Page 230 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

17V-5s to replace and augment its existing fleet of Mi-8s and Mi-17s, with an order for 59
additional helicopters to follow soon.

Mil Mi-26: The Mil Mi-26 serves as a heavy lift helicopter in the IAF. It can also be used
to transport troops or as a flying ambulance. The IAF currently operates 4 Mi-26s.

Mil Mi-35: The Mil Mi-35 serves primarily as an attack helicopter in the IAF. The Mil Mi-

35 can also act as a low-capacity troop transport. The IAF currently operates 2 squadrons
(No.104 Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators) of Mi-25/35s.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The primary role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is to provide aerial surveillance and
reconnaissance. UAVs can also be used as unmanned combat aircraft or pilotless target aircraft. The
IAF currently uses the IAI Searcher II and IAI Heron for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes.
The IAI Harpy serves as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) which is designed to attack

radar systems. The IAF also operates the DRDO Lakshya which serves as realistic towed aerial sub-
targets for live fire training.

Land-based Air Defence

Surface-to-air Missile Systems

The IAF currently operates the S-125 Pechora and the 9K33 Osa as s systems. The IAF is also

currently inducting the Akash medium range surface-to-air missile system. A total of 8 squadrons have
been ordered so far.

Ballistic Missiles

The IAF currently operates the Prithvi-II short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). The Prithvi-II is an
IAF-specific variant of the Prithvi ballistic missile.

Anti-ballistic Missile Systems

The S-300 SAM serves as an Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM) system in the IAF. The S-300 is

also able to detect, track, and destroy incoming cruise missiles and low-flying aircrafts.

Tejas

The Tejas is a multi-role light fighter developed by India. It is a tail-less, compound delta-wing