Page 323 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

serve as the IAF’s, primary ground attack force. The IAF currently
operates 95 Jaguars and over 84 MiG-27s.

b. Airborne Early Warning Aircraft: These aircraft are designed to

detect and distinguish hostile aircraft. The system can be used to

direct fighters and strike aircraft to their targets and warn them of
hostile enemy aircraft in the area. The IAF currently operates the

EL/M-2075 Phalcon AEW&C. A total of 3 such systems are
currently in service.

Tanker Aircraft
121. IAF Il-78 MKI: These aircraft are used for aerial refuelling which

allows IAF aircraft to remain airborne for longer periods, hence

enhancing their effective range. Aerial refuelling also allows aircraft to
take-off with greater payload (by carrying less fuel during take-off). The

IAF currently operates 6 Ilyushin Il-78MKIs for aerial refuelling roles.

Transport Aircraft

122. Transport aircraft are typically used to deliver troops, weapons, supplies

and other military equipment to the IAF field of operations. The IAF
currently operates different types of transport aircraft for different roles.

a. Ilyushin Il-76s: The IAF operates Ilyushin Il-76s known as Gajraj

(Hindi for King elephant), for military transport roles such as

strategic or heavy lift at all operational levels. The IAF currently
operates 14 Il-76s. The Il-76s are to be replaced by C-17s.

b. Globemaster IIIs C-130J: The C-130J of the IAF is used by

special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations. There are

currently 11 C-130Js in service.

c. Antonov AN-32: The Antonov AN-32 known as Sutlej (name of
an Indian river) serves as a medium transport aircraft in the IAF.

The aircraft is also used in bombing roles and para-dropping
operations. The IAF currently operates 104 AN-32s, all of which