two dark blue stripes dividing it into three equal parts.

Bar: If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended. For every such Bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government shall be added to the riband when worn alone.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the medal :-

(a) All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (when embodied) and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

(b) Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order.

VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jan 1960 and as VSM Class-III to recognise the distinguished service of a high order. It was renamed on 27.01.1967 as VSM.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fitting. The medal is made of bronze. On its obverse is embossed a five-pointed star and on its reverse is the State Emblem and the inscription embossed along the upper rim.

Ribbon: The ribbon is of gold colour with three dark blue stripes dividing it into four equal parts.

Bar: If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended.

Personnel Eligible:The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the medal :-

(a) All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (when embodied) and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.

(b) Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.

Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for distinguished service of a high order.

VAYU SENA MEDAL

Instituted on 26 Jan 1960 to recognise exceptional devotion to duty or acts of courage by Air Force personnel. In 1994, the award was spilt into VM (Devotion to duty) and VM (Gallantry).

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal: The medal is five-pointed star, made of standard silver 35 mm in diameter. The mounting is fixed on a ring attached to a metal strip 3 mm wide ornamented with Ashoka leaves. The State Emblem is embossed on obverse, in the centre, encircled by a garland of leaves. On its reverse, it has representation of Himalayan Eagle with the inscription below it.

Ribbon: 32 mm in width in alternate stripes of saffron and silver grey, each 3 mm in width running diagonally from right to left.

Bar: The Bar to the Medal (when awarded) is attached to the ribbon by which the Medal is suspended. On those occasions when only the ribbon is worn, a suitable miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government is to be tied to the center of the ribbon.

Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the award of the Medal:-

(a) Officers and airmen of the Regular Air Force and officers and airmen of Auxiliary Air Force, Air Defence Reserve and Regular Reserve when called upon under Section 25 of the Reserve and Auxiliary Air Force Act, 1952.

(b) Army officers serving as pilots in Aviation Corp. will also be eligible for the award of this Medal.

Conditions of Eligibility: The award is given for such individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage as have special significance for the Air Force. VM (Gallantry) is awarded in recognition of an act of courage whereas VM (Devotion to duty) is awarded in recognition of individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty. A bar shall be given for every subsequent award of the Medal to a person. Award may be made posthumously.

Monetary Allowance: Rs. 250/- to p.m. attached when awarded for courageous acts with effect from 01.02.1999.

MENTION-IN-DESPATCHES

Instituted on 25 Nov 1950 for distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas and acts of gallantry which are not of a sufficiently high order to warrant the grant of gallantry awards.

Design of the Medal

Medal: A recipient of a Mention-in-Despatches shall be entitled to wear an emblem, which shall be a lotus leaf on the ribbon of the Campaign Medal, relating to the Campaign in which the mention was made.

Certificate: A certificate in the following form will be issued to each individual where name is mentioned in a despatch:-

"Under the orders of the President of the Republic of India the mention of ………..'s name a despatch by the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army/Indian Navy/Indian Air Force, was published in the Gazette of India on………..

Personnel Eligible: All Army, Navy and Air Force personnel including personnel of the Reserve Force, Territorial Army, Militia and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces, members of the Nursing services and civilians working under or with the Armed forces will be eligible.

Conditions of Eligibility: Awarded for distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas and acts of gallantry which are not of a sufficiently high order to warrant the grant of gallantry awards. Names may be included posthumously. There is no objection to a person's name being mentioned in more than one despatch.

LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS OF INDIAN AIR FORCE

• Air Marshal VK Bhatia PVSM, AVSM, VrC & Bar was the first Indian who dared a tandem skydiving jump in India at the age of 56 yrs. This daring feat was performed on 17 Sep 1999 at Agra airfield from an AN-32 aircraft.
• Group Captain NK Prashar, JD AF Adv was the first to fly X-Air microlight on night on 15 Sep 2000 at Air Force Station Hindon. Subsequently on the same night Sqn Ldr MIK Reddy carried out a skydiving jump from X-Air Microlight.
• Sqn Ldr Sanjay Thapar VM is the man of many firsts in the field of parachuting, two of his achievements are acknowledged as world records and seven others as National Records. He was the first Indian to introduce tandem skydiving in the Air Force.
• Sqn Ldr Jay Shankar is an officer from Admin branch and an adventure enthusiast. He is pursuing sports parachuting since 1990. He is a sports parachuting instructor without being a PJI. He has 602 jumps to his credit. For a non-professional paratrooper this number is highly creditable.
• Sqn Ldr MIK Reddy is a NDA graduate and an adventure freak. He is specialist in watersports, parasailing and skydiving. He has over 780 skydiving jumps to his credit, the highest for a non PJI in the Air Force. He has also conducted many basic skydiving courses and demonstrations independently. He is also the first to carry out a jump from X-Air Microlight at night.
• Sqn Ldr RC Tripathi. A pioneer of Adventure sports, specialist in parachuting, mountaineering and water sports. As on date he has 1040 jumps. He is the first to jump from an X-Air microlight on 04 Apr 2001 at Air Force Station Hindon. Microlight was flown by Gp Capt NK Prashar, JD AF Adv.
• Sqn Ldr Vasant Raj and Flt Lt Bhawana Mane. Both are helicopter pilots and the first couple in the Air Force to skydiving together on 30 May 2000 at National Defence Academy, Pune.
• Flt Lt Kamal Singh Oberh. A young parachute jump instructor, made a jump over South Pole on 01 Jan 2000 and earned the distinction of being the first Indian to perform this daring feat.
• Flt Lt KB Samyal and Flt Lt Kopal Gupta. Flt Lt Samyal is a professional parachute jump instructor at Paratroopers Training School. His wife Flt Lt Kopal Gupta is a logistic officer at AF Stn Agra. Both Samyal and Kopal became the first couple to do Relative Work on 04 Oct 2000 during the Subroto Cup Football finals at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. As on date Flt Lt Samyal has over 350 jumps to his credit whereas Flt Lt Kopal has 220 jumps to her credit.
• In addition, there are few other Air Force personnel, who have also set records and earned their names in Lima Book of Records one being a six man Relative Work by PTS under the leadership of Wg Cdr HN Bhagwat in Aug 2000.

INDIAN AIR FORCE

FIGHTERS

SU-30 MIRAGE 2000 MIG 29 JAGUAR LCA MIG 21

TRANSPORTS

IL 76 BOEING EMBRAER BBJ AN 32 AVRO AWACS DORNIER

HELICOPTERS

CHEETAH MI 8 MI 17 MI 35 ALH CHETAK MI 26

TRAINER

HPT-32 KIRAN

AEROBATIC TEAMS

SARANG SURYA KIRAN

The Indian Air Force Today

The Indian Air Force (IAF) today, having completed the Platinum Jubilee of dedicated service to the nation, is a modern, technology-intensive force distinguished by its commitment to excellence and professionalism. Keeping pace with the demands of contemporary advancements, the IAF continues to modernise in a phased manner and today it stands as a credible air power counted amongst the fore-most professional services in the world. The primacy of Air Power will be a decisive factor in shaping the outcome of future conflicts. In line with this dictum, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has developed into a major 'Component of National Power', which can be applied quickly and decisively. The IAF has reoriented itself to a multi-role capability of platforms and equipment, along with multi-skill capability of personnel. The rapid economic growth of the country dictates the need to protect our security interests extending from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca. Over the years the IAF has grown from a tactical force to one with transoceanic reach. The strategic reach emerges from induction of Force Multipliers like Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and credible strategic lift capabilities. There is emphasis on acquiring best of technology through acquisitions or upgradation, be it aircraft, systems, precision missiles or net centricity. The main inductions and acquisitions by Indian Air Force are given in the following paras. IAF has started upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the last few years in order to enhance its operational capability and maintain its aircraft as modern weapon platforms, capable of meeting the present challenges posed by the security scenario in our region. Of the available fleet, MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar aircraft have already been upgraded and Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft are planned for upgradation. The Indian Air Force is considering upgrade of its medium lift helicopters comprising Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-17-IVs, as also the AN - 32 transport aircraft, with the aim of improving their overall capability. The IAF today is in the process of a most comprehensive modernisation plan. Over the next few years, the force would induct more Su-30 aircraft, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). There are plans to augment the helicopter and transport fleets too. The IAF has initiated the process for acquisition of additional Mi-17 IV helicopters, heavy lift helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopters. For the transport fleet, induction of Boeing Business Jets (BBJ), Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) and Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), Heavy Transport Aircraft (HETAC), C-130J Hercules and Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) is also planned. Among trainer aircraft, the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer has been inducted and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) would be acquired in the near future. The IAF is also in the process of acquiring radars in various categories to meet the Air Defence requirements, accurate and advanced weapons, Network Centric Warfare systems, etc, to meet its assigned tasks. The Indian Air Force has seven commands, of which five are operational and two functional, namely : • HQ Central Air Command, Allahabad • HQ Eastern Air Command, Shillong • HQ Western Air Command, New Delhi • HQ Southern Air Command, Thiruvananthapuram • HQ South-Western Air Command, Gandhi Nagar • HQ Maintenance Command, Nagpur and • HQ Training Command, Bangalore Helicopters The IAF's helicopter fleet has steadily increased in numbers over the past twenty years, blossoming from a handfull of U.S. types in the '60s to over 500 French, Indian and Soviet built types. The pride of the force is, undoubtedly, the Mi-26 heavy lift helicopter which has been operated by No. 126 H.U. with outstanding results in the mountains of Northern India. The bulk of rotorcraft are Mi-17s and Mi-8s, well over one hundred of these types serving in Helicopter Units throughout the country, playing a vital logistic support role. Mi-8s are operated for commando assault tasks, for ferrying supplies and personnel to remote mountain helipads and jungle clearings, carrying out SAR (Search and Research Operations) and logistic support tasks in the island territories, employed with the Indian permanent station in the Antarctica and so on. The smaller Alouette III, renamed Chetak, is as ubiquitous, being employed for casevac(Casualty Evacuation), communi- cations and liaison duties with the IAF having received over 150 examples of this versatile rotorcraft. In 1986, however, the Government of India formally constituted the Army's Aviation Corps and most Chetak and Cheetahs operating in AOP Squadrons were transferred from the Air Force on 1st November 1986. The Air Force continues to fly armed Chetaks in the anti-tank role as well as for CASEVAC and general duties while the lighter Cheetah is operated by (FAC) flights. In May 1984, No. 125 Helicopter Unit was formed with the formidable Mi-25 gunship helicopter, used to much effect in Sri Lanka. The upgraded Mi 35 has followed in April 1990, with No. 104 HU being reequipped with the type. Future requirements for armed helicopters are planned to be met by the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) named DHRUV, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Trainer The IAF replaced its HT-2 primary trainers with the HPT-32 (Deepak), the new piston engined trainer being utilised at the Basic Flying Training School at Allahabad since January 1988 and at Air Force Academy at Dundigal. Flight cadets then proceed to the Air Force Academy, Dundigal for instruction on the HJT 16 Kiran, first on the Mk. I/IA and then on the armed Mk II version or the Polish origin Iskra, for tactical flying. After commissioning, pilots are streamed to various conversion units, depending on their selection and proficiency. Future fighter pilots are sent to operational conversion units (now known as the MOFTU or MIG Operational Flying Training Unit) where operational and tactical flyng is conducted on MIG 21. Thus are born the IAF's leaders and even future spacemen, like Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, India's first cosmonaut who participated in a joint space flight with the Soviets in 1984.

SU-30 : Twin seater twin engine multirole fighter of Russian origin which carries 130 mm GSH gun alongwith 8000 kg external armament. It is capable of carrying a variety of medium-range guided air to air missiles with active or semi-active radar or Infra red homing close range missiles. It has a max speed of 2500 km/hr (Mach 2.35).	SU-30
Mirage-2000 : A single seater air defence and multi-role fighter of French origin powered by a single engine can attain max speed of 2495 km/hr(Mach 2.3). It carries two 30 mm integral cannons and two matra super 530D medium-range and two R-550 magic II close combat missiles on external stations.	Mirage-2000
MiG-29 : Twin engine, single seater air superiority fighter aircraft of Russian origin capable of attaining max. speed of 2445 km per hour (Mach-2.3). It has a combat ceiling of 17 km. It carries a 30 mm cannon alongwith four R-60 close combat and two R-27 R medium range radar guided missiles.	MiG-29
MiG-27 : Single engine, single seater tactical strike fighter aircraft of Russian origin having a max. speed of 1700 km/hr (Mach 1.6). It carries one 23 mm six-barrel rotary integral cannon and can carry upto 4000 kg of other armament externally.	MiG-27
MiG-23 MF : Single engine, single seater swing wing air superiority fighter of Russian origin carrying one 23 mm twin barrel gun and two R-23R/T medium range and two R-60 close combat missiles. It has a max speed of 2446 km/hr (Mach 2.3).	MiG-23 MF
MiG-21 BIS : Single engine, single seater multirole fighter/ground attack aircraft of Russian origin which forms the back-bone of the IAF. It has a max speed of 2230 km/hr (Mach 2.1) and carries one 23mm twin barrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles.	MiG-21 BIS
Jaguar : A twin-engine, single seater deep penetration strike aircraft of Anglo-French origin which has a max. speed of 1350 km /hr (Mach 1.3). It has two 30mm guns and can carry two R-350 Magic CCMs (overwing) alongwith 4750 kg of external stores (bombs/fuel).	Jaguar
IL-76 : A four engine heavy duty/long haul military transport aircraft of Russian origin with a max speed of 850 km/hr. It has a twin 23 mm cannon in tail turret and capacity to carry 225 paratroopers or 40 tonnes freight, wheeled or tracked armoured vehicles.	IL-76
AN-32 : Twin engine turboprop, medium tactical transport aircraft of Russian origin with a crew of five and capacity to carry 39 paratroopers or max load of 6.7 tonnes. It has a max cruise speed of 530 km/hr.	AN-32
AVRO : Twin engine turboprop, military transport and freighter of British origin having a capacity of 48 paratroopers or 6 tonnes freight and max cruise speed of 452 km/hr.	AVRO
Dornier : Twin engine turboprop, logistic air support staff transport aircraft of German origin capable of carrying 19 passengers or 2057 kg freight. It has a max speed of 428 km/hr.	Dornier
Boeing 737-200 : Twin engine turbofan, VIP passenger aircraft of American origin with total seating capacity of upto 60 passengers. It has a max cruise speed of 943 km/hr.	Boeing 737-200
MI-26 : Twin engine turboshaft, military heavy lift helicopter of Russian origin with carrying capacity of 70 combat equipped troops or 20,000 kg payload. It has a max speed of 295 km/hr.	MI-26
MI-25 : Twin engine turboshaft, assault and anti armour helicopter capable of carrying 8 men assault squad with four barrel 12.7 mm rotary gun in nose barbette and upto 1500 Kg of external ordnance including Scorpion anti-tank missiles. It has a max cruise speed of 310 km/hr.	MI-25
MI-17 : Twin engine turboshaft, medium transport helicopter of Russian origin with a capacity of 24 troops or 3.3 tonnes of freight. It carries 6 UV-17, 57 mm rocket pods and has max cruise speed of 240 km/hr.	MI-17
Chetak : Single engine turboshaft, light utility French helicopter with capacity of 6 passengers or 500 kg load. The anti-tank version carries 4 AS-11 wire guided missiles. It has a max speed of 220 km/hr.	Chetak
Cheetah : Single engine turboshaft, FAC/casevac helicopter of French origin having capacity to carry 3 passengers or 100 kg external sling loads. It has max cruise speed of 121 km/hr and can climb to 1 km in 4 minutes.	Cheetah