THE EAGLES TURN 86 !!

THE EAGLES TURN 86!!

Introduction

What kind of an animal is  an eagle? What is its role ?

An eagle can see a predator  very far from its vicinity. It loves the storm along with soaring high.

This post would try to highlight the history and achievements of our eagles on their 86th anniversary who secure our skies and touch the sky with pride- our very own Indian Air Force.

Formation- 8th October 1932

Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee, Order of the British Empire

Wing Commander KK Majumdar, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar

No 1 Squadron IAF

Great Britain which has the oldest independent air force also influenced India- its erstwhile colony to form its own independent air wing which soon overtook in terms of power.

6 men were send to the UK to train as pilots at RAF Cranwell, the training institute for the RAF and 29 were recruited as "Hawai sepoys" to maintain the aircraft.

The first squadron was formed on 8th October 1932 with only one Westland Wapiti plane.

The squadron was designated as No. 1 Squadron Indian Air Force. The squadron is still active with Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft.

                                                              The Westland Wapiti 

 In 1939, No 1 squadron got its first Indian Commanding Officer who was none other than the father of the IAF, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee who was an avid soccer enthusiast.

The number 1 squadron paved  way for the expansion of the air force in due course.

RIAF-The Second World War and its aftermath- an unforgettable catalyst in fame and growth

                                                             The Hawker Hurricane

The IAF  had gained considerable experience in flying and influenced the war in the subcontinent to a great extent. The imperial Japanese army was advancing towards Burma but were prevented by the operations by the IAF. The Military Base at Arakan was the first target while bases in northern Thailand(erstwhile Siam) were subsequently targeted. The USAAF(predecessor of USAF) and RAF constructed several airfields in in India during this time which was highly beneficial.

IAF pilots also participated in the European theatre as they added new aircraft like the American Douglas Dakota and the British Hawker Hurricane.

Due to the  valiant service the prefix "Royal" was added which remained until 1950.

 The air assets were divided between India and Pakistan after the Partition and India adopted the Ashoka Chakra as its roundel.

Independence and beginnings as IAF-1947

                                             Jammu airfield (subsequently it became a permanent air base)

At the brink of the first Indo-Pakistani war , the air force provided close air support and helped transport troops into the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir which had just joined the union of India.
The troops on both agreed to a ceasefire but the  1947 war lead to many other armed conflicts in the future which continues till date.

Victories become a habit -1961-1971

His Excellency Marshal Of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh
(Air Chief Marshal in the portrait)

Fg Offr NJS Sekhon,PVC

In 1961 all three wings of the military participated to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule. IAF aircraft bombed the Dabolim airfield which is now a naval air station and headquarters of the Indian Naval Air Arm.
The 1965 war has had the most tanks being operated after the Second World War. In the 1965 when Pakistan tried to infiltrate Indian territory by Op Gibraltar the IAF chief Air Marshal (later Marshal of the Indian Air Force) Arjan Singh gave air support to eliminate the advancing Pakistani forces in  just one hour ! This record remains incredible till date. The Gnat which was in IAF's Inventory earned its name of "Sabre Slayer " as IAF pilots shot down the much technologically advanced fighter.

In 1971 as Pakistan bombed 11 airbases, IAF retaliated in a deadly manner by  doing a blitzkrieg operation which led to the fall of Dacca on 15th December. On 14th of December as PAF attacked Srinagar, Flying Officer NJS Sekhon  damaged 2 aircraft as he was outnumbered 6 : 1 and he is the only person in the IAF to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award. India won the war as Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender  on 16th December 1971.

Sri Lankan Civil war-1987

Mi-8 helicopter

Operation Pawan had mi-8 and An-32 aircraft  which airdropped supplies and transported more than 250,000 troops together.The IPKF was highly depended on these sorties as the troops had to be transported and deployed in a highly efficient manner.

IAF Strikes back-1999

Operation Safed Sagar which was launched in 199  had the Mirage 2000 aircraft which delivered laser guided bombs used to bombard Muntho Dahlo and Tiger Hill. IAF also turned witty as they wrote catchy phrases on their bombs. Nawaz Sharif  confessed that Raveena Tandon was his favorite actress and this confession was used in a very witty manner.The movie Mausam showed excerpts of the Op Safed Sagar.

The Bomb

Conclusion 

As the Indian Air Force celebrates its 86th anniversary it plays an important role in any disaster or war. The force also encourages indigenisation and supports  Indian technology. By this post I  hope that we learn to appreciate our air  warriors. As IAF stands as the fourth largest air force I would like to conclude by writing a quote which stands true-

" The power of an air force is terrific if there is nothing to oppose it"- Winston Churchill

Regards