ABSTRACT
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is today a well-balanced air force with some state-of-the-art attributes. It is the fourth largest air force in the world and capable of performing, adequately and satisfactorily, most missions that an air force could be tasked with throughout the spectrum of conflict. The progress of the IAF from a small fledging force to a universally well respected service has been slow but replete with notable achievements.
