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FLYING RANKS OF INDIAN AIR FORCE

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL

The Air Chief Marshal (ACM) is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force and holds the prestigious post of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). This four-star officer leads all branches of the Indian Air Force and is responsible for the defense of Indian airspace, long-term strategy, military modernization, and joint operations with the Army and Navy. The Air Chief Marshal reports directly to the Government of India and advises on airpower policy, budget allocation, and war doctrine.

AIR MARSHAL

AIR MARSHAL

The Air Marshal is a three-star officer and one of the highest military leaders in India. They command full regional commands like Western Air Command, Southern Air Command, or hold critical leadership roles in operations, training, planning, and procurement. They regularly brief the Defense Minister and Chief of Defence Staff and make policy-level decisions.

AIR VICE MARSHAL

AIR VICE MARSHAL

A two-star officer, the Air Vice Marshal is responsible for entire operational regions or directorates within Air HQ such as Air Defence, Intelligence, or Logistics. They oversee large-scale exercises, crisis response planning, international air cooperation, and future development programs. Their decisions directly influence national security outcomes.

AIR COMMODORE

AIR COMMODORE

An Air Commodore is a one-star officer, the first general officer rank in the IAF. They often command multiple squadrons or airbases or hold director-level posts at Air Headquarters. At this level, the officer transitions from field operations to strategic planning, including force development, modernization programs, and future warfare preparedness.

GROUP CAPTAIN

GROUP CAPTAIN

The Group Captain may serve as the Station Commander of a major air base, responsible for thousands of personnel, aircraft, infrastructure, logistics, and defense systems. This officer coordinates with higher commands and ensures the station is battle-ready at all times. They also manage ceremonial duties, administration, and interactions with civil authorities.

WING COMMANDER

WING COMMANDER

This rank typically commands a full squadron, which includes both aircraft and personnel. They are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring operational readiness of the unit, maintaining high morale and discipline, overseeing maintenance schedules, and leading air defense operations. In many cases, a Wing Commander also serves as the second-in-command of a major Air Force base.

SQUADRON LEADER

SQUADRON LEADER

The Squadron Leader is a mid-level commanding officer who is responsible for leading a flight or even an entire sub-unit within a squadron. In combat roles, Squadron Leaders are often fighter pilots or helicopter pilots with significant flying hours and leadership training. They may be tasked with planning operations, conducting missions, and mentoring younger officers.

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT

Promotion to Flight Lieutenant usually happens after 2 years of service. These officers are more experienced and are often placed in charge of sections or units within a squadron or airbase. They may command junior officers and airmen, conduct briefings, handle equipment logistics, or oversee administrative units. In the flying branch, they may be assigned independent sortie responsibilities.

FLYING OFFICER

FLYING OFFICER

This is the starting rank for a commissioned officer after graduating from the Air Force Academy. A Flying Officer is entrusted with junior leadership duties and begins service either as a pilot, air traffic controller, ground duties officer, or in technical branches. Though junior, this officer is fully qualified and trained to carry out Air Force duties with discipline and honor. Flying Officers usually wear a single narrow stripe on their shoulder insignia.

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