The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a phase of transformation. Not only is there a large scale modernisation and induction of new equipment, but also an accompanying doctrinal change in operational employment.

The IAF today has leapfrogged a generation ahead and has acquired advanced war-waging capabilities. Meanwhile, it continues to enhance its professional reputation, by superlative performances in many international exercises and missions, both at home and abroad.

The IAF has inducted state-of-the-art Su-30MKI aircraft in operational squadrons. Twenty Hawk AJT aircraft have also been inducted. Procurement contract of C-130-30 aircraft for special operations from US Government has been signed.

Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) are being procured to significantly enhance the effectiveness of both Offensive and Defensive operations of the IAF. Induction of AWACS would also enhance the force projection capabilities of the IAF in emergent situations.

Contract for MiG-29 mid life upgrade and extension of total technical life was signed with RAC MiG, Russia. IAF is also processing upgradation of the Mirage-2000 and Jaguar aircrafts and Mi-17 helicopters in order to optimise their utilization. To keep the DO-228 aircraft abreast with the latest technology, all the existing aircrafts are being upgraded with the latest avionics.

In order to exploit the AN-32 aircraft further, TTL (total technical life) extension up to 40 years and re-equipment with latest version of systems to meet the present ICAO standards for the entire AN-32 fleet is being undertaken.

Indigenisation of spares required for overhaul is a continuous process. Indigenisation of more than 80,000 lines of spares has been accomplished by the Base Repair Depots (BRDs) for various fleets of IAF. A long term plan has been prepared to replace all imported barriers with ADRDE indigenized barriers. Indigenisation of maintenance and overhaul spares of imported Arrester Barriers is also under progress. Approximately 800 lines of spares have already been indigenised.

To enhance electronic surveillance, a large number of ground based radars are being inducted. Such Radars in different categories like Aerostat, Medium Power Radar (MPR), Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR), Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR), and Surveillance Radar Equipment (SRE) will greatly improve airspace management.

The IAF is acquiring state-of-the-art communication equipment across all spectrums. These include SATCOM, HF and V/UHF sets with associated encryption equipment to provide secure and reliable communications for all Command, Control and Combat elements.

Recruitment in Indian Air Force
Recruitment of Officers through Non- UPSC Entries: Recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force is mainly done through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). For technical branches, women special entry scheme, National Cadet Corps (NCC) special entry scheme, service entries, recruitment is made directly through the Recruiting Directorate for the Indian Air Force.

Recruitment through Service Selection Boards: Recruitment through Service selection Boards/Air Force Selection Boards is made for the Flying (Pilot), Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics), Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical), Education, Administration, Logistics, Accounts and Meteorology branches of the Air Force.
University Entry Scheme: Final/ pre-Final year students in engineering disciplines are eligible for induction into the technical branches of Air Force as Permanent Commissioned Officers under the University Entry Scheme.
Recruitment of Women Officers: Eligible women are recruited as Short Service Commissioned Officers in the Flying, Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics), Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical), Education, Administration, Logistics, Accounts and Meteorology branches of the IAF.
Recruitment through National Cadet Corps (NCC): University graduates possessing NCC 'C' Certificate with minimum 'B' grading and 50% marks in graduation are inducted in the IAF as Regular Commissioned Officers by way of selection through the Service Selection Boards.
Recruitment of Personnel Below Officer Ranks (PBORs): The selection of Airmen is carried out through a centralized selection system on all India basis by Central Airmen Selection Board, located at New Delhi with the help of fourteen Selection Centres located all over the country