This is an analytical account of the entire operational history of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Within five years of its creation, the fledgling Flights of No 1 Squadron was undergoing trials by fire in the NWFP. During World War II, the IAF expanded ninefold and made valiant contributions in turning the tide of Japanese onslaught. Hardly had the guns fallen silent across the globe and India emerged independent breaking the centuries old yoke of colonialism, once again the IAF was called into operations in the Jammu and Kashmir war in 1947–48.The IAF was at its innovative best in the unchartered virgin territory of Himalayan heights. In its eighty-year history, the IAF has also operated in a counter-insurgency role on many occasions.