From British auxiliary to a 135,000-strong force: the evolution of Indian air power

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born in 1932 as a small auxiliary unit for British India, the Indian Air Force has transformed into a massive strategic pillar. From fighting in the jungles of Burma to managing complex space-integrated defense, its history is a saga of rapid expansion and shifting geopolitical roles.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) began its journey on 8 October 1932, serving as an auxiliary to the Royal Air Force. Its early years were defined by modest beginnings; on 1 April 1933, the force commissioned its first squadron, No. 1 Squadron, utilizing just four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots. During World War II, the IAF expanded significantly, participating in the Burma Theatre and conducting strikes against Japanese bases in Thailand, while also supporting RAF and USAAF heavy bombers in North Africa and Europe.

The mid-20th century brought profound structural changes. Following the 1947 partition, the force's assets were divided between the new nations of India and Pakistan. In 1945, King George VI had conferred the 'Royal' prefix upon the service, but this was dropped in 1950 when India became a republic. This era also saw the rise of legendary figures like Arjan Singh, the only officer to ever hold the five-star rank of Marshal of the Air Force, a distinction conferred on 26 January 2002.

Today, the IAF is a multifaceted organization of approximately 135,000 personnel as of 1 January 2025. Its mission has expanded far beyond traditional aerial warfare and the defense of Indian airspace. The force now provides critical support during natural disasters—such as the 2004 tsunami and 2013 floods—and participates in UN peacekeeping. Notably, the IAF now operates the Integrated Space Cell alongside the Department of Space and ISRO, bridging the gap between military defense and civilian space innovation.

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