Page 228 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

SEPECAT Jaguar: The SEPECAT Jaguar known as Shamsher and the Mikoyan MiG-27
known as Bahadur (Hindi for Valiant) serve as the IAFs primary ground attack force. The
IAF currently operates 139 Jaguars and over 100 MiG-27s.

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, with possible orders for 2 more.

Tanker Aircraft

IAF II-78 MKI: These aircraft are used for aerial refueling which allows IAF aircraft to
remain airborne for longer periods, hence enhancing their effective range. Aerial refueling

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 refueling roles.

Transport Aircraft

Transport aircraft are typically used to deliver troops, weapons, supplies and other military
equipment to the IAF field of operations. The IAF currently operate different types of transport
aircraft for different roles.

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 17 Il-76s. The Il-76s are to be replaced by C-17
Globemaster IIIs.

C-130J: The C-130J of the IAF is used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force
operations. There are currently 6 C-130Js in service.

Antonov AN-32: The Antonov AN-32 known as Sutlej (name of an Indian river) serves as
medium transport aircraft in the IAF. The aircraft is also used in bombing roles and para-

dropping operations. The IAF currently operates 105 AN-32s, all of which are being
upgraded.

Hawker Siddeley HS 748: The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 once formed the backbone of the
IAF’s transport fleet, but are now used mainly for transport training and communication
duties. The Dornier Do 228 serves as light transport aircraft in the IAF. The IAF also
operates Boeing 737s and Embraer ECJ-135 Legacy aircraft as VIP Transports. The IAF