The IAF bears the responsibility of safeguarding Indian airspace and thus furthering national interests in conjunction with the other branches of the armed forces. The IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops on the battlefield as well as strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The Indian Air Force, with highly trained crews, pilots, and access to modern military assets provides India with the capacity to provide rapid response evacuation, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and delivery of relief supplies to affected areas via cargo aircraft. The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the Gujarat cyclone in 1998, the tsunami in 2004, and North India floods in 2013.

It was founded on 8 October 1932; 87 years ago. Its colours are Navy blue, sky blue and white. They march on the tune: Quick - Desh pukare jab sab ko (When the nation calls)& Slow - Vayu Sena Nishaan (The Air Force Emblem). The Indian Air Force celebrates Air Force Day on 8 October every year. The current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria (PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC), Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) is Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora (AVSM, ADC). Notable commanders: Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee

Official Website: indianairforce.nic.in

This resulted in India losing a significant amount of advantage to the Chinese; especially in Jammu and Kashmir. After the 1965 war, the IAF underwent a series of changes to improve its capabilities.

On 11 May 1999, the Indian Air Force was called in to provide close air support to the Indian Army at the height of the ongoing Kargil conflict with the use of helicopters. The IAF strike was code named Operation Safed Sagar. The first strikes were launched on 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships. The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with MiG-21s and later MiG-29s providing fighter cover. The IAF also deployed its radars and the MiG-29 fighters in vast numbers to keep check on Pakistani military movements across the border. Srinagar Airport was at this time closed to civilian air-traffic and dedicated to the Indian Air Force.

On 27 February 2019, in retaliation for the IAF bombing of an alleged terrorist hideout in Balakot, a group of PAF F-16 and JF-17 fighters allegedly conducted an airstrike against certain ground targets across the Line of Control. They were intercepted by a group of IAF fighters consisting of Su-30MKI and MiG-21 jets. An ensuing dogfight began. According to India, one PAF F-16 was shot down by an IAF MIG-21 piloted by Abhinandan Varthaman, while Pakistan denied use of F-16s in the operation.

Air Warrior's Code:
• Irrespective of rank / appointment, or branch / trade, as an IAF person, I am foremost an Air Warrior.
• In every act and deed, the Air Warrior places the security and honour of the country above everything else.
• The Air Warrior always volunteers for the toughest tasks.
• When ordered, the Air Warrior undertakes the assigned mission unflinchingly and endeavours to complete it to the best of his ability regardless of consequences to his safety.
• The Air Warrior upholds the high traditions of the IAF and always strives to bring credit to his Country and Service.
• Professionally and otherwise, the Air Warrior pursues excellence in whatever he/she does or supervises.
• The Air Warrior is always honest and lives up to the trust placed in him/her by the Service and the Country.
• The Air Warrior keeps physically fit and mentally agile.
• When in Command or in-charge of subordinates, the Air Warrior leads with due concern for their safety and welfare and is prepared to do what he/she expects of them.
• The Air warrior is impeccably turned-out and by his bearing and conduct strives to be a role model for others