Subject : Introduction to Aviation Management
Unit-2 :Segments of the Aviation Industry
Lesson No.2.4 : Military Aviation
Presentation By
Atul Dikshit
Professor Of Practice
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University, Amethi (UP)
Military Aviation
• Military aviation, as the name implies, is the use of military aircraft.
These military aircraft can be used to transport cargo, gather intel,
train military pilots or personnel, and even engage in aerial combat.
• As long as the aircraft is being operated by someone in the military
for military purposes it will be considered military aviation.
• There are instances of civilians piloting military aircraft, but those are
usually for events like airshows and are not considered military
aviation.
• Military aviation comprises military aircraft and other flying machines
for the purposes of conducting or enabling aerial warfare, including
national airlift (air cargo) capacity to provide logistical supply to forces
stationed in a war theatre or along a front.
History of Military Aviation-1
• The first military uses of aviation involved lighter-than-air balloons.
During the Battle of Fleurus in 1794, the French observation
balloon l'Entreprenant was used to monitor Austrian troop
movements.
• The use of lighter-than-air aircraft in warfare became prevalent in the
19th century, including regular use in the American Civil War.
• Heavier-than-air aircraft were recognized as having military
applications early on, despite resistance from traditionalists and the
severe limitations of early aircraft.
History of Military Aviation-2
• The U.S. Army Signal Corps purchased a Wright Model A on 2 August
1909 which became the first military aircraft in history.
• Carrier aviation also first appeared during World War I, and likewise
came to play a major role during World War II, with most major
navies recognizing the aircraft carrier's advantages over
the battleship and devoting massive resources to the building of new
carriers.
• During World War II, U-boats threatened the ability of the Allies to
transport troops and war materiel to Europe, spurring the
development of very long range Maritime patrol aircraft.
• Post World War II, the development of military aviation was spurred
by the Cold War stand-off between the super-powers.
U Boat Means Undersea Boat
(Derived from Boot as it look like boot)
History of Military Aviation-3
• The helicopter appeared late in World War II and matured into an
indispensable part of military aviation, transporting troops and
providing expanded anti-submarine capabilities to smaller warships,
negating the need for large numbers of small carriers.
• The 1970s saw the return of the gun-armed fighter, and a greater
emphasis on manoeuvrability.
• The 1980s through to the present day were characterized by stealth
technology and other countermeasures.
• Today, a country's military aviation forces are often the first line of
defence against an attack, or the first forces to attack the enemy, and
effective military aviation forces (or lack thereof) have proved decisive
in several recent conflicts such as the Gulf War. Latest Op Sindoor
Categories of Military Aircrafts-1
• Airborne Early Warning
• Bombers
• Experimental aircraft
• Fighters
• Forward Air Control
• Ground-attack aircraft
• Liaison aircraft
Categories of Military Aircrafts-2
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft
• Multirole combat aircraft
• Reconnaissance aircraft and scout helicopters
• Refuelling aircraft
• Training aircraft
• Transport aircraft
Branches of Military Aviation-1
Airforce
• An air force is the branch of a nation's armed forces that is responsible for aerial
warfare as distinct from the army, navy, or other branches.
• Most nations either maintain an air force or, in the case of smaller and less well-
developed countries, an air wing.
• Air forces are usually tasked with the air defence of a country, as well as strategic
bombing, interdiction, close air support, intelligence gathering, battlespace
management, transport functions, and providing services to civil government
agencies.
• Air force operations may also include space-based operations such as
reconnaissance or satellite operations.
Branches of Military Aviation-2
Other branches
• Other branches of a nation's armed forces may use aviation
(naval aviation and army aviation), in addition to or instead
of, a dedicated air force.
• In some cases, this includes coast guard services that are also
an armed service, as well as gendarmeries(special force to
cover rural/remote areas) and equivalent forces.
Indian Air Force (IAF)-1
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.
Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial
warfare during armed conflicts. It was officially established on 8
October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British India which
honoured India's aviation service during World War.
• Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring
Pakistan. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF
include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation
Cactus and Operation Poomalai.
• The IAF's mission expands beyond engagement with hostile forces,
with the IAF participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Indian Air Force (IAF)-2
• The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the
IAF.
• As of 1 January 2025, 135,000 personnel are in service with the
Indian Air Force.
• The Chief of the Air Staff, an air chief marshal, is a four-star officer
and is responsible for the bulk of operational command of the Air
Force.
• There is never more than one serving ACM at any given time in the
IAF. The rank of Marshal of the Air Force has been conferred by the
President of India on one occasion in history, to Arjan Singh.
• On 26 January 2002, Singh became the first and so far, only five-star
rank officer of the IAF.
