Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Armed Forces comprises the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force. As of 2006, India had active troops that ranked 3rd in the world as far as the strength of these troops is concerned. Read on to know more about the role played by each of the troops in keeping the country safe from the hands of invaders.

The Indian Army

The surface based activities and military operations are taken care of by the Indian Army. The military activities also take place in areas adjacent to the country. With troop strength of 3.8 million currently, Indian Army has the world’s 2nd largest military force that is active.

The head of the Indian Army is known as COAS or Chief of Army Staff. The highest rank in this wing of the Indian Armed Forces is Field Marshal. This appointment is made by the Indian President in tandem with the decision of the Union Cabinet Ministers. Fighting battles on different geographical terrains is their expertise. It has also participated in peacekeeping activities and events of the United Nations.

The Indian Navy

The roots of the Indian Navy can be traced back to the period 1612 when the Portuguese were defeated. The concept of navy operations first came into being when the British East India Company felt the need to keep a fleet at Surat to prevent invaders. Basically, this arrangement was made so that the trade activities of the East India Company could be protected and safeguarded. Over the years, several changes took place on this front to become one of the strongest troops of today.
Officers holding the following ranks serve in this category of Indian Armed Forces. They are Captains, Sub Lieutenant, Commanders, Admirals, Commodores, lieutenant Commander. However, the hierarchy is not in the order mentioned.

There are several prominent operations in which the Indian Navy has participated. The names of few prominent ones are as follows – Operation Pawan in 1987, Operation Cactus in 1988, Goa Operation in 1961 and 1971. The accolades it has won over the years include the following - Kirti Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Shauyra Chakra, and Vir Chakra.

Indian Air Force:
Established officially on the 8th day of October in the year 1932, currently the strength of the air warriors comprises 170, 000 and more personnel serving in this category of Indian Armed Forces. There are more than 1500 aircraft that are running actively.

It ranks 4th in the world as far as the troop strength is concerned. The hierarchy in Indian Air Force units has Chief at the top and the following officers in order of rank – Vice Chief Air Staff or VCAS, Deputy Chief Air Staff or DCAS, Air Officer In Charge Personnel or AOP, Air Officer In Charge Administration or AOA, and Director General Inspection and Safety or DG I and S.

There are many important operations that have been undertaken by the Indian Air Force. The names of few of these operations are Kashmir Operations between 1947 and 1948, Conflict with China in 1962, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan, Operation in 1971, and Sub-Continent War in 1965.